Posted on 10/28/2004 2:52:06 AM PDT by PittsburghAfterDark
The divisional structure no longer worked. Midwest teams having to constantly play teams as much as 3 hours out of their timezone? Hard to keep fans up during the midweek and watch the games and if the fans aren't watching, you have a problem.
The purpose of the 162 game schedule is not to pick the best team but the best teams.
Oakland picks up guys regularly and doesn't break the bank. In 2002 they let go of Giambi and won even more games the following year. The Sox dumped Nomar's salary for three guys who contributed. Some teams overspend but hey, free market rules and the smart sellers restock their systems for better days. See the Marlins team of last year and how it was built when they broke up the 97 team.
There is nothing disproportionate about money. If people would get off their ass and go to the games then teams would have more money to spend. If people would follow the games then the local TV contracts will get more money. While I hate the Yankees, I don't support the idea that NY fans should have to subsidize Pittsburgh and Milwaukee's teams.
The Red Sox were the AL's best team from late July through the end of the year. It started with the NY brawl and carried through. Theo did a masterful job of being a GM and did it better than anyone else in the game.
Belhorn, Millar, Mueller, Timlin all played key roles and they were spare parts as well...
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