Wild Card expansion for 2012

     That’s right. A new format would probably be set for the 2012 postseason. Instead of one Wild Card team in each league, there will be now two Wild Card teams. And maybe you’ll be asking yourself how this is going to work. It’s easy. The three Division Champions of each league will automatically have their spot for the Division Series, but there will be a one-game first-round playoff for the two teams with the best record (Wild Card teams) of each league. In other words: a do-or-die game. Here is an image so you can see it better.

     I don’t know how do you see this, but for me, it’s a great idea not only for the owners of the teams, but for the fans too. If you see this from a business point of view, it’s really good for the MLB, teams owners and sponsors. One of the reasons is that more teams will have a chance to make it to the postseason. This is really brilliant, actually. Because you all know how we, the fans, are. If we know that our team won’t make it to the postseason (if you are not a die-hard fan), then we won’t go to the last games because, no matter how well they play, they won’t make it. But now, with more teams having chances for the Wild Card, the stadiums will stay full of fans during the last weeks and if there are fans, there is money: tickets, parking, food, merchandise, etc.

     

     In other hands, if you see this as a fan, the fact of two spots available for the Wild Card give the fans hope on their teams and the chance to have their teams in October, playing the best baseball in the world. The opportunities are more open now to any team, eve the small-market teams.

     I'm really happy with the MLB Commissioner, Allan H. “Bud” Selig for this move which I think it’s a great move. And to add this format this season, which is already a really interesting season to watch with all the notable changes (Miami Marlins: José Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Heath Bell, Ozzie Guillen - Anaheim Angels: Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson - Detroit Tigers: Prince Fielder - Yankees: Michael Pineda, Raúl Ibáñez - And others), it’s a very smart move.

     This is not official yet, but the talks continues to add this for the upcoming season and I'm sure that they will have an announcement pretty soon. So get ready to cheer for your team because maybe this year, you'll see your team playing in October.