Setting Up a Wild (Card) Final Week

Brett Davis and Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

As we head into the final week of the regular season, 15 teams still show signs of life when it comes to claiming a playoff berth. On the one hand, that sounds impressive — half the majors still contending — and it’s on par with last year and better than 2022. Nonetheless, it still boils down to just three teams falling by the wayside, and just one of the six division leads having a greater than 1% chance of changing hands. As noted previously, since the adoption of the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement and its four-round playoff system, the options for scheduling chaos have been replaced by the excitement of math. On-field tiebreakers are a thing of the past, with head-to-head records usually all that are required to sort things out.

On Friday I checked in on the race to secure first-round byes, which go to the teams with the top two records in each league, so today I’ll shift focus to what’s left of the Wild Card races. Thankfully, there’s still enough at stake for both leagues to offering some amount of intrigue. Read the rest of this entry »


Giving Floro His Flowers

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, a veteran right-hander was designated for assignment. Not long ago, this pitcher was one of the best relievers in baseball. In fact, through the first half of the 2024 season, he maintained an ERA and FIP under 3.00. Yet, over the past couple of months, he has produced some of the ugliest numbers of any reliever in the sport. Following what was arguably the single worst appearance of his career, his team – the eighth he’s been a part of in his big league career – decided enough was enough. His club added him with the intention that he would play a key role in the postseason, but he quickly fell so far down the bullpen depth chart that he dropped off the roster entirely.

Oh, and no, it’s not the guy you’re thinking of. I’m talking about Dylan Floro. Less than two months after scooping him up at the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks DFA’d Floro on Sunday. They released him two days later. His 2024 season almost certainly has come to an early close.

Floro isn’t Craig Kimbrel. He’s never been the Rolaids Reliever of the Year, nor the DHL Delivery Man of the Year, nor the GameStop Late-Game Stopper of the Year, though admittedly, I made the last one up. Floro has been cut from his team’s 40-man roster more times (six) than Kimbrel has been left off the All-Star roster (five). You can tell as much from the headshots on their player pages. Floro looks utterly forlorn, resigned to play another meaningless season of Major League Baseball. Kimbrel is smiling like he thinks he’s pulling off that haircut. That’s the kind of confidence that only comes with nine All-Star appearances: Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Texas Rangers – Player Development, Data Apprentice

Player Development, Data Apprentice

The Texas Rangers are seeking multiple apprentices in Player Development. Each Apprentice will work with one of the Rangers’ minor league affiliates and report to the Minor League Video Coordinator. Apprentices will operate as an extension of the coaching staff and be a resource for both players and coaches. They are expected to manage the collection and application of data and technology at their respective affiliate and will gain experience across multiple areas of Baseball Operations.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Operate all technology for practice and games
  • Capture game video and manage upload process
  • Manage data and collection process and assist with interpretation to coaches and players
  • Collaborate with coaching staff and player development staff to monitor player goals and player progress
  • Conduct research and analysis, both at the request of staff and independently
  • Communicate research in a simple and concise manner to Minor League coaches, players, and Player Development staff
  • Organize and distribute advance scouting materials to staff
  • Support field staff and players with coach education and various administration tasks
  • Support field staff by throwing batting practice, hitting fungoes, and aiding with other on-field tasks. 
  • Troubleshoot video/technology related issues at your affiliate

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Demonstrated passion and understanding for biomechanics, pitching or hitting analysis or sports science.
  • Ability to work seamlessly in teams
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research
  • Willingness to learn

To Apply:
Send an email with your interest to texasrangersda@gmail.com

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Texas Rangers.


Job Posting: Seattle Mariners – Baseball Operations and Minor League Development Internships

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Intern, Baseball Operations
Intern, Minor League Development


Intern, Baseball Operations

Reports To: Vice President, Baseball Administration

Status: Nonexempt

Timeline: PPreference will be given to candidates who can start by March 1, 2025, and work through mid-October 2025.

Primary Objective: Responsible for coordination, support, and assistance to the Baseball Operations department in research, administration, and day-to-day scouting operation tasks.

Essential Functions:

  • Support all areas of the Pro and Amateur Scouting departments, including player evaluation, research, video clipping, and preparation for the Amateur Draft meetings.
  • Provide support in Advance Scouting, including preparation of the Major League Advance Scouting report.
  • Provide additional statistical analysis, economic, and financial research as assigned.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent relevant work or playing experience may be considered in lieu of formal education if approved by management.
  • Basic Spanish proficiency is preferred.
  • Background in player evaluation is preferred.
  • Background in video preparation is preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Working knowledge of statistical baseball data and its application as it pertains to scouting information, baseball strategy, and current in-game management trends.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Authentic and Aware: Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, demonstrating a dedication to doing the right thing and treating everyone with respect. Is self-aware and open to feedback, ability to speak the truth with a positive intent, foster a culture of honesty and builds trust with the team. Commitment to the organization’s mission is evident in both words and actions, aligned to actively contribute to the fulfillment of organizational goals.
  • Communicate and Collaborate: Values others and their views, actively engaging and partnering with team members. Seeks clarity and shares information transparently, fostering a collaborative environment while influencing others and aligning support. Excels in seeking out and leveraging the right resources, engaging in teamwork with a positive and productive approach. Whether verbally or in writing, communicates in a clear and constructive manner, contributing to an engaged and efficient workplace. 
  • Execute with Purpose: Takes action and demonstrates accountability, leading with a sense of urgency and dedication to achieving results. Sets and meets challenging expectations for themselves and others, making timely, data-driven decisions and taking ownership of outcomes. Approachable, engaged, and committed; sets a positive tone and cares deeply about the organization. Manages time, priorities, and resources effectively, aiming for and achieving excellence.
  • Adapt and Innovate: Acts boldly, fosters innovation, and supports transformational change. Leveraging analysis and insights, develops new directions and solutions, identifying opportunities for improvement and displaying a commitment to fixing them. With an ongoing commitment to learning and self-development, overcomes challenges constructively and adjusts effectively to shifting priorities and rapid change. This approach contributes to a dynamic work environment focused on progress and continuous improvement.
  • Competent in required job skills and knowledge. Completes work assignments thoroughly and completely in an accurate and prompt manner. Identifies and corrects errors. Is careful, alert, and accurate, paying attention to details of the job.

The Mariners are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package for our valued Team Members.

The anticipated compensation for this role is $20.00 per hour. We also provide complimentary parking and paid public transportation.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended from time to time.

This information is being provided in accordance with the Washington State Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Intern, Minor League Development

Reports To: Major League Assistant Video Coordinator and Major League Video Coordinator

Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Timeline: The Seattle Mariners are seeking Minor League Development Interns for all Mariners Minor League Affiliates. Must be available to start by March 3rd, 2025. The expected end date is determined by the conclusion of the 2025 Minor League season. Positions will be based at Mariners Affiliates; AAA Tacoma, AA Arkansas, A+ Everett, A- Modesto, and Rookie level Peoria.

Primary Objective: Responsible for coordinating day-to-day video and technology operations associated with assigned Minor League team. This includes, but is not limited to capturing, editing, and distributing video for Minor League Coaching Staff and players, in addition to providing Advance Scouting reports prior to each home/road contest, and operating all relevant baseball technologies throughout the course of the season both at home and traveling with the club on the road.

Essential Functions:

  • Capture, tag and upload video for assigned Minor League Affiliate using BATS and other related software for all home and road contests during regular season/post-season play.
  • Collect video and data from bullpens, batting practice and defensive work.
  • Coordinate use of performance science equipment (Portable and Stadium Trackman, Hawk-Eye, Edgertronic, Blast, etc.) and provide results to coaches and staff.
  • Assist in preparing and distributing Advance Scouting reports and tools prior to each series.
  • Support affiliate Trackman intern and coordinate data collection and quality control processes.
  • Assist coaching staff with miscellaneous video and data-related projects.
  • Serve as team point-of-contact for technological troubleshooting.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma required.
  • College coursework preferred.
  • Prior experience with BATS video charting software, TruMedia, PitchBase, Portable Trackman, Edgertronic cameras, etc. strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience with an MLB or NCAA Baseball organization strongly preferred.
  • Experience with video editing software such as Movavi, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc strongly preferred.
  • Must be able to correctly identify pitch types.
  • Must be willing to relocate to assigned affiliate for all home and road games.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Possesses working knowledge of modern baseball analytics, strategy, and trends.
  • Authentic and Aware: Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, demonstrating a dedication to doing the right thing and treating everyone with respect. Is self-aware and open to feedback, ability to speak the truth with a positive intent, foster a culture of honesty and builds trust with the team. Commitment to the organization’s mission is evident in both words and actions, aligned to actively contribute to the fulfillment of organizational goals. 
  • Communicate and Collaborate: Values others and their views, actively engaging and partnering with team members. Seeks clarity and shares information transparently, fostering a collaborative environment while influencing others and aligning support. Excels in seeking out and leveraging the right resources, engaging in teamwork with a positive and productive approach. Whether verbally or in writing, communicates in a clear and constructive manner, contributing to an engaged and efficient workplace. 
  • Execute with Purpose: Takes action and demonstrates accountability, leading with a sense of urgency and dedication to achieving results. Sets and meets challenging expectations for themselves and others, making timely, data-driven decisions and taking ownership of outcomes. Approachable, engaged, and committed; sets a positive tone and cares deeply about the organization. Manages time, priorities, and resources effectively, aiming for and achieving excellence. 
  • Adapt and Innovate: Acts boldly, fosters innovation, and supports transformational change. Leveraging analysis and insights, develops new directions and solutions, identifying opportunities for improvement and displaying a commitment to fixing them. With an ongoing commitment to learning and self-development, overcomes challenges constructively and adjusts effectively to shifting priorities and rapid change. This approach contributes to a dynamic work environment focused on progress and continuous improvement. 

The Mariners are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package for our valued Team Members.

The anticipated range of base compensation for this role is $11.00 – $19.97 per hour based on the state minimum wage of the affiliate location.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended from time to time. Paid public transportation is provided in Washington State.

This information is being provided in accordance with the Washington State Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Seattle Mariners.


Job Posting: Seattle Mariners – Baseball Analytics and Projects Internships

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Intern, Baseball Projects
Intern, Analytics


Intern, Baseball Projects

Reports To: Assistant Director, Baseball Projects

Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Timeline: Preference will be given to candidates who can start by March 1, 2025, and work through mid-October 2025. Flexible timeline for candidates enrolled in college.

Primary Objective: Responsible for contributing to technical projects at the intersection of baseball analytics and broader baseball operations, with an emphasis on creating innovative tools & streamlining communications.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop reports, software, and educational materials to facilitate evidence-based decision-making throughout broader baseball operations.
  • Provide quantitative support to player plan, high performance, advance scouting, and other player improvement processes.             
  • Contribute to amateur & professional player acquisition decisions in both formal & informal contexts.
  • Fulfill ad hoc requests from coaches, scouts, and other staff about internal metrics & processes.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned by Assistant Director, Baseball Projects.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education requirements if approved by management.
  • Proficiency handling large datasets in R, SQL, Python, and/or comparable languages is required.
  • Shiny application or other web development experience is preferred.
  • Experience building predictive models is a plus, but not required.
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Knowledge of baseball rules and passion for baseball innovation.
  • Authentic and Aware: Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, demonstrating a dedication to doing the right thing and treating everyone with respect. Is self-aware and open to feedback, ability to speak the truth with a positive intent, foster a culture of honesty and builds trust with the team. Commitment to the organization’s mission is evident in both words and actions, aligned to actively contribute to the fulfillment of organizational goals. 
  • Communicate and Collaborate: Values others and their views, actively engaging and partnering with team members. Seeks clarity and shares information transparently, fostering a collaborative environment while influencing others and aligning support. Excels in seeking out and leveraging the right resources, engaging in teamwork with a positive and productive approach. Whether verbally or in writing, communicates in a clear and constructive manner, contributing to an engaged and efficient workplace. 
  • Execute with Purpose: Takes action and demonstrates accountability, leading with a sense of urgency and dedication to achieving results. Sets and meets challenging expectations for themselves and others, making timely, data-driven decisions and taking ownership of outcomes. Approachable, engaged, and committed; sets a positive tone and cares deeply about the organization. Manages time, priorities, and resources effectively, aiming for and achieving excellence. 
  • Adapt and Innovate: Acts boldly, fosters innovation, and supports transformational change. Leveraging analysis and insights, develops new directions and solutions, identifying opportunities for improvement and displaying a commitment to fixing them. With an ongoing commitment to learning and self-development, overcomes challenges constructively and adjusts effectively to shifting priorities and rapid change. This approach contributes to a dynamic work environment focused on progress and continuous improvement. 

The Mariners are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package for our valued Team Members.

The anticipated compensation for this role is $20.00 per hour. We also provide complimentary parking and paid public transportation.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended from time to time.

This information is being provided in accordance with the Washington State Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Intern, Analytics

Reports To: Manager, Baseball Analytics

Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Timeline: Preference will be given to candidates who can start by March 1, 2025 or sooner, and work through mid-October 2025.

Primary Objective: Responsible for supporting all areas of baseball operations through baseball-related data science, including statistical modeling, research, visualizations, and other projects.

Essential Functions:

  • Statistical modeling and analysis of a variety of data sources including Trackman, Hawkeye, and proprietary data sets.
  • Ad hoc queries and quantitative research.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. Education and experience may be considered in lieu of education requirements if approved by management.
  • A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and/or engineering required.
  • Proficiency in programming with either R or Python required.
  • Proficiency with SQL preferred.
  • Track record of original baseball research preferred.
  • Experience building and interpreting predictive models preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Strong technical skills in predictive modeling, data analysis, and research.
  • Authentic and Aware: Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, demonstrating a dedication to doing the right thing and treating everyone with respect. Is self-aware and open to feedback, ability to speak the truth with a positive intent, foster a culture of honesty and builds trust with the team. Commitment to the organization’s mission is evident in both words and actions, aligned to actively contribute to the fulfillment of organizational goals. 
  • Communicate and Collaborate: Values others and their views, actively engaging and partnering with team members. Seeks clarity and shares information transparently, fostering a collaborative environment while influencing others and aligning support. Excels in seeking out and leveraging the right resources, engaging in teamwork with a positive and productive approach. Whether verbally or in writing, communicates in a clear and constructive manner, contributing to an engaged and efficient workplace. 
  • Execute with Purpose: Takes action and demonstrates accountability, leading with a sense of urgency and dedication to achieving results. Sets and meets challenging expectations for themselves and others, making timely, data-driven decisions and taking ownership of outcomes. Approachable, engaged, and committed; sets a positive tone and cares deeply about the organization. Manages time, priorities, and resources effectively, aiming for and achieving excellence. 
  • Adapt and Innovate: Acts boldly, fosters innovation, and supports transformational change. Leveraging analysis and insights, develops new directions and solutions, identifying opportunities for improvement and displaying a commitment to fixing them. With an ongoing commitment to learning and self-development, overcomes challenges constructively and adjusts effectively to shifting priorities and rapid change. This approach contributes to a dynamic work environment focused on progress and continuous improvement. 

The Mariners are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package for our valued Team Members. 

The anticipated compensation for this role is $20.00 per hour. We also provide complimentary parking and paid public transportation. 

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended from time to time. 

This information is being provided in accordance with the Washington State Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Seattle Mariners.


Sunday Notes: Cubs Rookie Ethan Roberts Cuts and Sweeps His Spin

Prior to talking to him in Wrigley Field’s home clubhouse in late August, my knowledge of Ethan Roberts mostly consisted of his being a 27-year-old, right-handed reliever with limited big-league experience and a high spin rate. I also knew he’d had Tommy John surgery in 2022 as that was mentioned, along with his spin, when he was blurbed as an honorable mention on our 2023 Chicago Cubs Top Prospects list.

The 2018 fourth-round pick out of Tennessee Technological University has added to his résumé since we spoke and now has 27 appearances for his career, 18 of them this year. His numbers in the current campaign include a 2.66 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 23-and-two-thirds innings. Three days ago he tossed a scoreless frame against the Washington Nationals and was credited with his first big-league win.

Roberts learned that he spun the ball well upon entering pro ball. Not long thereafter, he learned that not all spin is created equal.

“It was my first time around technology,” explained Roberts. “I threw a bullpen and my fastball was spinning pretty high. It was spinning like 2,800 [RPMs] —right now it’s more 2,600-2,700 — and I actually throw it very supinated. It’s kind of like a natural cutter. But yeah, when I got on technology there, in Arizona [at the Cubs spring training complex], I was like, ‘I don’t know what any of this means, but thanks for telling me.’”

Which brings us to his spin characteristics, as well as to pitch classifications. Read the rest of this entry »


Effectively Wild Episode 2221: 50-50 Shot

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and FanGraphs’ Ben Clemens dissect the glorious game in which Shohei Ohtani founded the 50-50 and 51-51 Clubs, Ohtani’s most awe-inspiring feats, and his future, followed (29:51) by banter about the state of defensive stats, the mystery of Salvador Perez’s swing decisions, questionable kudos for Bud Black, whether Victor Robles made the worst steal attempt of all time, and MLB’s Players of the Game. Then (1:19:55) Ben talks to trailblazing journalist Melissa Ludtke, author of Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside, about the landmark 1970s Ludtke v. Kuhn case that opened MLB team clubhouses to women.

Audio intro: Jonathan Crymes 2, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Luke Lillard, “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to Ben C. on Ohtani
Link to Ohtani highlights
Link to Ohtani single-game stats
Link to Mookie quote
Link to study on exit velo
Link to Lebron tweet
Link to power/speed number wiki
Link to most Total Bases
Link to 50-homer seasons
Link to 70-steal seasons
Link to Sheehan on Shohei
Link to Ben C. on Ohtani odds
Link to various Ohtani fun facts
Link to OptaSTATS fun fact
Link to Terminator 2 quote
Link to Tango on defensive stats
Link to Judge on defensive stats
Link to BP DRP
Link to previous Salvy EW discussion
Link to Sarris on not swinging
Link to Choi on not swinging
Link to SEAGER explainer
Link to latest SEAGER article
Link to SEAGER leaderboards
Link to SwRV explainer
Link to more on SwRV
Link to PLV explainer
Link to PLV swing decisions
Link to Robert Orr’s Twitter
Link to Drew Haugen’s Twitter
Link to Kyle Bland’s Twitter
Link to Bud Black tweet
Link to Black’s manager page
Link to Rockies managers page
Link to Leyland Rockies wiki
Link to Ben on pitching coaches
Link to Julio/Arozarena play
Link to Julio/Arozarena article
Link to Andrews on Robles
Link to Baumann on Robles
Link to AP on Robles
Link to Robles video clip
Link to Ryan Nelson’s Twitter
Link to Ryan’s stealing-home data
Link to 2023 post on stealing home
Link to 2020 “steal”
Link to MLB Player of the Game
Link to FG Player of the Game
Link to Melissa and Cosell
Link to Locker Room Talk
Link to Constance Baker Motley wiki
Link to Constance Baker Motley book
Link to Ludtke v. Kuhn decision
Link to Angell’s New Yorker feature
Link to Angell centennial EW episode
Link to Emma at SI on Melissa
Link to Melissa on Melissa
Link to Melissa’s TEDx talk
Link to Melissa’s website

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 Twitter Account
 EW Subreddit
 Effectively Wild Wiki
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 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


Effectively Wild Episode 2220: The Baseball Layers of The Onion

EWFI
In a bonus EW episode, Ben Lindbergh talks to screenwriter and former editor-in-chief of The Onion Robert Siegel about his classic Onion opinion piece, “In My Day, Ballplayers Were For Shit,” how The Onion used to approach sports coverage, the importance of headlines and stock photos, satirizing baseball vs. satirizing other sports, why The Onion hasn’t lost its fastball, and more, plus (55:53) a postscript.

Audio intro: Josh Busman, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to “In My Day” article
Link to “Take Me Out” song
Link to The Onion baseball archive
Link to Siegel’s IMDb
Link to Siegel’s wiki
Link to 2003 Yankees story
Link to Counsell story
Link to Brock AB story
Link to warehouse fire story
Link to “No Way to Prevent This”
Link to Congress/Capitol story
Link to Ripken story 1
Link to Ripken story 2
Link to Little Leaguer story
Link to T-ball headline
Link to Onion popularity story
Link to Our Dumb Century
Link to ODC archive
Link to “Heartbreaking” photo wiki
Link to Ben on Sloan
Link to Facebook favorites thread
Link to Reddit favorites thread
Link to NotGraphs favorites post
Link to Angell’s boyhood memories
Link to Ben on talent over time
Link to Ottavino claim
Link to Tungsten Arm article
Link to Dunne at Fanatics Fest
Link to Ben on Marvel stans
Link to Grantland on dying baseball
Link to SI on dying baseball
Link to Ohtani futures bet photo
Link to first-pitch injury
Link to Chourio prediction
Link to Holliday prediction
Link to Shania song
Link to Ryan’s Twitter thread
Link to CV wiki

 Sponsor Us on Patreon
 Facebook Group
 Twitter Account
 EW Subreddit
 Effectively Wild Wiki
 iTunes Feed (Please rate and review us!)
 Get Our Merch!
 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


Hello, Bye: Checking in on the Races for Playoff Seeding

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

With just 10 days left to go in the regular season, four teams — the Brewers, Dodgers, Guardians, and Yankees — have clinched playoff berths, and while just one division race has been decided, only two others have even a faint pulse. There’s still plenty of drama to be had with regards to the Wild Card races, which essentially boil down to a pair of four-to-make-three scenarios; Seattle might have been a stronger fifth in the AL if certain Mariners who reached third base didn’t insist upon taking very strange walkabouts. Beyond that, it’s also worth checking in on the jockeying for position to claim the first-round byes that go to the top two teams in each league.

Once upon a time, this space would be filled with my reintroducing readers to the concept of Team Entropy, but through the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Major League Baseball and the players’ union traded the potential excitement and scheduling mayhem created by on-field tiebreakers and sudden-death games in exchange for a larger inventory of playoff games. The 12-team, two-bye format was designed to reward the top two teams by allowing them to bypass the possibility of being eliminated in best-of-three series. So far, however, things haven’t worked out that way, because outcomes in a best-of-five series are only slightly more predictable than those of a best-of-three.

In fact, the National League teams who have received byes under the newish system have lost all four Division Series since, two apiece by the Dodgers and Braves. The 111-win Dodgers were ousted by an 89-win Padres team in 2022, and then last year’s 100-win team was knocked off by the 84-win Diamondbacks. In 2022, the 101-win Braves fell to an 87-win Phillies team, and last year, after winning 104 games in the regular season, Atlanta once again was eliminated by a Philadelphia club that had finished 14 games behind the Braves in the standings. American League bye teams have had more success, going 3-1, with last year’s 90-win Rangers beating the 101-win Orioles for the lone upset. The Astros have taken care of business in both years, with their 106-win club sweeping the 90-win Mariners in 2022 and their 90-win team beating the 87-win Twins last year. Read the rest of this entry »


Clinching Season Comes Late This Year

Jovanny Hernandez/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Brewers clinched a playoff spot on Wednesday afternoon, with the Cubs’ loss to Oakland early in the afternoon. The Brew Crew themselves waited until after their game against Philadelphia later in the evening to celebrate properly — turns out that a pregame champagne bacchanal is frowned upon in this day and age — but by golly, they sure did seem to enjoy themselves.

The team set out a stroller full of non-alcoholic offerings for underage outfielder Jackson Chourio, confetti was tossed around, music played, and so forth. Bob Uecker was thrilled to the point of incontinence. It will surprise no one to learn that when it comes to clinching parties, I am strictly opposed to acting like you’ve been there before.

Some fuddy-duddies, angered by the realization that anhedonia is not a universal condition, will say there’s still work to be done for the Brewers, a team that’s now made the playoffs six times in seven years but has connived to win only a single postseason series in that span. That’s surely true, and should Milwaukee repeat its traditional low-scoring first-round flameout, I’ll be right there in line to level appropriate criticism.

But let’s not overlook the fact that winning the division requires months of hard work by hundreds of people throughout the organization. It would be disrespectful to those who put in that effort not to take a moment, for one night, to celebrate the product of all that labor. Read the rest of this entry »