New playoff format!?

I know this thread or topic has been debated several times before but now that I am coaching in Maryland I thought we could discuss it further? In ALL sports I believe regardless of a teams outcome at the end of the season standings or record wise ALL teams play in a playoff format in which the teams are seeded accordingly from their overall records and there conference records (not exactly how this works either) in addition when seeding they also take into account strength of schedule in determining! i.e. playing lower or higher classification of schools etc... I do not have a problem with this at all just gives all the teams a chance for rebirth so to speak and something to play for as the season is coming to an end. There are cinderellas out there everywhere while those that don t belong will naturally oust themselves as the playoff rounds go on... Thoughts?

 

It seems to work for football. I know that baseball is expanding to 64 teams next year

 

Cinderellas'

Remember the 1954 Giants vs the "Invincibal" Indians and of course the 69 Mets vs the Orioles. Let Cinderella continue her/their dreams.

 

Cinderellas'

Remember the 1954 Giants vs the "Invincibal" Indians and of course the 69 Mets vs the Orioles. Let Cinderella continue her/their dreams.

 

This is baseball, there will be upsets. Will make it interesting because there could be crosstown rivalry games show up in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that normally wouldn't. Let everybody in by cutting the season to 22 games and add an extra week of playoffs.

 

Expanded Playoffs

Count me in the group that does not like the expanded playoff system. Here are my reasons why. The conference games should mean something. Other than a seed in a playoff. The intensity and the competitive nature of a regular season conference game rivals that of playoff games. And sometimes is even more intense. It should mean something if you qualify for the playoffs. It should be a reward for playing well during the regular season. This is just my opinion. Im sure there are many that disagree with me thats ok.

 

Very, very good points. I can imagine it would affect a coach's decision during the year as well (not pitching this player because the game does not mean much). I would think it would dampen any regular season rivalries

 

There will be upsets in the early rounds but not after that.

I don't like the expanded playoffs. A team can have one exceptional pitcher that gets them 3rd-4th place in a conference.


I don't like rewarding a team that has one good player. I like rewarding a team that has a good TEAM. That's what I love about the regional finals (eastern and western) being series now. You can't ride just one pitcher into the state finals.

 

Playoffs

I agree SuperJon , we have been on both ends of this scenario before. A couple of years we had a very average team but a stud #1 that got us in the playoffs. We were a two seed and once a three seed. We took out a #1 seed two years in a row that was a better team than us by putting an absolute stud on the hill and he shoved it up their ***. We would have had basically no chance in a series. And then we have been on the other end of the exact scenario. I to like the 2-3 in the Eastern and Western finals because it makes it more possible that the best team will be in the finals. But here is my main point. If it is important to play 2-3 in the Eastern and Western Finals to get the two best teams in the Finals then why is it not important to make sure that the teams in the Eastern and Western Finals are the best teams and not the teams with the best #1? Lately I have seen teams throw their #2 in game one on Tuesday and save #1 for Friday. Especially when they draw a weak #2 or #3 seed in the first round. I know all the arguments about playing longer etc etc with making each round 2-3. But if you are trying to get the two best TEAMS in the finals in my opinion this is the only way you are going to do that or at least the best way to try.

 

I thought that baseball was going to the 48 team soccer bracket from the 32 team BAseball/Volleyball bracket... I dont think you will see 64 though, but I may be wrong. Shoot it wouldnt be the first time, though...