Playoffs expansions deal still in negotiations – MLB News
According to a leading sports website, MLB Players Association and Major League Baseball are struggling to finalise the deal on new playoffs format. On Wednesday, Commissioner of MLB affairs, Bud Selig stated that both parties were in negotiations to reach
an agreement as soon as possible. The new playoffs format is very interesting as it will allow two wild cards to enter the playoffs season. Switching from 8-teams format to 10-teams format, the post season will provide more entertainment to baseball fans.
The current playoffs format is expected to be expanded by adding two additional teams as Wild Cards. If the deal is finalised, it will provide an excellent opportunity to one team from both National and American Leagues to make it to the post season. The
two wild card entrants will then a play a knockout game to enter the Division Series field for the fourth spot. However, there will be no changes in the formats of League Championship Series and World Series.
Games schedule for 2012 regular season games will also have to be changed to make the new format work, the source further added. According to the schedule issued by MLB, the regular season ends on 3rd October, leaving only two days for the teams
to travel, play season-ending tiebreakers and wild card games before the start of playoffs season.
Although the new format was designed to be implemented in 2013, both parties are working to bring it into play in 2012. Talks have been going on for the last two months to look at the possibility of beginning it a season earlier. News surfaced yesterday
the deal was nearly complete but it has not been confirmed as yet. It seems MLB is looking to tie up the loose ends before making an official announcement.
Major League Baseball has been examining the new 10-teams format for the last couple of years. It has also been discussed regularly by Commissioner’s 14 man committee. The fans are also excited about the fact the playoffs will be longer than before. It will
be interesting to see how successful the new format turns out to be.
Tags: