Go "North" Mets Fans: Realignment Proposal

[Frayed Knot]

On Val's plan, I'll just re-mentioned my previously stated arguments against going to an 8 division/4 team format.
As nice as all those neat little regional 'pods' might look when circled on a map, there are various reasons why I think adopting such a format would be a grave mistake.

[Edgy MD]

Promotion/relegation wouldn't work in an established North American sport, for a variety of reasons: money, merchandising, broadcasting, but most importantly talent development. Aside from what goes on in places like the Dominican Republic, for the most part clubs are dependent on drafting players out of college or high school. In leagues that utilize promotion/relegation, player development is generally handled by the clubs themselves from a younger age, and clubs typically are able to develop their own local talent. Blowing up the current pipeline is something that is probably structurally impossible, and would undermine the great equalizer of sports - the draft.

I disagree with all of this. Other sports in other countries have lots of money, scads of merchandising, oodles of broadcasting, and great big gobs of talent development. They also have rights.

The draft isn't an equalizer and never was. It is and always was a way for powerful men to screw the powerless out of their right to sell their talent on an open market.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Minor league affiliations are FAR from the only way to develop talent. It would require actual investment abroad-- rather than exhibition-game lip service-- but more robust, advanced academies are one route. Another is more developed international leagues, and a loan system similar to that of international football. Expand rosters for injuries and such. Create b-team/ youth games... but the blue-chippers can learn on the job away from home. The Yankees want to sign and retain a glut of talent that won't take up a roster spot? Cool. But they have to watch them win games and sell t-shirts for the Brewers, or the Portland Wave, or the Tijuana Taxis.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Nymr83 wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The only thing the draft "equalizes" is how much $$ the bosses make dragging salaries down. i dont think it drags overall salaries down, it just distributes cash to established players over newcomers - which is why the union isn't ever going fight it - they actually prefer it even if they occasionally might feel the need to pay lip-service to the idea that it isnt fair.

It figures you'd believe this. The whole world is run by bullshitting scumbags and bastards who exploit everybody and everything underneath. Baseball's no exception. And in this country, the Republicans, whom you worship, are the worst example.

[Edgy MD]

I'm pretty sure Nymr's got you blocked.

But the MLBPA isn't the last word on whether the draft and other cost-control maneuvers aimed at amateurs persist. I hope it all comes crashing down tomorrow.

[batmagadanleadoff]

He couldn't ignore my posts if his life depended on it. And the block only works when he's logged in.

[Edgy MD]

I think, when he visits, he's logged in.

[nymr83]

Edgy MD wrote: I'm pretty sure Nymr's got you blocked. But the MLBPA isn't the last word on whether the draft and other cost-control maneuvers aimed at amateurs persist. I hope it all comes crashing down tomorrow.

Batshit? yeah, still blocked, a great decision and not one i'm likely to ever revisit as i once again enjoy visiting this board.

certainly the MLBPA isn't the 'last word', but when a system benefits both them AND the owners that system isn't likely to change. i certainly wouldnt mind seeing it go away, i just dont think it will.

[Valadius]

And as I mention my strong preference for an expansion team to wind up in Austin, I find out that as of October 17, the owners of MLS' Columbus Crew are trying to initiate a move to the Texas state capital.

[HahnSolo]

Valadius wrote: And as I mention my strong preference for an expansion team to wind up in Austin, I find out that as of October 17, the owners of MLS' Columbus Crew are trying to initiate a move to the Texas state capital.

Unless they are successful in extorting public money from Columbus for a new facility to replace the perfectly good one they have now.

https://deadspin.com/columbus-crew-welcome-to-the-stadium-extortion-racket-1819608903