Do you expand the MLB Playoffs?

GoBucsGo · 03-08-2016, 08:17 AM

Just curious if any of the MLB players here expand their modern day playoff system, and if so, how?

I ALWAYS expand after the first year or two (Along with putting the DH in both leagues. I know, some guys will crucify me for that)

When I expand, I like to get as close to the NBA style of playoffs as possible. All division winnners qualify, along with 5 wildcard teams. 8 teams from each league, 16 teams in total.

4 rounds, highest seed plays the lowest seed in each round. Home field advantage is determined by record, no longer the All-Star game.

I HATE the current Wildcard system in the MLN (Being a Pirates fan the past few years will do that to you) I always like to give teams a fighting chance. Teams who win 85+ games should have a realistic shot at the playoffs, and a fighting chance in the playoffs.

Adds a lot more variety and drama to my league. How do you guys do it?

wolverinebball11 · 03-08-2016, 08:26 AM

I leave the playoffs as is. I hate the way the NBA does it, so I certainly would never change them to how they do it. The 16th best team in the league doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs IMO.

But hey, to each his own.

nutt · 03-08-2016, 09:18 AM

I eventually expand from 30 to 32 teams, adding a fourth division to each league and having four divisions in each league with four teams. I also add a second wild card and the Wild Card Game Round turns into the Wild Card Series: a Best-of-Three Series pitting the 3rd and 4th best division winners against the two wild cards.

Oh, and Wild Cards don't get a home playoff game unless they win the Wild Card Round. that Best-of-Three, all three games at the division champion.

ludosc · 03-08-2016, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutt

I eventually expand from 30 to 32 teams, adding a fourth division to each league and having four divisions in each league with four teams. I also add a second wild card and the Wild Card Game Round turns into the Wild Card Series: a Best-of-Three Series pitting the 3rd and 4th best division winners against the two wild cards.

Oh, and Wild Cards don't get a home playoff game unless they win the Wild Card Round. that Best-of-Three, all three games at the division champion.

This is exactly what I usually do

rjl518 · 03-08-2016, 10:49 AM

I expand the playoffs.
check out my expanded dynasty.

tward13 · 03-08-2016, 10:57 AM

If I expanded by two teams I'd have 4 divisions of 4 teams and only division winners make the playoffs.

ThePretender · 03-08-2016, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverinebball11

I leave the playoffs as is. I hate the way the NBA does it, so I certainly would never change them to how they do it. The 16th best team in the league doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs IMO.

But hey, to each his own.

Exactly how I feel. I get annoyed enough seeing the fifth best team via WC enter the playoffs. Baseball does a great job at eliminating the lesser teams over 162 games. I find there's no challenge or reward in making the playoffs if you expand.

In one of my leagues I almost missed the playoffs as a 96 win team (division winner got 100). This season was exciting because I had to fight for a playoff spot. If we'd done expanded playoffs or multiple WC teams were guaranteed, I would have clinched a spot in May.

Expanding playoffs is the easiest way to make this game as boring as possible.

Assos · 03-08-2016, 12:14 PM

I bring it back down, 32 teams two divisions per league. 2 WCs per league, so four NL and 4 AL playoff teams. 8 teams is enough!

Bluenoser · 03-08-2016, 12:59 PM

As a long time fictional player, I decided to try a semi-real MLB in OOTP16. I expanded by 6 teams, and reduced the play-offs. No DH, No Inter-league play, 26 man roster.

Division winners and 1 WC make it.

GoBucsGo · 03-08-2016, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePretender

Exactly how I feel. I get annoyed enough seeing the fifth best team via WC enter the playoffs. Baseball does a great job at eliminating the lesser teams over 162 games. I find there's no challenge or reward in making the playoffs if you expand.

In one of my leagues I almost missed the playoffs as a 96 win team (division winner got 100). This season was exciting because I had to fight for a playoff spot. If we'd done expanded playoffs or multiple WC teams were guaranteed, I would have clinched a spot in May.

Expanding playoffs is the easiest way to make this game as boring as possible.

I feel the exact opposite. Over such a long, grinding season, to win 96 games and miss the playoffs is ludicrous IMO.

Even in my expanded playoffs set up, the best teams usually come out on top, but then every once and awhile you have that true underdog team that makes it all the way.

It's like a whole new season of baseball, and it's far from boring. But once again, everyone has their own opinion.

TacticalStats · 03-08-2016, 08:31 PM

Although I never change much with the rules in my game I agree completely with expanding the wild card series. And to say that division winners only deserve the playoffs is odd to me. The Giants won the world series two years ago as the road wild card team. To not allow that story will never make sense to me. It's why I prefer the NFLs system. 12 teams will always feel right to me. Give me the top 30% to truly fight it out.

nutt · 03-09-2016, 12:38 AM

When I hear about people reducing playoff teams, I try to think about that from a logical standpoint, knowing that would never fly in the real world.

Especially in MLB and ***.

wolverinebball11 · 03-09-2016, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TacticalStats

Although I never change much with the rules in my game I agree completely with expanding the wild card series. And to say that division winners only deserve the playoffs is odd to me. The Giants won the world series two years ago as the road wild card team. To not allow that story will never make sense to me. It's why I prefer the NFLs system. 12 teams will always feel right to me. Give me the top 30% to truly fight it out.

I don't necessarily think it needs to be only division champs, but 16 is too many. For me, how MLB currently does it is about right. Ten out of 30 gives you the top third of the league and is enough that you rarely see a really good team miss out, but you also rarely see a team that isn't very good sneak their way in.

ThePretender · 03-09-2016, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBucsGo

I feel the exact opposite. Over such a long, grinding season, to win 96 games and miss the playoffs is ludicrous IMO.

Even in my expanded playoffs set up, the best teams usually come out on top, but then every once and awhile you have that true underdog team that makes it all the way.

It's like a whole new season of baseball, and it's far from boring. But once again, everyone has their own opinion.

For me the exciting part is making the playoffs. I spend most of the time during the sim trying to make the playoffs, that if I had a system where all these extra teams were in, I'd be guaranteed a spot so early in the season I'd check out of the league because there'd be no reason to check my team until October.

The playoffs are a total crapshoot, but as long as it includes the best teams, I'm ok with whatever the outcome is. I'm not ok with the randomness of the playoffs when it includes lesser teams.

Assos · 03-09-2016, 08:52 AM

Our world is evolving, maybe devolving to world where everything has to be like a March Madness type thing. The more the playoff teams the better. It is sad when you have teams in the NBA and NHL that are barely over .500 making the playoffs. Is a .500 team a playoff team? Or take the college bowls? Is a bowl game special when you have a 5-8 team in it? Do we root for the underdog because you better odds in Vegas/bookie? A team that pushes through and wins 65%+ of their games should be rewarded and a team that can barely win 50% should not be. The more teams the more chances of a lesser team that was not built for the long haul to win.
Yes, it is about money. The more cities, the more games the more TV ratings (since sporting events do well in this DVR/VOD world with commercials income, no one wants to watch a taped Super Bowl), the more fannies in the seat. In OOTP none of that matters! To me, less is indeed more!

Hammercraft · 03-09-2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Assos

It is sad when you have teams in the NBA and NHL that are barely over .500 making the playoffs.

I agree, but I don't feel like the same thing applies to MLB for some reason. When we're talking the difference between some marginal team sneaking in instead of someone being extra-special and getting a boring bye round, why not give that marginal team a chance? Maybe they only missed out on winning their division because of a key injury? If they're truly undeserving they'll get ushered out quickly anyway.

Assos · 03-09-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammercraft

I agree, but I don't feel like the same thing applies to MLB for some reason. When we're talking the difference between some marginal team sneaking in instead of someone being extra-special and getting a boring bye round, why not give that marginal team a chance? Maybe they only missed out on winning their division because of a key injury? If they're truly undeserving they'll get ushered out quickly anyway.

But a key injury can happen in any sport, it is the true talent of a team that can overcome a Drew Bledsoe injury and finish first in the end. And always remember, something things happen and a team gets lucky.

Hammercraft · 03-09-2016, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Assos

But a key injury can happen in any sport, it is the true talent of a team that can overcome a Drew Bledsoe injury and finish first in the end. And always remember, something things happen and a team gets lucky.

The thing about the NFL though is there's no need to be merciful. Finishing 9-7 instead of 10-6 is like finishing 10 games back in MLB.

thriller13 · 03-09-2016, 09:16 PM

I do the opposite, contract playoffs to get rid the nasty wildcards. My playoffs don't need to be sullied with any 2nd or 3rd place loser teams.

Trebro · 03-10-2016, 02:12 AM

Personally, when not using the real MLB (historical or modern), I do away with divisions, make all teams play a balanced schedule, and take the top "X" from each league, usually about 1/3rd and put them in the playoffs, using best of three as my lowest series.

I really, really dislike unbalanced schedules and divisions with 4 teams like the old AL West.

03-08-2016, 08:17 AM	#1
GoBucsGo Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 278 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	Do you expand the MLB Playoffs? Just curious if any of the MLB players here expand their modern day playoff system, and if so, how? I ALWAYS expand after the first year or two (Along with putting the DH in both leagues. I know, some guys will crucify me for that) When I expand, I like to get as close to the NBA style of playoffs as possible. All division winnners qualify, along with 5 wildcard teams. 8 teams from each league, 16 teams in total. 4 rounds, highest seed plays the lowest seed in each round. Home field advantage is determined by record, no longer the All-Star game. I HATE the current Wildcard system in the MLN (Being a Pirates fan the past few years will do that to you) I always like to give teams a fighting chance. Teams who win 85+ games should have a realistic shot at the playoffs, and a fighting chance in the playoffs. Adds a lot more variety and drama to my league. How do you guys do it?

03-08-2016, 10:49 AM	#5
rjl518 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Born in Shea Stadium, lives in LoanDepot Park. Posts: 6,238	I expand the playoffs. check out my expanded dynasty. __________________ My Threads: MLB Project 32 by SFGiants58 "Colon looking for his 1st hit of the year and he DRIVES ONE! Deep left field! Back goes Upton! Back near the wall! ITS OUTTA HERE!!! Bartolo has done it!!! THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED!!! This is one of the great moments in the history of baseball! Bartolo Colon has gone deep!" ---Gary Cohen. (May 7, 2016) (Petco Park) NYM 6 @ SD 3

03-08-2016, 12:59 PM	#9
Bluenoser Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In The Moment Posts: 14,477	As a long time fictional player, I decided to try a semi-real MLB in OOTP16. I expanded by 6 teams, and reduced the play-offs. No DH, No Inter-league play, 26 man roster. Division winners and 1 WC make it. Attached Images

03-08-2016, 08:26 AM	#2
wolverinebball11 Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 39	I leave the playoffs as is. I hate the way the NBA does it, so I certainly would never change them to how they do it. The 16th best team in the league doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs IMO. But hey, to each his own.

03-08-2016, 09:18 AM	#3
nutt OOTP Roster Team Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,263	I eventually expand from 30 to 32 teams, adding a fourth division to each league and having four divisions in each league with four teams. I also add a second wild card and the Wild Card Game Round turns into the Wild Card Series: a Best-of-Three Series pitting the 3rd and 4th best division winners against the two wild cards. Oh, and Wild Cards don't get a home playoff game unless they win the Wild Card Round. that Best-of-Three, all three games at the division champion.

03-08-2016, 10:57 AM	#6
tward13 All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,965	If I expanded by two teams I'd have 4 divisions of 4 teams and only division winners make the playoffs.

03-08-2016, 12:14 PM	#8
Assos All Star Starter Join Date: May 2004 Location: Just on the fair side of the foul pole! Posts: 1,768	I bring it back down, 32 teams two divisions per league. 2 WCs per league, so four NL and 4 AL playoff teams. 8 teams is enough!

03-08-2016, 08:31 PM	#11
TacticalStats Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 6	Although I never change much with the rules in my game I agree completely with expanding the wild card series. And to say that division winners only deserve the playoffs is odd to me. The Giants won the world series two years ago as the road wild card team. To not allow that story will never make sense to me. It's why I prefer the NFLs system. 12 teams will always feel right to me. Give me the top 30% to truly fight it out.

03-09-2016, 12:38 AM	#12
nutt OOTP Roster Team Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,263	When I hear about people reducing playoff teams, I try to think about that from a logical standpoint, knowing that would never fly in the real world. Especially in MLB and ***.

03-09-2016, 08:52 AM	#15
Assos All Star Starter Join Date: May 2004 Location: Just on the fair side of the foul pole! Posts: 1,768	Our world is evolving, maybe devolving to world where everything has to be like a March Madness type thing. The more the playoff teams the better. It is sad when you have teams in the NBA and NHL that are barely over .500 making the playoffs. Is a .500 team a playoff team? Or take the college bowls? Is a bowl game special when you have a 5-8 team in it? Do we root for the underdog because you better odds in Vegas/bookie? A team that pushes through and wins 65%+ of their games should be rewarded and a team that can barely win 50% should not be. The more teams the more chances of a lesser team that was not built for the long haul to win. Yes, it is about money. The more cities, the more games the more TV ratings (since sporting events do well in this DVR/VOD world with commercials income, no one wants to watch a taped Super Bowl), the more fannies in the seat. In OOTP none of that matters! To me, less is indeed more!

03-09-2016, 09:16 PM	#19
thriller13 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Peoria, Arizona Posts: 85	I do the opposite, contract playoffs to get rid the nasty wildcards. My playoffs don't need to be sullied with any 2nd or 3rd place loser teams.

03-10-2016, 02:12 AM	#20
Trebro All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 755	Personally, when not using the real MLB (historical or modern), I do away with divisions, make all teams play a balanced schedule, and take the top "X" from each league, usually about 1/3rd and put them in the playoffs, using best of three as my lowest series. I really, really dislike unbalanced schedules and divisions with 4 teams like the old AL West.