Do you think clinching the division really early can be a bad thing?

Question

Hear me out, I know it sounds a little weird. Take the Angels this year, for example, they're on cruise control right now because they've got a huge division lead and unless a huge collapse occurs then they're easily going to win it.

Now why I say it could be bad: They're not under as much pressure to perform because they've got such a large lead. In a way, could it possible for them to fall asleep too much to when it comes playoff time, they're not awake for the big-pressure games they'll face in the postseason?

Obviously you could counter argue with me and say that they could be more fresh come playoff time because they weren't under so much stress and pressure. What do you all think?

Answer 1

Going into a season each team's goal should be A) to make the playoffs, B) to win their league pennant, and C) to win the World Series.

The earlier you accomplish the first goal (A) the more opportunity you have to prepare for subsequent goals so clinching your division or the wildcard early can be a good thing.

Every player is tried and sore after a grueling regular season so managers have a chance to rest their regulars and give their reserves some PT to shake the rust off. It also allows a manager a chance to set his rotation up for the postseason.

If you're in a dogfight that lasts until Game 160, 161, or 162 you may have momentum going into the playoffs but you may also be physically and mentally drained from the pressure of a pennant race.

If I had a choice as manager I'd prefer to wrap up a playoff spot early and give my guys time to recharge their batteries.

Answer 2

It can defiantly be a bad thing.  When playoff time comes around its a whole new season, regular season records are thrown out.  It is all about who is the hottest team.  A couple of examples could be the 2006 cardinals, the cardinals finished the season 3 games over .500 and fought for the division until the last game of the season.  Then in the playoffs they beat the Mets and Tigers who both cruised through the season.

  Another example could be the NFL playoffs this year with the giants.  In the first round the Bucs rested their players the last 2 week the giants played hard and we all know what happened

Answer 3

Well In the Angels case, I say they keep trying to win games and keep their players in even if they do clinch 10 or so games before the season ends because baseball is a game of momentum.

For example: Last year the Cubs were rolling before they clinched but just 2 games of meaningless baseball got the off and they were swept.

The Rockies didnt play a meaningless game down the stretch and rolled right into the World Series...The Phillies didnt play a meaningless game and they went to the NLCS.

So the Angels should play hard no matter what because History shows, its better to be hot and on a roll, then well rested.

Answer 4

you do have a point and i would rather have to fight for the division because through the hole season you still have the fire in your belly and if you win it so fast like you said they will take it easy and i personally dont like that but then again it gives your top players time to rest so we have an agruement both ways but i wouldnt want it so easily so out of everything i said i would ather fight for it  

Answer 5

yeah very rue they wont play as hard but when they come in to the post season they will still be the same dominating team

great q i will give you a star

Answer 6

no way they'll be fine but they'll lose in the ALCS to the Rays

Answer 7

Usually it seems that playing with less intensity towards the end might hurt a team going into the playoffs, but I don't think the Angels will be as affected. Their starting pitching is solid up and down, and momentum is as good as your starting pitcher when you step on the field. They might not mash the way they have been lately, but their pitching will keep them in any game come playoff time.  

Answer 8

Mike Scioscia doesn't focus on the future. He said he just takes it one game at at a time. He doesn't plan for the future, he plans for the present. If the Angels can concentrate on what is happening now and not the postseason, then they will be fine.

<EDIT>

ok then. like i said before. If the team can concentrate on whats happening now and not the postseaon, they will be fine.

Answer 9

No, they will keep winning to get first seed, its not like they will slack of and loose in post season.

Answer 10

If the team gets cocky and thinks they won the division then begin to suck I guess.