MLB: If It's Broke, Fix It!

It is time for MLB to re-design its scheduling system. No baseball fan in his or her right mind can get worked up watching the last place teams playing each other 15 times in the last three weeks of the season.

I believe teams should play each squad in their league, as close to the same amount of times as possible. I realize it is difficult, but bear with me. We can do this thing.

Why are there more teams in the National League?

Another thing that is ridiculous beyond measure is the fact that the American League has 14 teams and the National League has 16. What's up with that?

In my plan the first thing I woul do, is move the Brewers back to the American League where they came from. Sorry Milwaukee fans, but as they say you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs. Splat!

I would send Milwaukee to the AL Central to take the place of the Minnesota Twins which I would send to the AL West. That one move alone signifies equality in the number of teams (five) in all six divisions of MLB.

Why do they play inter-divisional teams so many times?

Now that we are playing on an even field, let us take a gander at the scheduling. Currently, each team plays their divisional foes 18 or 10 times each depending on which division they reside. They then play the rest of the teams in the league six to nine times each. This will not do.

One quick glance at the standings and you can see the advantage the St. Louis Cardinals have in being allowed to whip up on the Reds, Pirates, Astros, Cubs, and Brewers 18 times each. Jeez Louise!

In my proposed design, the divisional teams would play each other 12 times, and everyone else in the league 10 times. That is as equal as I can arrange it without messing with the total number of games each team would play. We don't need anymore asterisks up in here.

That would create a total of 148 games which would leave 14 for inter-league play. How are you liking it so far? Still with me?

Is it fair for the team with the second best record not be in the playoffs?

In my design, I would still use the four-team playoff format. However, I would have it be played by the four teams in the league with the best records. Never mind who won what division. If they would all come from the East (I haven't done the math, so I don't even know if that is a possibility, too many headaches) then so be it.

The divisional structuring is merely a geographical concern. Teams would still hand Divisional Winner banners in their stadiums, whether they make it to the playoffs or not.

In my opinion this would make things much more competitive, and would not leave a team with the second best record in the league watching TV in October.

What are your thoughts? Be nice.