The Astros could be headed to the AL

[Shawon0Meter]

ESPN’s Buster Olney has heard from three different sources that Major League Baseball and the players’ union are discussing a plan to move one team from the National League to the American League in order to even up the amount of clubs in each circuit.

The National League currently has 16 teams and a six-club Central division. The American League has 14 teams and a four-club West division. This new plan, which still needs to be voted on and stands only a “50-50″ chance of being passed according to an Olney source, would even up those two lopsided divisions while putting 15 clubs in each league.

From a competitive standpoint, it’s the kind of thing that needs to happen. It’s not fair that the teams in the National League Central are at worse odds of reaching the postseason than the teams in all other divisions. The Cardinals, or Brewers, or Cubs must finish with a better record than five other squads in order to win the division and secure a playoff berth. The division winner in the American League West, meanwhile, only has to beat out three teams. The odds can change yearly based on talent level and the Wild Card race — at the moment it’s an advantage to have the Astros and Pirates on the schedule frequently — but simple math says a team in the Central will face a disadvantage most seasons. And, hey, the Bucs are showing signs of life.

Two club executives suggested to Olney that the Astros, currently at the bottom of the NL Central, would likely be moved to the AL West to create a potential rivalry in Texas with the Arlington-based Rangers.

MLB, MLBPA discussing realignment, two 15-team leagues | HardballTalk

 

[CODE_BLUE56]

well..um..yeah

that makes sense

 

[Dan0mite]

How would it work with series? Would there have to be one interleague series going on at all times? 15 teams can't divide into even matchups.

 

[Rice Cube]

How would it work with series? Would there have to be one interleague series going on at all times? 15 teams can't divide into even matchups.

I think that's the plan. I think such a set-up would be really cool for baseball. Also reduces the inherent imbalance in interleague the way it's currently set up.

 

[beardown28]

I read somewhere else that it's actually less than a 50-50 that this actually happens.

 

[DewsSox79]

send them to the AL central please!

 

[TheCubfather]

they used to be in the AL central, so why not send them back there. it doesn't make sense to have a 6-team division in one league and a 4-team division in the other. balance them out and have interleague play all year long.

 

[Rice Cube]

I read somewhere else that it's actually less than a 50-50 that this actually happens.

This has about as much chance of happening as expanding instant replay review.

 

[85Bears4life]

maybe the cubs should head to the AL then we could have Soriano DH instead of putting his sorry ass In left field

or maybe not

 

[Jntg4]

they used to be in the AL central, so why not send them back there. it doesn't make sense to have a 6-team division in one league and a 4-team division in the other. balance them out and have interleague play all year long.

Actually, Milwaukee is the only AL team to ever move to the NL, not Houston.

But ya, I like the idea of having more inter-league and even division.

 

[TheCubfather]

Actually, Milwaukee is the only AL team to ever move to the NL, not Houston.

But ya, I like the idea of having more inter-league and even division.

you're right. my mistake. I think I was thinking about milwaukee when i posted that.

 

[Lex L.]

They should send Milwaukee back to the AL but its not going to happen since Milwaukee is leeching off of Cubs fans.

 

[X]

I'm down for it...it makes geographic sense...or at least as much geographic sense as having the Rangers in the AL-W in the first place.
If you ask me, tho, the whole league needs to be re-aligned.

 

[DewsSox79]

They should send Milwaukee back to the AL but its not going to happen since Milwaukee is leeching off of Cubs fans.

yeah thats it.

9 games at miller doesnt make their money for the season. dope.

 

[Rice Cube]

I actually think it might be cool to have 2 or 3 interleague series going on at a time, to achieve even more balance, but I doubt the teams go for that.

 

[TheCubfather]

I actually think it might be cool to have 2 or 3 interleague series going on at a time, to achieve even more balance, but I doubt the teams go for that.

definitely. i'd love it, but like you said i doubt the teams would be into it.

 

[Lex L.]

yeah thats it.

9 games at miller doesnt make their money for the season. dope.

Speaking of which, Reinsdorfs desire to have the Cell sellout at least 3 times a year is probably a big reason for why teams like the Yankees/Mets or Cubs/Sox play each other at each teams place every year.

Both Selig and Reinsdorf have had their hands in the Cubs fans pockets and dont want to lose that.

Not that it matters since you're some pos troll.

 

[Jntg4]

Never actually read the article, but was surprised when Len and Bob said that this plan would completely eliminate divisions.

I was hoping for a 5-5-5 in each league.

 

[TheCubfather]

Never actually read the article, but was surprised when Len and Bob said that this plan would completely eliminate divisions.

I was hoping for a 5-5-5 in each league.

hmmm. wonder how the playoffs would work in that system? guessing just the top 4 in each league.