While I agree there are too many playoff spots, allowing mediocre teams into the playoffs, I also LOVE the 3-game wild card round. You have elimination games on DAY TWO of the post season. That immediately gets fans engaged. You’re not wrong, Dan Schlossberg, but your argument has a real Grampa Simpson energy. No matter how many, or few, teams are in the playoffs, it’s a crapshoot of randomness. Whichever team gets hot (see 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves, 2022 Phillies) can make a run. I’m watching the Wild card standings daily and am all in. Your right, it doesn’t encourage teams to “go for it” but it brings more meaningful September games to more fan bases. And more joy for more people is always better, right?
While I agree there are too many playoff spots, allowing mediocre teams into the playoffs, I also LOVE the 3-game wild card round. You have elimination games on DAY TWO of the post season. That immediately gets fans engaged. You’re not wrong, Dan Schlossberg, but your argument has a real Grampa Simpson energy. No matter how many, or few, teams are in the playoffs, it’s a crapshoot of randomness. Whichever team gets hot (see 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves, 2022 Phillies) can make a run. I’m watching the Wild card standings daily and am all in. Your right, it doesn’t encourage teams to “go for it” but it brings more meaningful September games to more fan bases. And more joy for more people is always better, right?