Author Topic: MLB Expansion (Read 8163 times)

Greg · « **on:** July 14, 2015, 05:33:06 pm »

With Manfred talking openly about expansion for the MLB or relocation of teams (Oakland), would you support another league switch for the Astros?

juliogotay · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2015, 05:51:23 pm »

As long as it is to the National League. I don't have any attachments to the current one.

roadrunner · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2015, 06:04:56 pm »

I would just be annoyed/sick of getting tossed around by MLB more than anything. Despite the history of the NL, I'm over the move and accepting of the AL. The thing that pissed me off all along was Bud just doing whatever the fuck he wanted with Drayton's team.

Bench · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2015, 06:07:59 pm »

My name is Reek now.

NeilT · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2015, 06:28:31 pm »

If they actually expand, I suspect it will include a lot of League changes. As long as we're still in the same league as Seattle I don't really care.

Mike S. · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2015, 06:30:00 pm »

Yeah, fuck the sea hags.

Fredia · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2015, 07:36:03 pm »

need popeye on the astros then

Lefty · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2015, 09:41:36 pm »

Fuck Arizona, fuck Colorado, fuck Milwaukee, fuck the whole state of Florida.

Yes, I would be cool with realignment.

Reuben · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2015, 10:24:39 pm »

HELL YES.

Do I think it will happen? No.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:21:18 am »

I would take a return to the NL in a heartbeat.

I've always enjoyed the All Star Game, but even last night -- how many years in? -- I couldn't get over how weird it was to be rooting for the AL. They mentioned Joe Panik getting ready to come in at some point, and I thought "Okay, Altuve's done. Wait..." I'm not sure I'll ever get used to this.

Fredia · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:50:52 am »

i know still familiar with more of the nl players than al.

hostros7 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2015, 08:24:53 am »

Depends for me. If we're in an NL division with the likes of Colorado, San Diego, Arizona, Milwaukee then I don't really give a shit. If we're rejoining some of the old NL central foes (or even old NL west foes), then I would welcome the return. My guess is that the DH will be used in both leagues after the next big realignment, so division rivals would be my key determinant.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jester9450 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:18:36 am »

Nope don't want to move again this team is not a ping pong ball.

jbm · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:24:43 am »

Quote from: hostros7 on July 15, 2015, 08:24:53 am

Depends for me. If we're in an NL division with the likes of Colorado, San Diego, Arizona, Milwaukee then I don't really give a shit. If we're rejoining some of the old NL central foes (or even old NL west foes), then I would welcome the return. My guess is that the DH will be used in both leagues after the next big realignment, so division rivals would be my key determinant.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I would expect the DH in both leagues, and also a balanced schedule. At that point, it really doesn't matter what division you are in.

All in all, I'm for anything the results in fewer west coast games.

das · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:25:58 am »

I'd be happy for the team to move back to the NL. Does anyone at all think that's a possibility with expansion?

I also don't think expansion is a particularly good idea. Dilution of talent becomes an issue eventually although the massive influx of foreign players will likely mitigate that.

I'd love to see a team in Mexico City (and maybe eventually Havana) but would prefer to move teams from places with poor fan bases. Just my $0.02.

Fredia · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:57:55 am »

montreal with a new stadium would have to top the list

hostros7 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2015, 12:08:10 pm »

Geographically speaking, I agree.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NeilT · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:25:22 pm »

I always figured it was Portland and San Antonio.

Fredia · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:42:14 pm »

AUSTIN

NeilT · « **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:45:19 pm »

Quote from: Fredia on July 15, 2015, 03:42:14 pm

AUSTIN

No.

subnuclear · « **Reply #20 on:** July 15, 2015, 04:01:59 pm »

4-team divisions like the NFL are affront to human decency and I hope they don't do that.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #21 on:** July 15, 2015, 05:04:10 pm »

2, 16 team leagues. 2 divisions in each league. Division winners and 2 wildcards in each league. No interleague play. Both leagues either adopt the DH or it gets dropped. New teams, Montreal and Charlotte

NeilT · « **Reply #22 on:** July 15, 2015, 05:10:34 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 15, 2015, 05:04:10 pm

2, 16 team leagues. 2 divisions in each league. Division winners and 2 wildcards in each league. No interleague play. Both leagues either adopt the DH or it gets dropped. New teams, Montreal and Charlotte

1. Not nearly enough playoff games. You're as likely to see 8 divisions.
2. They will never do away with interleague play.
3. Everybody ends up with the DH.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #23 on:** July 15, 2015, 05:26:20 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on July 15, 2015, 05:10:34 pm

1. Not nearly enough playoff games. You're as likely to see 8 divisions.
2. They will never do away with interleague play.
3. Everybody ends up with the DH.

#1 Was more of what I'd like to see, than what I expect. I would hate 4 team divisions and no wild card, as you could easily end up with 2 90+ win teams not making the playoffs in favor of a sub 500 division winner

Agree with you on 2 and 3.

TenThirty · « **Reply #24 on:** July 15, 2015, 05:47:37 pm »

As a Charlotte guy, I'd love Navins idea but this city isn't ready to support an MLB team. Plus, then I'd have to drop Astros and I'd rather not.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #25 on:** July 15, 2015, 06:11:12 pm »

Is there anyone out there capable? I picked Charlotte since they have other major sports and their AAA is near the top of the league in attendance.

Mike S. · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2015, 06:23:39 pm »

Actually trying to put pen to paper and work out what four divisions of four teams each would look like, the only way I see Houston moving back to the NL is if Portland is awarded a team over Charlotte (assuming Montreal gets the other) and the Astros are grouped together with the Braves, Marlins and Rays.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #27 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:43:47 pm »

Quote from: jester9450 on July 15, 2015, 10:18:36 am

Nope don't want to move again this team is not a ping pong ball.

Channeling Bud again are we?

VirtualBob · « **Reply #28 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:44:53 pm »

Quote from: jbm on July 15, 2015, 10:24:43 am

Yeah, I would expect the DH in both leagues, and also a balanced schedule. At that point, it really doesn't matter what division you are in.

All in all, I'm for anything the results in fewer west coast games.

I hope they do NOT go with a balanced schedule ... division races have to mean something.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:46:22 pm »

Quote from: das on July 15, 2015, 10:25:58 am

I'd love to see a team in Mexico City (and maybe eventually Havana) but would prefer to move teams from places with poor fan bases. Just my $0.02.

I really hope Havana sooner than later. Brings back the old 50's International League, and it is a great baseball ~~town~~ country.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:48:06 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 15, 2015, 05:04:10 pm

2, 16 team leagues. 2 divisions in each league. Division winners and 2 wildcards in each league. No interleague play. Both leagues either adopt the DH or it gets dropped. ~~New teams, Montreal and Charlotte~~

You have my wish list there for sure, but I am hoping for Havana or Mexico City in the mix. And NOT another team in Texas.

austro · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2015, 07:57:23 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on July 15, 2015, 07:48:06 pm

You have my wish list there for sure, but I am hoping for Havana or Mexico City in the mix. And NOT another team in Texas.

Mexico City is 2000' higher than Denver. You'd have to put the fences so far back that you'd have to add two rovers to the outfield.

Fredia · « **Reply #32 on:** July 15, 2015, 08:30:08 pm »

NeilT · « **Reply #33 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:50:45 pm »

Quote from: austro on July 15, 2015, 07:57:23 pm

Mexico City is 2000' higher than Denver. You'd have to put the fences so far back that you'd have to add two rovers to the outfield.

Plus the outfielders couldn't see the ball for the smog.

NeilT · « **Reply #34 on:** July 15, 2015, 11:01:44 pm »

"Manfred named Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Mexico City, Portland, Las Vegas, Montreal and San Antonio as possible sites for future baseball expansion."

From some newspaper in Charlotte.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #35 on:** July 16, 2015, 08:03:03 am »

Quote from: NeilT on July 15, 2015, 11:01:44 pm

"Manfred named Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Mexico City, Portland, Las Vegas, Montreal and San Antonio as possible sites for future baseball expansion."

From some newspaper in Charlotte.

I wonder what the players union would want in return for their players having to play/live in Mexico City? Las Vegas would be great, assuming it is a domed stadium. What about New Orleans, although I doubt they have the folks to support 3 pro teams. Maybe send the Pelicans to Las Vegas and NO can have baseball. I just want a team there for awesome road trips to watch the Astros play.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2015, 08:05:20 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 16, 2015, 08:03:03 am

I wonder what the players union would want in return for their players having to play/live in Mexico City? Las Vegas would be great, assuming it is a domed stadium. What about New Orleans, although I doubt they have the folks to support 3 pro teams. Maybe send the Pelicans to Las Vegas and NO can have baseball. I just want a team there for awesome road trips to watch the Astros play.

New Orleans doesn't have the corporate or large enough fan base to support big league baseball.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2015, 08:05:46 am »

Having never been to Cuba or Havana, do they have the infrastructure to support a team? I think it would be incredible to have a team there, they are baseball crazy. I can only imagine the atmosphere for a real MLB game in Cuba . A playoff or WS game there would be absolutely bonkers.

jbm · « **Reply #38 on:** July 16, 2015, 08:16:16 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 16, 2015, 08:05:46 am

Having never been to Cuba or Havana, do they have the infrastructure to support a team? I think it would be incredible to have a team there, they are baseball crazy. I can only imagine the atmosphere for a real MLB game in Cuba . A playoff or WS game there would be absolutely bonkers.

We had discussed this in the GZ once. I think Chuck pointed out that the folks there might have a ton of passion, but not a lot of funds. It does require a fanbase with enough free cash.

Bench · « **Reply #39 on:** July 16, 2015, 09:22:34 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 16, 2015, 08:05:46 am

Having never been to Cuba or Havana, do they have the infrastructure to support a team? I think it would be incredible to have a team there, they are baseball crazy. I can only imagine the atmosphere for a real MLB game in Cuba . A playoff or WS game there would be absolutely bonkers.

My parents recently took a trip to Cuba with a bunch of Fulbright scholars. I asked that exact question and the answer is a resounding no.

juliogotay · « **Reply #40 on:** July 16, 2015, 09:55:25 am »

Quote from: jbm on July 16, 2015, 08:16:16 am

We had discussed this in the GZ once. I think Chuck pointed out that the folks there might have a ton of passion, but not a lot of funds. It does require a fanbase with enough free cash.

If you consider the issues Happy pointed out about N.O. they would be magnified 10x in Cuber.

roadrunner · « **Reply #41 on:** July 16, 2015, 12:30:19 pm »

I really don't like the idea of expansion - in the sense of expanding the number of teams above 30. There are other ways MLB as a business can grow rather than just open new franchises. I would invest more in the international brand of MLB. Europe is still relatively an untapped revenue base of fans. Look at what the EPL has done by stretching its reach to the US.

If I were MLB I would work to improve the World Baseball Classic and focus on building the game in Europe/Australia. Assuming progress is made, you can work on developing international academies, tournaments, and leagues over there to make the game more global.

Keep Montreal, Charlotte, Portland, etc. vacant so that there are always options on the table when it comes to relocation. 30 teams with 8-10 playoff teams is perfect.

Fredia · « **Reply #42 on:** July 16, 2015, 12:34:13 pm »

so no nba model of playoff? finish one week before pitchers and catchers report

chuck · « **Reply #43 on:** July 16, 2015, 12:54:50 pm »

Santo Domingo would be by far the best Latin American choice. But again, the number of people able to shell out $8k for a pair of season tickets is limited.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #44 on:** July 16, 2015, 04:49:22 pm »

Quote from: chuck on July 16, 2015, 12:54:50 pm

The number of people able to shell out $8 for a pair of season tickets is limited.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #45 on:** February 29, 2016, 01:03:43 pm »

With Manfred continuing to make favorable noises about expansion, Morosi consults with the experts* and ranks the ~~cities he'd most like to visit as a reporter~~ top expansion possibilities:

1. Montreal
2. Austin
3. Vancouver
4. Mexico City (or other Latin American city)

*said experts being "people in the baseball industry and three eminent sports business experts — Joe Favorito, sports marketing consultant and professor at Columbia University; Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based Sportscorp Limited; and Dr. Andrew Zimbalist, renowned economist at Smith College".

Fredia · « **Reply #46 on:** February 29, 2016, 03:32:19 pm »

would be amazing to have baseball other than the freaking stranger aaa ball

VirtualBob · « **Reply #47 on:** March 02, 2016, 10:05:11 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on February 29, 2016, 01:03:43 pm

With Manfred continuing to make favorable noises about expansion, Morosi consults with the experts* and ranks the ~~cities he'd most like to visit as a reporter~~ top expansion possibilities:

1. Montreal
2. Austin
3. Vancouver
4. Mexico City (or other Latin American

I would sure like to see baseball return to Havana. Maybe a return to the International League if they don't get an MLB franchise.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #48 on:** March 09, 2016, 12:41:03 pm »

Regardless of whether they expand or realign, the designated hitter, interleague play and the wild card aren't going away. Those all mean money to the owners. The players association also likes the designated hitter, because it adds another starting player's salary for each team. The logistical issue they'll have to grapple with, besides the economics of expansion, is how to maximize the number of playoff teams without pushing the season any later.

moriartp · « **Reply #49 on:** March 09, 2016, 02:00:42 pm »

I just hope MLB switches to 8-team divisions when the time comes to expand. 4-team divisions would be a disaster.

roadrunner · « **Reply #50 on:** March 09, 2016, 07:11:22 pm »

Quote from: moriartp on March 09, 2016, 02:00:42 pm

I just hope MLB switches to 8-team divisions when the time comes to expand. 4-team divisions would be a disaster.

Not a fan of expansion for several reasons but this is the biggest. I feel like it would come with a 154-game schedule, and expanded playoffs a la NFL/NBA.

Fredia · « **Reply #51 on:** March 09, 2016, 07:18:13 pm »

presenting the world series Christmas day final special