[Pelican]

I would like to see MLB eventually shift to four leagues of eight teams each, with the two new expansion franchises. I have run sims with new teams in Charlotte and Montreal, and the new leagues line up well geographically. Of course, it would be a huge deal to eliminate the NL/AL rivalry that has existed since 1901.

Another alternative I've tested is six expansion franchises, and a total of six Divisions of six teams each. Very competitive, and again, using some of the cities mentioned above, it sorts out geographically. To be sure, phasing in six expansion teams would not be easy. [I don't buy the argument about talent dilution. There are plenty of talented players worldwide. More foreign players would likely be drawn to the U.S.]

I do hope MLB will have a phased plan that will allow future expansion franchises to begin drafting amateurs and building a minor league system from the ground up, prior to the first MLB season for the team. That and reasonable draft protection limits (e.g. twelve players per team, plus players with less than three years MLB time exempt) would make for more competitive teams. As it is the only "talent dilution" is on the expansion teams, by design, which makes no sense.