Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad K
MLB passed on the chance for more games, more fans in the stands, more TV, and a chance for the last game of the World Series to be on TV right after the Thanksgiving Day Parade just because it was tricky?
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With six qualifiers, and able to qualify in two different ways, yes, the tie-breaking can get complicated quickly. MLB only allotted one day to tie-breaking, so if a tie required two days to resolve, the remainder of the post-season schedule would get pushed back. MLB wants the playoff series to start on specific days and dates.
Consider the following scenario from the two wild card qualifier years:
Code:
*NYA 90-72 CLE 97-65 SEA 100-62
*BOS 90-72 *CHA 90-72 OAK 92-70
NYA and BOS are tied for the division title while simultaneously tied with CHA for the second wild card spot (OAK is the first wild card). How do you propose resolving this particular tie?
Consider another scenario from the two wild card qualifier years:
Code:
*NYA 90-72 CLE 97-65 SEA 100-62
*BOS 90-72 *CHA 90-72 *OAK 90-72
NYA and BOS are tied for the division title while simultaneously tied with both CHA and OAK for the two wild card berths. How do you propose resolving this particular tie?
For those wondering, here is how MLB would have done it:
First scenario
Day 1: NYA vs. BOS (winner gets division title, loser plays on Day 2)
Day 2: CHA vs. loser of NYA/BOS (winner is second wild card, loser is eliminated)
Second scenario
Day 1: NYA vs. BOS (winner gets division title, loser plays on Day 2)
Day 1: CHA vs. OAK (winner is first wild card; loser plays on Day 2)
Day 2: loser of NYA/BOS vs. loser of CHA/OAK (winner is second wild card, loser is eliminated)