My gut reaction is to be against it, but I have to admit I like the following aspect a lot
Posted by
rollo
Mar 2 '12, 11:45
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The new rule places a much higher premium on winning your division if it's the division likely to produce a wildcard. Take Yanks/Sox - sure there is pride in winning the AL East, and the playoff matchup is slightly unfavorable for the wildcard, but I don't think the team in 2nd much cared whether it was a division winner or a wildcard because both are treated essentially the same in the postseason.
Now, the wildcard has to roll the dice with an elimination game. Teams will NOT want to be the wildcard if they have a reasonable shot at the division. Thus, I think we will see a more competitive regular season from teams at the top.
Phillies/Braves/Marlins games should be ridiculous this year. Let me say, the Phillies did not put this team together to take their chances in a one-game playoff, no way.
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