What if the team with the best record outside their own division won the Wild Card?

Question

instead of the best record overall. With the unbalanced schedule it’s impossible to determine the best team by record alone because if your division had the four best teams (or even the two best) your record would be artificially low and if it had two or more of the worst teams then it would be artificially high. If they were able to keep the games outside the division more equal then that record would mean more for a wild card. The winner of games outside the division would be most competitive against the winners of those divisions.

Even if they would never do it that way, I wish they would keep the stats for W/L inside and outside the division. I love the unbalanced schedule and the interleague play but they can distort the records.

What do you think is the best way to correct for the unbalanced schedule?

liscsoccer - you called my question dumb and then starred it. Very confusing.

As far as interleague play, I'd exclude that also for purposes of determining the wild card.

Rhussy - I wouldn't know because I don't think they keep those stats. If you know where they do let me know

Answer 1

I have never been a fan of the wild card and it was implemented to keep fan interest high for those several teams that won't win the division but can go as a wild card. There is no best way to correct the unbalanced schedule and make it exactly fair for everyone. As long as we have the wild card forced upon us we will just have to live with it the way it is.

Answer 2

Interesting theory. It is a bit complex for implementation, and has a fatal flaw, however.
The team with the best record outside their division could still be an awful team with the current unbalanced schedule. In theory a team could be 10 games under .500 and still make the wildcard if they happened to shine in non-divisional games. That is even more unfair than the current system.

While it does seem a bit unfair to wildcard contenters, these things balance out over time, with divisions swapping roles as doormats (except, of course the AL East).

A better solution would be to add a wildcard team to the mix. That would generate more interest across baseball and give a shot to the next best team at making the playoffs. The two WC teams could play each other in a 3 game playoff to see who plays the #1 seed in the divisional race.

Answer 3

Don't correct for it, leave it as it is. Yes, teams may make the playoffs based on winning against a weaker schedule, but that's sports. Remember, before the Wild Card, many times there were teams that finished second in their divisions with much better records than the other division winner. (Look at the Mets in 1984 & 1985) In sports, you have to beat the teams you play, not worry about who the other teams are playing.

Answer 4

I think the best thing would be to add two more AL teams, make four divisions in each league and get rid of second place wild card teams.

Answer 5

Makes Sense But the Answer is should we point at the Second Place teams and you is the Best there.

Answer 6

the question itself is dumb cause you could play the weak part outside your league but it's interesting in the fact that some records are misleading like the redsox who play the Orioles, Devil Rays, and Blue Jays 45 of their games.

Answer 7

I understand your concept, apply it to real world baseball now.

Who would make the wild card right now in both leagues under your rules?

Answer 8

Simpler is often better. In this case, it definitely is.

Something about the WC has one's knickers in a twist.

Answer 9

It's fine the way it is now. People always want change. Just leave it the way it is.

Answer 10

I think its fine just the way it is.