As a fan of the Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball as a whole, I could not be happier with the changes set to take place in 2013.
In 2013 the Houston Astros will join the American League West, the playoffs will expand to five teams per league, and interleague play will be extended. While there are many people that will disagree with my sheer joy and think it to be an abomination to tradition, I welcome this change with open arms.
With 15 teams per league and five per division, baseball will finally be balanced. It is not to say the teams in the American League West had an easier shot at making the playoffs but with three other teams to compete with rather than four, odds were in their favor. On the flip side, the six team National League Central teams could argue they would have a tougher time winning the division.
In terms of an expanded playoff structure, I see this as a good thing as well. The decision is leaning toward a one game playoff between the two wild card teams with the winner advancing to the Division Series. As a baseball fan in general, I like the dramatics of a must win situation. Not every year will be like this year where both leagues had teams entire season riding on the decision of the last games of the season.
Expanded inter-league play also adds a new element to the entire baseball season as it will soon occur all season long rather than concentrated around May and late-June. National League rosters may now have to consider a designated hitter option such as Jim Thome’s return to the Philadelphia Phillies. American League managers will now have to become more comfortable with timely player substitutions.
For fans, we will have an opportunity to see players we have not always been able to see live. I have yet to see Albert Pujols play at Progressive field. Depending where he signs or if he stays with the St. Louis Cardinals, I may have a greater chance.
I like the greater odds the Indians will have at reaching the World Series. The best way would obviously be to win the American League Central, but having that extra shot at a wild card spot are odds I would not want to pass up.
Baseball is evolving, and change is not necessarily a bad thing in my opinion. The changes will add a new dimension to the game, and the opportunity to build a new rivalry with the Astros.
Granted, they will be in the American League West but they will be American League rivals nonetheless.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from this Contributor:
Cleveland Indians’ potential OF free-agent Targets: A fan’s look
Carlos Pena is not the Indians’ answer at 1B: A fan’s take
Jim Thome bolts Indians for Phillies, again: Fan reaction
Michael Cuddyer could be the Indians’ best free agent option: A fan’s look
Indians acquire Derek Lowe in Trade with Atlanta Braves: A fan’s reaction
Sources:
All data provided by MLB.com
Associated Press – Wild cards, realignment and more interleague ahead
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Indians fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.