It's Official: Astros to AL for 2013

[Party]

"I wanted to realign things about 13 or 14 years ago," Selig said. "And unfortunately Kansas City didn't want to move, and so then my old team, Milwaukee, moved and it has worked out great. Realignment is something that in the future I really want to look at particularly before I leave."

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110406&content_id=17432998&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

I propose:

ALE: NYY, BOS, TB, BAL, TOR
ALC: MIN, DET, CHW, CLE, KC
ALW: OAK, SEA, LAA, ARZ
One Wild Card

NLE: NYM, WSH, PHI, PIT
NLS: ATL, FLA, HOU, CIN
NLC: CHC, TEX, STL, MIL
NLW: SD, LAD, COL, SF

Texas and Arizona would have to agree to switch leagues. Each team has absolute veto power if any realignment forces them to switch leagues. KC vetoed a move to the NL in 1997.

I don't think we'll see a Eastern/Western league set-up as Selig originally proposed prior to the 1998 season.

[Bobbob1313]

Being in a division with Hou and Cin would be awesome.

Except for 8 PM start times.

[Branch]

If Selig were to re-align, why not even out the leagues and move one team to the AL? The 14-16 division has always bothered me for nitpicky reasons.

[Party]

You can't have an odd number of teams because there is no season-long interleague play.

One team in each league would have three days off.

[Branch]

Damnit. I propose the AL expand by two, in that case. San Antonio and Utah to the AL West.
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Or other cities, those were just the first two that came to mind.

[Madman81]

Being in a division with Hou and Cin would be awesome.

Except for 8 PM start times.

What does that have to do with Cin?

[Bobbob1313]

Is Cincinnatti not in the Central Time Zone?

[Party]

Nope.

[Beef]

:-)

[Bobbob1313]

Guess not. Huh, shows what I know.

[Party]

Going back to the 15 teams leagues, it makes sense if you expand interleague play. It would eliminate the concerns of the current format being unfair for those teams slated to play weaker/stronger divisions. It also increases the number of big draw teams for each league. Kansas City and Miami would see New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles all in one year.

[Madman81]

Is Cincinnatti not in the Central Time Zone?

Don't spell it like a stupid fuck on purpose

[Beef]

ehe Madman hates that

[Todd]

Why not just do away with interleague play? The 16-14 format really doesnt bother me though.

[marlins_virus.exe]

they'll never do away with interleague...as much as I loathe it, it still generates interest and money among fans.

Festa, in your scenario I doubt Texas moves for several reasons: 1) the two Texas teams would be in the same league which doesn't happen (Chicago, LA, New York), and 2) generally teams that switch should either not have a strong history or have some kind of "reason" to switch. Milwaukee's heritage was in the NL with the Braves having been there before the Brewers.

I think the Nationals would be a prime candidate to switch. For some reason they "feel" like an AL team, don't have a long history (since they kind of cut ties with Montreal) and don't have enough fans to piss people off. I think Arizona is a good candidate as well.

I also wouldn't anticipate that the leagues would have a different number of divisions, nor that they'd go back to having 4 playoffs teams as you're proposing since they're expanding to 5 ASAP. That's the point of no return, no one is going to shrink the playoff system.

I think what's behind this is an attempt to break up Boston and New York which would be criminal, I think. But breaking them up would almost assure that both make the playoffs every year, which means more money for the league. In the end I'd expect nothing to come of this.

[Party]

I'm not going to challenge most of your post because I agree with most of it.

However....

1) Pennsylvania has 2 NL teams.

2) Once upon a time, the Marlins were going to play in the same state as the Giants.

3) Houston and the Metroplex are separated by 300 miles.

4) Kansas City has a strong AL tradition yet they were the first candidate back in 1997 to make the switch.

5) Even by your criteria, Texas has a very weak AL tradition.

[jay576]

DC is pretty close to Baltimore and it is much closer than the Texas teams.

[marlins_virus.exe]

1) That's for a number of reasons. First, they came around when there was really only 1 powerful league, the NL. The Pirates became an NL team after the NL courted them to move from the American Association. Second, it's not like there were only 2 NL teams in the state; the A's were there from 1901-1954.

2) I must not know what that is

3) So? That's still relatively close compared to other cities.

4) Okay, and they vetoed it, because they had that tradition. Just because Selig is a fucking moron doesn't mean that was right.

5) How so? They've been in the AL for 40 years in Texas, and for 10 years before that in Washington.

[Branch]

I bet Festa would support moving the Giants back to Brookyln and into the AL, if not for their strong AL tradition, then to piss off all the hippies in San Fran.

[Omar]

It would be pretty hard to move the Giants back to a place they weren't from in the first place

[MiamiHomer]

ehe

[Branch]

Wow I fail. I dunno why I typed that instead of Dodgers.

[Party]

I think there is a difference between an AL team that has been shitty for most of their existence and a NL team that has won like 14 pennants.

[Branch]

Probably winning the pennants would be the difference you are referencing. I could be wrong?

[jOOj]

How about we just get rid of the Mets? Solves all the problems really.

[Chewford]

Agreed, we just need to accept that the whole New York Mets thing is a failed enterprise and move on and pretend it never happened.

[Omar]

Chewie already laid the groundwork for this in his offseason predictions

[The Hanram]

Chewie already laid the groundwork for this in his offseason predictions

ehe. :mischief

[Party]

MARK BERMAN
Sports Director

HOUSTON - Major League Baseball sources confirm for FOX 26 Sports that commissioner Bud Selig has asked Houston businessman Jim Crane to agree to move the Houston Astros to the American League if he is approved as owner of the team.

MLB sources told FOX 26 the fact that Crane has yet to agree to the request has kept him from being approved as owner.

That approval can only come from a vote of the game's owners.

Major League Baseball cannot move a team from one league to the other without that team's consent.

Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association may decide to expand the number of teams in the playoffs, and to do that they want each league and each divison to be balanced.

Right now the National League has 16 teams and the American League has 14 teams.

The only two divisions that aren't made up of five teams are the NL Central (six teams) and the AL West (four teams).

The Astros are in the National League Central.

MLB sources also told FOX 26 it is believed Crane can still get MLB's approval to buy the Astros franchise without consenting to move to the American League.

However, the sources said the issue of shifting the Astros franchise would be addressed again at a later date.

Crane has an agreement to buy the franchise from Drayton McLane for $680 million.

It was thought the deal was going to be voted on by the owners last month, but that vote was delayed according to baseball as it continued the approval process.

Crane is not available for comment.

McLane declined comment when asked by FOX 26 Sports to respond to this story.


http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/mlb/110907-moving-astros-to-american-league-important-for-crane%27s-bid-to-buy-team

[Todd]

Not a fan.

[Party]

It's official: http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-11-15/astros-move-to-the-al-reportedly-will-happen-in-2013

Perpetual interleague play beginning in 2013. Nothing on the DH rule yet, but the new CBA hasn't been announced yet.

[jOOj]

If we go global DH, it makes signing Pujols and keeping Gaby a lot smrtrs.

[Mainge]

I really want an NL DH.

[Party]

Yeah, I think this is going to usher in the age of global DH.................sadly.

[Bobbob1313]

That's the worst.

Can't wait to see more teams use utility players as DH!

[Mainge]

It's the only place in all of baseball where the pitcher is forced to hit. Give me the DH.
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Then we can use it on Matt Dominguez when JJ is on the mound.

[Fritz]

Having the pitcher hit sucks. It's like forcing the punter to line up at RB and take a handoff once every quarter.

[jay576]

Having the pitcher bat is part of baseball.

[Miamarlin21]

I like the pitcher hitting.

[Mainge]

Having the pitcher bat is part of baseball.

Only in the NL (and in AAA if two NL affiliates play and agree on no DH, which is never). That's literally the last league in the US that doesn't allow a DH. From little league to minor league.

[Fritz]

Being a slave to tradition is going to murder baseball. Also, if tradition mattered we'd have segregated leagues and not have any types of training regimens for athletes. I don't see how improving the on-field product hurts the game.

[Party]

Being a slave to tradition is going to murder baseball. Also, if tradition mattered we'd have segregated leagues and not have any types of training regimens for athletes. I don't see how improving the on-field product hurts the game.

Apples and oranges.

[Fritz]

Regardless, how is improving the on-field product a bad thing?

When all players sucked at hitting way back when, it didn't matter because everyone pretty much sucked. Nowadays, the hitters are so good and the pitchers aren't that it's a waste of time. It's essentially a formality when a pitcher comes up to bat. There's nothing enjoyable or exciting about seeing a guy go up to the plate and not even try in 90% of game situations.

[jay576]

This is nothing like having segregated leagues; equality trumps it. This is a rule of how the game is played. The AL changed the rule in the 1970s to improve ratings because it was the inferior league. Training has nothing to do with how the game is played; it has to do with preparation for the game.

[Fritz]

My point was training and desegregation improved the product on the field. That's what adding the DH would do. Seeing professional hitters hit and not risking injuries to a pitcher make it worthwhile.

Sorry, I'd rather watch Papi's fat ass knock one out of the park than see Anibal Sanchez stand in the box and collect three strikes.

[Mainge]

David Ortitties.

[Bobbob1313]

I always prefer watching NL games, so I disagree with the basic premise that this "improves on-field product."

[Fritz]

I don't like that AL games last 7 hours but I like the overall feel of the game. Every at bat has the potential for something to happen.

The casual fan would much rather watch AL ball though, I'm sure.

[jay576]

I enjoy the game much more without the DH. It significantly decreases the use of a bench

[Mainge]

It significantly decreases the use of less talented players is what I'm seeing.

[jay576]

And decreases the use of strategy in the game

[Bobbob1313]

It significantly decreases the use of less talented players is what I'm seeing.

Well, not necessarily. You're creating 16 more full time offensive jobs. Those aren't going to be filled with studs out of nowhere.

[Metes]

And decreases the use of strategy in the game

Oh man, those sac bunts and double switches are soooooo exciting and strategic!

[jOOj]

We're gonna need a DH.

[Mainge]

And decreases the use of strategy in the game

I don't think it does. The double switch isn't this amazing strategic ploy. The only thing it takes away is forcing the manager to decide to PH, or leave your starter in in late game situations.

Well, not necessarily. You're creating 16 more full time offensive jobs. Those aren't going to be filled with studs out of nowhere.

I was talking about Jay's comment about decrease in bench being used.

[jay576]

It completely changes in game management by removing a lot of variables.

[Mainge]

I don't think so. Managers do a hell of a lot more in-game than PHing and changing pitchers.

[jay576]

I don't think so. Managers do a hell of a lot more in-game than PHing and changing pitchers.

I never said they don't except having a DH completely changes that part of managing.

[Metes]

It completely changes in game management by removing a lot of variables.

Like getting a free out every 3 innings and being able to pitch around an 8 hitter

[jOOj]

Don't forget base clogging!

[Fritz]

Nothing like seeing bases loaded and two outs with the pitcher at the plate taking three feeble swings and walking back to the dugout.

[Fritz]

Well, not necessarily. You're creating 16 more full time offensive jobs. Those aren't going to be filled with studs out of nowhere.

Those 16 replacement level hitters will still murder the overall numbers put up by pitchers.

[jay576]

Seriously whats next replacing a catcher with a designated hitter because they typically suck at hitting and then won't be required to take off their gear to bat.

[jOOj]

I don't think that's going to happen.

[Ramp]

not that many good DHs to begin with.... the pitcher hitting is fine with me

[Mainge]

Seriously whats next replacing a catcher with a designated hitter because they typically suck at hitting and then won't be required to take off their gear to bat.

I'm down.

Just Kidding. :-)

[jOOj]

No wonder the Dodgers are working on getting Treanor. :mischief

[Omar]

Regardless, how is improving the on-field product a bad thing?

When all players sucked at hitting way back when, it didn't matter because everyone pretty much sucked. Nowadays, the hitters are so good and the pitchers aren't that it's a waste of time. It's essentially a formality when a pitcher comes up to bat. There's nothing enjoyable or exciting about seeing a guy go up to the plate and not even try in 90% of game situations.
This is a HUGE assumption. The on-field product in the AL is not better at all.

Games in the NL are faster, for one, which is baseball's biggest issue. This goes in the opposite direction and it's a sad day for the sport. Secondly, of course, the games are just more interesting - AL games are pretty boring.

I would be ridiculously against this. I'd probably stop watching non-Marlins games for the most part. I already don't watch the American League as it is because I find it incredibly boring.

[Miamarlin21]

I like how there is a lot more "strategy" in the National League. I love me a double switch and having to think ahead with pinch hitting for the pitcher, ect.

[Fritz]

I don't see all that much strategy. Pitcher can't hit so sub in a guy that hits better. Boom.

[MiamiHomer]

We'll never have moments like when Kerry Wood hit a 3 run jack to time a game in the NLCS.

[Ramp]

so I guess we have interleague all year long now (15 teams in NL and AL)

[Omar]

Keeerry Wood has homered

[Namaste]

Having the pitcher hit sucks. It's like forcing the punter to line up at RB and take a handoff once every quarter.



Having the pitcher hit definitely does not suck.

It's a good thing that they have to step in the box.

All about accountability.

[Bobbob1313]

I don't see all that much strategy. Pitcher can't hit so sub in a guy that hits better. Boom.

Matchups don't get considered?

[Metes]

To me, the crux of the issue is specialization. When we consider that pitchers batting is "tradition," we hearken back to a time when starters threw all 9 innings, and many of the position players were also pitchers.

That doesn't exist anymore. Positional specialization is predominant in every part of the game except for pitchers batting in the NL. It just makes sense to let pitchers pitch and hitters hit.

[Namaste]

If Team A's pitcher contemplates throwing at Team B's star hitter's head, Team A's pitcher needs to think about what could potentially happen when he faces Team B's pitcher.

Yes, Team B could still throw at Team A's star hitter but it's not quite the same in my eyes but I can see how others would disagree.

[Metes]

I really think that is such a small microcosm of the game to focus on

[Fritz]

It's not like hitters in the AL are constantly getting plunked.

[jOOj]

I can't take any of Fritz' posts srsly or funny since I imagine Whitney saying them. So I just kinda zone out. Huh?

[Sandroimbuto]

This needs a poll

[MiamiHomer]

Are there people reporting that a league wide DH is a strong possibility? I can't really find anything on it.

[Party]

Are there people reporting that a league wide DH is a strong possibility? I can't really find anything on it.

I haven't seen it elsewhere. But I think it's a strong possibility down the line with perpetual interleague play in 2013. I havent seen how the schedule would work out, but if each team plays 15-20 interleague series every year they will be at a disadvantage in half of those in most cases. Eventually people will figure out being at a disadvantage for 20-40 games every year in the name of tradition is not worth it.

[Party]

Some quick math:

Divisional Games: 18 games x 4 teams = 72
Division B Games: 6 games x 5 teams = 30
Division C Games: 6 games x 5 teams = 30
Total League games: 132

Interleague games: 30

Total games: 162

I want to see how they handle interleague. Would they eliminate the geographic rivalries in order to make it as balanced as possible?

[Party]

Some quick math:

Divisional Games: 18 games x 4 teams = 72
Division B Games: 6 games x 5 teams = 30
Division C Games: 6 games x 5 teams = 30
Total League games: 132

Interleague games: 30

Total games: 162

I want to see how they handle interleague. Would they eliminate the geographic rivalries in order to make it as balanced as possible?

LA Times reporting this is how the schedule will break down.

[Party]

"I think it's a travesty," Berkman said.[...]."It's a National League franchise. I think if they were going to do something like that, Milwaukee's the choice to go back to the American League; they're historically an American League franchise.

"It's a shame, I think, that Bud Selig is probably going to make that be sort of a condition of the [team's] sale. I don't like it. Even when I retire and live here in Houston, I don't want to go watch American League baseball. I'd like to have a National League team."

Berkman's anti-AL stance is nothing new. Back in July, he took aim at the DH rule, saying that baseball should ban it and that he'd rather retire than take a check for only hitting and not playing in the field. "That isn't baseball," Berkman said at the time.

I guess he's Omar's new favorite player.

[Metes]

Ehe wait five more years when you have no legs and let's see if you'd retire rather than DH

[Mainge]

Berkman's anti-AL stance is nothing new. Back in July, he took aim at the DH rule, saying that baseball should ban it and that he'd rather retire than take a check for only hitting and not playing in the field. "That isn't baseball," Berkman said at the time.


Except it is for every where else.

[Fritz]

I can't wait for him to play for the Orioles and collect $6M/yr to be a DH.