Baseball Tunes: The Star-Spangled Banner

The first known instance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" being played for a baseball game took place in 1862. However, it was not until World War II that it became customary to play the song before every game. Before the introduction of public address systems, it was cost prohibitive to hire a band so such ceremony was reserved for special occasions such as Opening Day or the World Series.



As most American schoolchildren learn - particularly those who grow up in Maryland, the words to our national anthem were written by Francis Scott Key.  Key was inspired by the Battle of Fort McHenry which he observed as a prisoner on a British ship during the War of 1812.  His poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry," was later set to the tune of "The Anacreontic Song" by John Stafford Smith.  It did not officially become the US national anthem until 1931.


Bold Proposal 2013

Following are the initial 2013 standings for my proposed baseball realignment, essentially based on the European soccer league concept.  The basic idea is explained here.  Last year's final post, including explanations for this year's alignment, is here.

First Division

1. Reds
2. Yankees
3. Braves
4. Giants
5. Rangers
6. Rays
7. Angels
8. Tigers
9. Cardinals
10. Dodgers
11. White Sox
12. Brewers
13. Phillies
14. Nationals
15. A's
16. Orioles

Second Division

1. Diamondbacks
2. Red Sox
3. Rockies
4. Pirates
5. Padres
6. Mariners
7. Mets
8. Blue Jays
9. Royals
10. Marlins
11. Indians
12. Twins
13. Cubs
14. Astros

As always, I will declare my concept a failure if one of my second division teams wins the real-universe World Series. Over the past three years of the experiment, it hasn't happened. Normally, this would be the point in my post where I'd say that I want this to happen.  I want to believe that the balance of power in baseball is more flexible than it actually is.  However, my Orioles are finally in the first division which means, at least according to my theory, they have a better chance of winning it all this year than they did last.

Orioles 2012: Top of the 10th

Photo via Baltimore Sports Then and Now

What an amazing run it was!  Sure, it's sad that the 2012 season is over for the Orioles.  But this team gave so much more than could reasonably have been expected way back in March.  They played a marvelous division series, too.  They were ultimately undone by three players: C.C. Sabathia, Raul Ibanez and the postseason king himself, Derek Jeter, who, even hobbling on a wounded ankle, managed to make the key hits when it mattered most.  For our side, the two players who performed most admirably against the Yankees were aimless minor league wanderers just months ago: left fielder Nate McLouth and pitcher Miguel Gonzalez.  Game 3, the one Ibanez ruined, is a strong early candidate for game of the year.

So, what's next for Baltimore?  The chemistry of the current team certainly seems worth preserving.  While it was the bullpen who kept the team afloat all season, it was the starters who shined in the playoffs.  The Birds' young guns will be a year older and a year better come April.  If the starters can pitch deeper into ball games, that would be nice.  But I don't think the team needs to be looking to upgrade just yet - season and let sit.

Offensively, it might be worth looking for a few upgrades on the free agent market.  Baltimore's on-base percentage for the playoffs ranked dead last.  Granted, the Yanks didn't do much better - but just enough.  Maybe the team will make a bid in the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes but big picture, they might do better to go after a few of the lesser lights.  I think outfielders Nick Swisher and Ichiro Suzuki - both members of the O's recent conquerors - would be excellent targets.

The Orioles, Nationals and A's are all out of the running.  As such, my bold proposal survives another season.  The good news is that in 2013, at least according to my theory, all three teams will have a better chance of winning it all.  So, just as Cubs fans have been saying since 1908, just wait until next year.

Let's Talk Baseball: A Great Year to Storm the Castle

Following are the final 2012 standings for my proposed baseball realignment, essentially based on the European soccer league concept.  The basic idea is explained here.  This year's initial post is here.

Photo via The Beltway Sports Blog

First Division

1. Reds
2. Yankees
3. Braves
4. Giants
5. Rangers
6. Rays
7. Angels
8. Tigers
9. Cardinals
10. Dodgers
11. White Sox
12. Brewers
13. Phillies
14. Diamondbacks
15. Red Sox
16. Rockies

Second Division

1. Nationals
2. A's
3. Orioles
4. Pirates
5. Padres
6. Mariners
7. Mets
8. Blue Jays
9. Royals
10. Marlins
11. Indians
12. Twins
13. Cubs
14. Astros

Here is how the year would shake out in my alternate universe.  The top eight teams in the first division (in red) would make the playoffs.  The bottom three (in blue) would be relegated to the second division for the following season.  The Phillies and Diamondbacks finished with identical records but the Phillies won the head-to-head series between the clubs, 4-2.  So, Philadelphia gets to stay in the top flight.

It's been an exciting year in the second division.  As the top two teams (in green), the Nationals and A's are automatically promoted for the 2013 season.  The next four (in purple) would enter a playoff for the last spot.  We'll give the Orioles the benefit of the doubt and bump them up.  This isn't just my personal bias.  The O's were 14 wins better than the Pirates this season - not exactly a close call.

As I've said before, I will declare my concept a failure if one of my second division teams wins the real-universe World Series.  Let me be very clear: I want this to happen.  I want to be convinced that any given team can win the Championship in every given year.  In three seasons, it hasn't happened.  With three of my second division teams in the real world playoffs, this could be the year.  Obviously, the Orioles are my club and my first choice to win it all.  My DC-area roots would make the Nats my second choice.  I can claim a bit of a home team connection with the A's, too, as they are the parent club for the Vermont Lake Monsters.

State of the Blog 2012

The protagonist.  In literature, in film and in sports, identification with the protagonist keeps us coming back.  As Year 4 begins for The Armchair Squid, it is time to narrow focus and, perhaps, to explore this unifying theme.  While new directions are always possible, the following are my priorities for the coming year.


Blogging Projects

These are a lot of work but they are definitely the best way I've found to network with other bloggers.  A to Z is already on the calendar for April.  I even have my theme ready to go.  Quick-shot blog fests have also been great for me over the past year.  If anyone hears of anything planned for February or March, let me know.  Those tend to be my slow months.


Good Reading

Image via Comic Bastards

As I said in my Squiddies 2012 post, I started blogging about comic books last fall almost as an afterthought.  I did not expect them to be such a rewarding topic for the blog in general.  I plan to continue my explorations over the coming year.  I will certainly follow the Cannons' Double Barrel project and will encourage you to do the same. Beyond that, I'm not sure where the path will lead.  I am considering taking the next step in comic fandom and becoming a subscriber.  There is no better demonstration of the power of the protagonist than there is in the world of comics.

To do the topic justice, I do feel I need to educate myself in the visual arts in general.  I'm not sure what, if any, direct impact this will have on my blogging but I hope it will at least make for more meaningful posts.

I will also continue to explore children's literature - with my daughter and on my own.  There will be sports books, too.  Baseball and football books are on my to-read stack at the moment.


Family Adventures

This time last year, I set a goal to get my family out of the house for something fun at least once a weekend.  This past Sunday, I asked My Wife how she felt about it and she seemed more or less satisfied.

"I don't want you blowing up at me sometime about my 'stupid plans,'" says I.

"Well, I can't promise that..." she retorts.

Photo via The Idea Buro


Generally speaking, I've found that the best bet for getting everyone out is the promise of food.  The most gratifying topic as a blogger, however, has been movies.  We watch loads of them - mostly in the comfort of our own living room but we make it to the theater from time to time as well.  Truth be told, it's more or less the family hobby.  As such, I will focus on film for my family adventure posts in the coming year.


Music

As my goal is to keep my blogging life separate from my professional life, this is a tricky topic.  I am a music teacher, you see.  But there are always intersections between music and the other subjects I write about.  I will resume my celebrations of college marching bands (not my job) this coming fall.  In the spring, I will turn my attention to music's role in another favorite sport.  More on that in a bit.


Tennis

No changes planned here.  I still feel the Majors are the best point of contact for the casual fan.  My Curtain Calls are at the very heart of what The Armchair Squid is all about, no matter the topic.  After all, each player from the biggest star to the humblest journeyman is the protagonist of his/her own story.


Baseball

The Baltimore Orioles have been a joy in 2012.  I highly recommend following a team as I have this year: watch the pitchers for a few games, then the hitters, then the pitchers again, etc.  Keep an eye out for new faces.  Of course, it doesn't hurt when your team is winning.  As fun as it's been, I'm planning a new baseball direction next year.  After college football, baseball has the strongest connection to music of any American sport.  I will explore that relationship more in the 2013 season.

I haven't forgotten about my bold proposal, either.  At the moment, the Nationals appear to have the best chance to upset the apple cart.  The Orioles and Pirates are currently in playoff position, too.  I'll check in on this one at regular season's end.


Curling

No changes here, either.  Women's World Championships will take place in Riga, Latvia, March 16-24.  The men will play in Victoria, BC, March 30th through April 7th.


Fantasy Sports

I'm paring down a little bit here - just baseball and football, no tennis or college football.  I will continue to celebrate the individual players who do well by me.


In conclusion, I am eternally grateful to all of you have shared in my explorations.  To borrow from Jon Wertheim, if any of you enjoys reading The Armchair Squid half as much as I enjoy writing it, we're all doing pretty well.  I hope you'll join me for Year 4.

If you're interested in previous State of the Blog posts, try the links below:

2011
2010

Play Ball!

The 2012 Major League Baseball season gets underway at the Tokyo Dome today. This is Year 3 in my bold proposal experiment. The basic concept is explained here. The basic idea is to mimic European soccer's promotion/relegation model, eliminating all pretense that more than a handful of teams have a legitimate shot at winning the World Series each year. Last year's final standings, which determine this year's division alignment, are presented here. Here are my divisions for the 2012 season:


First Division

Phillies
Yankees
Rangers
Tigers
Rays
Red Sox
Cardinals
Braves
Angels
Giants
White Sox
Reds
Rockies
Brewers
Diamondbacks
Dodgers


Second Division

Marlins
Padres
Twins
Blue Jays
Nationals
Indians
Mets
A's
Pirates
Cubs
Royals
Orioles
Mariners
Astros

As always, I will consider the experiment a failure should a Second Division team ever win the title in the real world.

Once again, I will be following my childhood team, the woeful Baltimore Orioles. The biggest off-season news for the Birds was the hiring of a new general manager, Dan Duquette - not their first choice. There have also been murmurings that owner Peter Angelos may be shopping the team. Expecting anything beyond incremental improvements would be expecting too much. Breaking their streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons would be great but I'd settle for an improvement over last year's win total of 69 games. I'm trying a different approach to my Orioles posts this year. Stay tuned.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal Final 2011 Standings

Season 2 of my grand experiment is over, or at least the regular season portion thereof. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I used for the 2011 season.

The final standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies (unchanged from September)
2. Yankees (unchanged)
3. Rangers (+2)
4. Tigers (+2)
5. Rays (+2)
6. Red Sox (-3)
6. Cardinals (+3)
8. Braves (-4)
9. Angels (-1)
9. Giants (+1)
11. White Sox (unchanged)
11. Reds (+1)
13. Rockies (unchanged)
14. Marlins (unchanged)
15. Padres (unchanged)
16. Twins (unchanged)

Second Division

1. Brewers (unchanged)
2. Diamondbacks (unchanged)
3. Dodgers (+2)
4. Blue Jays (unchanged)
5. Nationals (+2)
6. Indians (-3)
7. Mets (-1)
8. A's (+1)
9. Pirates (-1)
10. Cubs (unchanged)
11. Royals (+1)
12. Orioles (+1)
13. Mariners (-2)
14. Astros (unchanged)

Biggest rises: Cardinals
Biggest falls: Braves

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. I am hoping that trend will continue and yet a different team will win this year.

So, in my better world, the top eight first division teams would make the playoffs. Please note, Sox and Braves fans, your teams would still be in it despite all of their efforts to start vacation early. The bottom three in the first division would be relegated to the second for 2011. Alas, the Padres only lasted one season in the top flight.

The Brewers and Diamondbacks would both be promoted automatically. The next four teams in the second division would enter playoffs to determine the third promotion. I'll give the Dodgers the benefit of the doubt. How about that? With all of their troubles this year, their strong finish would have brought a meaningful result.

As I have said all along, my hope is to be proven wrong. I want to believe that more than a handful of teams have a chance to win the World Series each year. Thus I am hopeful that either the Brewers or the D-backs will win it all. Since they play each other, we know at least one will reach the next round.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal Early September Standings

We are heading into the home stretch for Season 2. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season.


Photo via Fanpop

The current standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies (unchanged from mid-August)
2. Yankees (+1)
3. Red Sox (-1)
4. Braves (unchanged)
5. Rangers (unchanged)
6. Tigers (+3)
7. Rays (+2)
8. Angels (-2)
9. Cardinals (-1)
10. Giants (-3)
11. White Sox (unchanged)
12. Reds (unchanged)
13. Rockies (+1)
14. Marlins (-2)
15. Padres (+1)
16. Twins (-1)

Second Division

1. Brewers (unchanged)
2. Diamondbacks (unchanged)
3. Indians (unchanged)
4. Blue Jays (-1)
5. Dodgers (+3)
6. Mets (-3)
7. Nationals (-1)
8. Pirates (-1)
9. A's (-1)
10. Cubs (+1)
11. Mariners (-1)
12. Royals (-1)
13. Orioles (unchanged)
14. Astros (unchanged)

Biggest rises: Tigers, Dodgers
Biggest falls: Giants, Mets

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. I am hoping that trend will continue and yet a different team will win this year.

To me, the most interesting thing in looking at these current standings is the fact that six of the top eight teams in the first division are in the American League. That is partially explained by the fact that there are two real-world division leaders in the second division: the Brewers and the Diamondbacks. Last year, I had two second division teams who led their real-world divisions for much of the season: the Reds and the Padres. I don't want to read too much into this but I do think it speaks to the greater consistency of the top teams in the junior circuit.

As I have stated before, I want my hypothesis to be proven wrong. I want to be convinced that more than a handful of teams have a chance to win the World Series in a given year. As such, it looks like both Milwaukee and Arizona will provide me with strong rooting interests come playoff time. Both teams head into the stretch with solid leads.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal Mid-August Standings

We are in the midst of the fifth month of Season 2. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season.


Photo via Vaccine71

The current standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies (unchanged from early July)
2. Red Sox (+1)
3. Yankees (-1)
4. Braves (unchanged)
5. Rangers (+3)
6. Angels (+2)
7. Giants (-2)
8. Cardinals (+1)
9. Rays (-3)
9. Tigers (-1)
11. White Sox (unchanged)
12. Reds (-1)
12. Marlins (+3)
14. Rockies (-1)
15. Twins (+1)
16. Padres (-2)

Second Division

1. Brewers (+2)
2. Diamondbacks (unchanged)
3. Indians (-2)
3. Mets (+2)
3. Blue Jays (+5)
6. Nationals (unchanged)
7. Pirates (-3)
8. A's (+1)
8. Dodgers (+3)
10. Mariners (-3)
11. Cubs (+1)
11. Royals (+2)
13. Orioles (-3)
14. Astros (unchanged)

Biggest rise: Blue Jays
Biggest fall: Rays, Pirates, Mariners, Orioles

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. I am hoping that trend will continue and yet a different team will win this year.

We're down to one real world division leader in my second division: the Brewers. As noted previously, if any of my second division teams win the World Series, I will consider this experiment a failure.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal Early July Standings

We come to the end of the third month of Season 2. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season.


Photo via Nats320

The current standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies (unchanged from May)
2. Yankees (+4)
3. Red Sox (+1)
4. Braves (+1)
5. Giants (+2)
6. Rays (+1)
7. Cardinals (-5)
8. Rangers (+1)
8. Tigers (+3)
8. Angels (+2)
11. White Sox (+3)
11. Reds (unchanged)
13. Rockies (unchanged)
14. Padres (+1)
15. Marlins (-12)
16. Twins (unchanged)

Second Division

1. Indians (unchanged)
2. Diamondbacks (+1)
3. Brewers (-1)
4. Pirates (+3)
5. Mets (+5)
6. Nationals (+7)
7. Mariners (-2)
8. Blue Jays (-4)
9. A's (-4)
10. Orioles (-3)
11. Dodgers (unchanged)
12. Cubs (-2)
13. Royals (-1)
14. Astros (unchanged)

Biggest rise: Nationals
Biggest fall: Marlins

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. I am hoping that trend will continue and yet a different team will win this year.

Apparently, the idea of abolishing divisions has been seriously considered in realignment discussions, though not with the parameters I have outlined. Sports Illustrated's Joe Lemire doesn't like the idea as he feels it would diminish the game's great rivalries. I don't buy it. With an arrangement like mine, soccer enjoys some of the world's most compelling sports rivalries: Arsenal/Man U, Barcelona/Real Madrid, Inter/AC, etc. Those teams manage to maintain vibrant enmity without playing one another 18 times a year. Plus, their league schedules are exactly the same which makes for a meaningful comparison at the end of the season - baseball can't say that for the Red Sox and Yankees.

I still have a real world division leader in my second division: the Cleveland Indians. If one of my second division teams wins the World Series, I shall consider this experiment a welcome failure.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal May Standings

We come to the end of the second month of Season 2. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season.


Photo via Diamond Hoggers

The current standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies (unchanged from April)
2. Cardinals (+3)
3. Marlins (unchanged)
4. Red Sox (+9)
5. Braves (+6)
6. Yankees (-2)
7. Rays (unchanged)
7. Giants (+3)
9. Rangers (-4)
10. Angels (-3)
11. Reds (-2)
11. Tigers (+1)
13. Rockies (-11)
14. White Sox (+1)
15. Padres (-1)
16. Twins (unchanged)

Second Division

1. Indians (unchanged)
2. Brewers (+1)
2. Diamondbacks (+10)
4. Blue Jays (+1)
5. Mariners (+3)
5. A's (unchanged)
7. Orioles (unchanged)
7. Pirates (+4)
9. Mets (+4)
10. Cubs (-1)
11. Dodgers (-8)
12. Royals (-10)
13. Nationals (-4)
14. Astros (unchanged)

Biggest rise: Diamondbacks
Biggest fall: Rockies

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. I am hoping that trend will continue and yet a different team will win this year. The Marlins are in the strongest position to do so at the moment.

A couple of observations:

- Of the top eight teams in the First Division, there are three teams from the AL East and also three from the NL East. In the real world, only four of those six teams could possibly make the playoffs.

- For the moment, two real world division leaders inhabit my Second Division: the D-backs and the Indians, who still hold the best record in the American League. Once again, I will consider this experiment a failure should one of my Second Division teams win the World Series.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal April Standings

The first month of Season 2 is in the books. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season.


Photo via Bleacher Report

The current standings are as follows:

First Division

1. Phillies
2. Rockies
3. Marlins
4. Yankees
5. Rangers
5. Cardinals
7. Rays
7. Angels
9. Reds
10. Giants
11. Braves
12. Tigers
13. Red Sox
14. Padres
15. White Sox
16. Twins

Second Division

1. Indians
2. Royals
3. Brewers
3. Dodgers
5. Blue Jays
5. A's
7. Orioles
8. Mariners
9. Cubs
9. Nationals
11. Pirates
12. Diamondbacks
13. Mets
14. Astros

The teams in italics are the six different teams to win the past six World Series titles. At the moment, the Rockies would appear to be the most likely team to continue that trend. Last year's promoted teams, the Reds, Padres and White Sox, are experiencing varying levels of success in the upper league. The Reds are cruising along respectably while the Padres and White Sox are, at least for the moment, in position to go right back down.

The Indians lead the Second Division. In the real world, of course, they have the best record in the American League. Just as last year, if a Second Division team wins the World Series, I'll consider my experiment a failure. For some historical perspective, only one Second Division team even made the playoffs last year: the Reds. Of last year's relegated teams, the Dodgers, Cubs and Mariners, the Dodgers would appear the most likely to make it back to the First Division.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal, Season 2

Image via Mets Baseball Club

Season 2 of my bold proposal for baseball realignment is about to begin. For those new to the program, here is my original post for the idea and here is how things shook out at the end of last season, setting up the two divisions I'll be using for the 2011 season. Here they are:

First Division

Phillies
Rays
Yankees
Twins
Giants
Braves
Rangers
Red Sox
Cardinals
Rockies
Tigers
Marlins
Angels
Reds
Padres
White Sox


Second Division

Dodgers
Cubs
Mariners
Blue Jays
A's
Mets
Brewers
Astros
Nationals
Indians
Royals
Orioles
Diamondbacks
Pirates

You will note a few teams in italics. These are the last six World Series champions. As discussed in my post for Ken Burns's Baseball, ten different teams won the World Series between 1978 and 1987, the longest such streak in the history of the event and a strong testament to parity during that era. The current streak of six is really none too shabby, leading me to believe that baseball power is not quite as concentrated as I imagined. Ideally, I would love to see the streak continue. So, I'll keep an eye on those six teams over the course of the year in hopes that someone else will take the title this time.

Same as last year, I will consider the experiment a failure if one of the second division teams wins the World Series. I will likely check in with standings every month or so. Stay tuned...

****************



I will be participating in the A to Z Blogging Challenge, hosted by Tossing It Out. It's not too late for you to join in the fun, either. It all starts April 1st. I don't want to reveal my plan just yet except to say that it will, in fact, be baseball themed.

November Baseball: Happy for the Giants

As much as I would have preferred the Rangers to win, I can't deny that it's pretty exciting for a team to win its first World Series in 56 years. 5 games is pretty decisive, too. The Gaints are certainly worthy champions.


Bold Proposal

We had just one day of November baseball and, fortunately, it was in a southern climate. November baseball would still exist in my bold proposal universe but with a twist. The major league title would be just the beginning for the Giants. From here, we would move on to a real World Series, a tournament to include not only the United States/Canada champion but also the champions from other great baseball nations: Cuba (Industriales are this year's champion), Japan (Japan Series currently being contested by the Chunichi Dragons and Chiba Lotte Marines), South Korea (SK Wyverns), etc. The teams could gather in one city with a domed stadium (Tokyo, New Orleans) or a balmy November climate (suddenly, no NFL teams in LA becomes an advantage) and play a round-robin tournament to determine a true world champion.


Checking in with the Orioles

The next adventure on the baseball calendar is free agent signings. The conventional wisdom with the Birds is that they need a veteran pitcher to mentor their young staff and a power hitter or two for the 3- and/or 4-spots in the lineup. Here are The Baltimore Sun's thoughts on the best targets for the O's.

Monday Update: Youth Soccer and So Long, Reds

Family Adventures: Soccer

Our Girl's team won its game yesterday, 1-0. I missed my chance at coaching last week as Wednesday's practice was canceled due to rain. I have to admit to being somewhat relieved. I'm sure I'll get another chance at some point.

Our Girl certainly enjoys playing but I have noticed that she tends to shy away from the ball when the crowd closes in around her. I asked her about it after the game and she admitted that she gets nervous. I reassured her that it should be easier as she gets older - kids won't clump around the ball quite as much. I have a sneaking suspicion that I may have been the same way. I never took the I-have-to-be-the-one-to-get-to-the-ball-first approach to soccer. Maybe that's why I liked playing goalie. Just keep the other team from scoring: I was comfortable with that mindset.

One moment really made me proud of her. At one point, she fell down - a genuine face plant. But she didn't hesitate for even a moment to jump back up and keep running. She didn't even do that little kid thing of looking around to see if anyone had seen her fall. I figure that's an attitude that will serve her well in life, whether she sticks with soccer or not.

One more week to go - practice Wednesday, last game on Sunday.

Bold Proposal

The Reds are out of the playoffs so the bold proposal shall live to see another year. I expect that whoever comes out of the Rangers-Rays series will become my new rooting interest for the playoffs.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal Final Standings

Following are the final standings for my bold proposal for baseball realignment. The basic idea is two divisions, upper and lower, determined by last year's final standings. The bottom three of the First Division are relegated for next year. The top two of the Second are promoted, along with the winner of a playoff between the next four.


First Division

1. Phillies (+4 from August)
2. Rays (unchanged)
3. Yankees (-2)
4. Twins (unchanged)
5. Giants (+3)
6. Braves (-3)
7. Rangers (-2)
8. Red Sox (-3)
9. Cardinals (unchanged)
10. Rockies (unchanged)
11. Tigers (+2)
12. Marlins (unchanged)
12. Angels (+2)
12. Dodgers (-1)
15. Cubs (unchanged)
16. Mariners (unchanged)


Second Division

1. Reds (unchanged)
2. Padres (unchanged)
3. White Sox (unchanged)
4. Blue Jays (unchanged)
5. A's (unchanged)
6. Mets (unchanged)
7. Brewers (unchanged)
8. Astros (unchanged)
9. Nationals (unchanged)
9. Indians (+3)
11. Royals (-1)
12. Orioles (+1)
13. Diamondbacks (-2)
14. Pirates (unchanged)


Biggest rise: Phillies

Greatest falls: Braves and Red Sox

And so...

- The top eight teams in the First Division would make the playoffs, the only difference from the real world being that the Red Sox are in (you're welcome) and the Reds are out (don't hate me just yet). My first playoff round: Phillies-Red Sox, Rays-Rangers, Yankees-Braves and Twins-Giants.

- The bottom three in the First Division would be demoted for the following year, so Cubs and Mariners both go down. The Angels, Marlins and Dodgers all finished with identical records so I'm going to head-to-head to make the call. Dodgers had losing records against both the Angels and Marlins this year and the other two never played each other. So, the Dodgers go down, too.

- The top two in the Second Division are automatically promoted so Reds and Padres move up. The next four would enter a playoff to determine the third promotion. That playoff's first round would be White Sox-Mets and Blue Jays-A's. The winners would then play each other. I'll give the White Sox the benefit of the doubt on this one and say they'd make it through.

After all that, next year's divisions would be as follows:

First Division

Phillies
Rays
Yankees
Twins
Giants
Braves
Rangers
Red Sox
Cardinals
Rockies
Tigers
Marlins
Angels
Reds
Padres
White Sox


Second Division

Dodgers
Cubs
Mariners
Blue Jays
A's
Mets
Brewers
Astros
Nationals
Indians
Royals
Orioles
Diamondbacks
Pirates

The Reds, of course, have the opportunity to upset the apple cart on all of this. If they should win the World Series, I'll abandon the whole idea. Please understand, though, I want them to win (I did tell you not to hate me yet). I want to be proven wrong. I want to believe that more than just an elite group of teams have a shot at winning the World Series each year.

So, as the playoffs begin later this week, I will be watching the Reds with great interest.

Bold Proposal: 150-Game Season

The Yankees, and several other teams, played their 150th game of the season yesterday. My bold proposal season would end at 150 games. It is not because I dislike the long baseball season - though I do think the prospect of November baseball in New England and the upper midwest is highly questionable. It's more that I would love to see baseball have a genuinely balanced schedule. If there are 16 first division teams as there are in my alternate universe, they would each play each other 10 times over the course of a 150-game season.

At this point, the top eight teams in the first division would enter the playoffs, seeded according to the standings. Relegation to the second division would happen at this point, as well. The second division could actually have a slightly longer regular season. In a 14-team league, each team could play each of the others 12 times, allowing for a 156-game season.

For the purposes of my experiment, I shall use the real world 162-game season standings. Otherwise, things get way too confusing.

Bear in mind, I'm not really opposed to November baseball. I just think it should look differently. Stay tuned.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal August Standings

Following are the current standings (as of 9/1/10, morning EDT) for my bold proposal for baseball realignment. The basic idea is two divisions, upper and lower, determined by last year's final standings. The bottom three of the First Division are relegated for next year. The top two of the Second are promoted, along with the winner of a playoff between the next four.


First Division

1. Yankees (unchanged from July)
2. Rays (unchanged)
3. Braves (+1)
4. Twins (+3)
5. Rangers (-2)
5. Red Sox (+1)
5. Phillies (-4)
8. Giants (-3)
9. Cardinals (-2)
10. Rockies (unchanged)
11.Dodgers (-1)
12. Marlins (unchanged)
13. Tigers (unchanged)
14. Angels (unchanged)
15. Cubs (unchanged)
16. Mariners (unchanged)


Second Division

1. Reds (+2)
2. Padres (-1)
3. White Sox (-1)
4. Blue Jays (unchanged)
5. A's (+1)
6. Mets (-1)
7. Brewers (unchanged)
8. Astros (+1)
9. Nationals (-1)
10. Royals (unchanged)
11. Diamondbacks (+1)
12. Indians (-1)
13. Orioles (+1)
14. Pirates (-1)


Biggest rise: Twins

Greatest fall: Phillies

Naturally, the big excitement for me is seeing Baltimore out of the league cellar. Interesting, too, that this month, the first division is the more static of the two: the opposite of last month.

We still have two real-world division leaders in the second division: Reds and Padres. As I've said before, I'll consider the experiment a failure if one of my second division teams wins the World Series.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal July Standings

Following are the current standings for my bold proposal for baseball realignment. The basic idea is two divisions, upper and lower, determined by last year's final standings. The bottom three of the First Division are relegated for next year. The top two of the Second are promoted, along with the winner of a playoff between the next four.


First Division

1. Yankees (unchanged from June)
2. Rays (+2)
3. Rangers (-2)
4. Braves (+1)
5. Giants (+8)
6. Red Sox (-3)
7. Cardinals (-1)
7. Twins (-1)
9. Phillies (+1)
10. Dodgers (-4)
10. Rockies (+2)
12. Marlins (-1)
13. Tigers (-2)
14. Angels (-5)
15. Cubs (unchanged)
16. Mariners (unchanged)


Second Division

1. Padres (unchanged)
2. White Sox (+2)
3. Reds (unchanged)
4. Blue Jays (+2)
5. Mets (-3)
6. A's (unchanged)
7. Brewers (unchanged)
8. Nationals (unchanged)
9. Astros (+1)
10. Royals (-2)
11. Indians (+1)
12. Diamondbacks (-2)
13. Pirates (unchanged)
14. Orioles (unchanged)


Biggest rise: Giants

Greatest fall: Angels

I find it interesting that there's a lot more change in the First Division than there is in the Second. I'm not sure what it means. I think that volatility among the best teams is good. All of the division races (in the real world) should be fun to watch heading into the final two months of the regular season. It's a little disappointing, though I suppose not surprising, that it's a lot harder to dig your team out of an early season hole.

There are still two real-world division leaders in my Second Division: the Padres and the White Sox. The Padres, in fact, have the best record in the National League and the third best in baseball. If one of my second division teams wins the World Series, I will consider this experiment a failure. Just to be clear, I'm sort of hoping that it will fail. I want to believe that more than just a handful of teams have a chance to win the World Series each year. We shall see.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal June Standings

Following are the current standings for my bold proposal for baseball realignment. The basic idea is two divisions, upper and lower, determined by last year's final standings. The bottom three of the First Division are relegated for next year. The top two of the Second are promoted, along with the winner of a playoff between the next four.


First Division

1. Yankees (+1 from May)
1. Rangers (+11)
3. Red Sox (+5)
4. Rays (-3)
5. Braves (+1)
6. Twins (-3)
6. Cardinals (-2)
6. Dodgers (-1)
9. Angels (+5)
10. Phillies (-3)
11. Tigers (unchanged)
12. Rockies (-2)
13. Giants (-4)
14. Marlins (-1)
15. Cubs (unchanged)
16. Mariners (unchanged)


Second Division

1. Padres (unchanged)
2. Mets (+3)
3. Reds (unchanged)
4. White Sox (+3)
5. Blue Jays (-3)
6. A's (-2)
7. Brewers (+1)
8. Nationals (-2)
8. Royals (+2)
10. Diamondbacks (+1)
10. Astros (+3)
12. Indians (unchanged)
13. Pirates (-4)
14. Orioles (unchanged)


Biggest rise: Rangers

Greatest falls: Giants and Pirates

Yes, the rise of the Rangers is impressive but there's no doubt what stands out from this one. Three of the top four teams are all in one division: the AL East. No matter what happens from here on out, one of those three teams will miss the real-world playoffs.

It's worth noting that the NL West-leading Padres do, in fact, have a better record than the Rays. The Reds are also leading their division and the Mets are currently in position for the NL wild card spot. If one of my second division teams wins the World Series, I will consider this experiment a failure.

Let's Talk Baseball: Bold Proposal May Standings

Following are the current standings for my bold proposal for baseball realignment. The basic idea is two divisions, upper and lower, determined by last year's final standings. The bottom three of the First Division are relegated for next year. The top two of the Second are promoted, along with the winner of a playoff between the next four.


First Division

1. Rays (unchanged from April)
2. Yankees (unchanged)
3. Twins (+1)
4. Cardinals (-1)
5. Dodgers (+10)
6. Braves (+10)
7. Phillies (unchanged)
8. Red Sox (+1)
9. Giants (-4)
10. Rockies (unchanged)
11. Tigers (-5)
12. Rangers (unchanged)
13. Marlins (-2)
14. Angels (-6)
15. Cubs (-1)
16. Mariners (-3)


Second Division

1. Padres (unchanged)
2. Blue Jays (+4)
3. Reds (+1)
4. A's (+1)
5. Mets (-3)
6. Nationals (-3)
7. White Sox (+4)
8. Brewers (+2)
9. Pirates (-1)
10. Royals (+2)
11. Diamondbacks (-4)
12. Indians (-3)
13. Astros (unchanged)
14. Orioles (unchanged)


Biggest rises: Dodgers and Braves, both pulling their way well clear of relegation position.

Greatest fall: Angels. Suddenly their slump seems a lot more perilous!

We now have three division winners in the Second Division: Padres, Reds and A's. I will declare the experiment a failure if one of the Second Division teams wins the World Series.

Most interesting to me is what has now happened to the American League East. Three of the teams in baseball's toughest division are now in playoff position (top eight in First Division): Rays, Yankees and Red Sox. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are in promotion position in the Second Division. In the real world, the Jays are ahead of the Sox in the standings but still a game behind the Yanks for the wild card. At least two of those four teams will miss the real world playoffs no matter what, despite the fact that all four have better records than the West Division-leading A's. My way, they're now suddenly all having very meaningful and exciting seasons. The Red Sox' fourth place standing doesn't look so worrisome.

The Orioles still stink.