Why Bob Costas Rules

On The Tube

I was very excited to hear that Bob and Larry were going to chat on CNN for an hour.  So excited that I forgot to watch almost half the show.  Don't ask my why, but "Predator II" is always a winner in my book.  So despite my own distraction I experienced Costas at his best. 

When asked by Larry what one thing he could change in all baseball, Bob came forth with such brilliance as to make even Jesus jealous.

First, Bob suggested that Major League Baseball be capped at 30 teams.  These teams would be placed in six divisions (three American and three National), creating the most desired rivalries.  Each team would play the other teams in their respective division eighteen (18) times: nine home, nine away.  Thus generating regional rivalries the current system has destroyed.  That would account for seventy-two (72 {18x4}) games.

Teams would also play each other team in their respective league six (6) times: three home, three away.  The reason for this being that divisional rivalries cannot be encouraged by playing all teams an equal number of times.   That would account for for sixty (60 {6x10}) games.

Interleague play would be similar to similar to interdivisional play in that one National League Team would play each team in an American League Division six (6) times : three home, three away.  The twist in the plan being that each year the division played would be rotated from year to year.  This way, once every three years Ken Griffey, Jr. would play at Turner Field, rather than every year coming to QualComm Park.  Thus, a new and more exciting rivalry would be generated.   That would account for thirty (30 {6x5}) games, and bring the total to one hundred   sixty-two (162) games.

Pure brilliance.

Second, Mr Costas sugested the elimination of the wild-card spot.  He proposed that the team with the best record in the league be given a buy through the first round of the playoffs.  I believe the next two best teams play for the spot in the league finals.  This gives meaning to having the best record in the league.  What good is it to win 114 games and play an unbalanced series against a team that won 88 games? 

While owners may never adopt such a brilliant plan, it is good to know that there are people in the world fighting for what's good about baseball.

--Grandpa