The case for MLB going to 2 halves

[DuWayne Steurer]

St. Louis and Cincinnati

 

They both finished 2nd in both halves, and both would have won their divisions overall with best records, yet neither of them appeared in post season play.

 

And the exact reason why this is a really bad idea.

[Patrick425]

I don't think most of the members here are old enough to remember this, but it was fun in 1981.

 

There was a strike, so they went with two half-seasons, and the Brewers wound up winning the second half in the AL East, clinching on the next-to-last day - it was a great time.

 

If we didn't have the wildcards in place, I'd like the idea, but I think the system they've got now gives teams plenty of opportunity. A month like the Brewers had last September, or this April, SHOULD knock a team out of the playoffs.

 

I definitely remember this. I also remember that the Reds had the best overall record in baseball (by a good margin) and did not make the playoffs because they did not win their division in either half. That was also the year that Fingers won the Cy Young and MVP (if I'm remembering correctly?).

[DHonks]

I like this idea. It would especially help small market clubs, but I could see it help everyone. For instance, the Brewers could have wrapped up the 1st half title in 2014. Instead of needing to acquire Broxton and Parra, they could have traded away Weeks, Duke, and possibly Ramirez. It would allow a team to both contend AND re-tool by adding minor league talent.

[CheezWizHed]

Just put all the teams in a one-and-done "October Madness" bracket and let them go at it! I'm not sure if that should be "blue" or not.

 

No system is going to be perfect. But it does need to be interesting to the fans!