I dislike this year's playoff format

[The Bart]

This year's baseball playoff format division series is bad. A five game series where the better team (record wise) has to play the first two games in the opposing ballpark should not happen. A 2-2-1 series starting in the better team's park is better, even a 3 game 1-1-1 series would be better. I know that some will disagree because of this year's Giants/ Reds series, but hear me out.

All of the teams in the playoffs, have obviously won more season series, than they have lost. Most season series are three game series. If you allow the lesser team in the playoff series to host the first two games, it seems to me that they have an advantage to take both games, as most teams win more home games than away games.

On the other hand, most season series (that are three game series) are not sweeps, (usually 2 to 1 in favor of the better team).

So, Oakland with the better record plays the first two at Detroit. Detroit does what's expected of a good team and wins 2. Oakland now has to sweep 3 games to win.

I think Detroit had a serious advantage by finishing with the lesser record. That should not happen.

[Proro35]

I agree. What was the reasoning behind there decision to do this. Maybe to cut down travelling? I dont like the 2 wild card play in game even alittle bit either. Especially with what happened to the Braves, maybe that will spark some changes for next year. Granted who knows what would of happened if that rediculous infield call wasnt made. To have a 162 game season and have it all come down to one game, and for that to happen. Very unfortunate as I think the Braves were clearly the best team in the NL with the Nationals Ace being out.

[Bob B]

The 2-3 format was for this year only. The regular season schedule went into October this year and there wasn't enough time to squeeze in a 2-2-1 with the added wildcard play-in game and possible tie-breakers needing to be played. In 2013, the regular season ends on 9/29 so the playoff format should fit better to avoid baseball into November. Game 7 of this year's World Series would be played on November 1st even with the 2-3 schedule.

[Proro35]

The 2-3 format was for this year only. The regular season schedule went into October this year and there wasn't enough time to squeeze in a 2-2-1 with the added wildcard play-in game and possible tie-breakers needing to be played. In 2013, the regular season ends on 9/29 so the playoff format should fit better to avoid baseball into November. Game 7 of this year's World Series would be played on November 1st even with the 2-3 schedule.

Thats good to hear that it was for only this year. I still dont like the play in game. What is this the NCAAB Tourney when to crappy schools have to go to Ohio just for the chance to get mauled by a number 1 seed. Baseball is all about a series. Even if its best of 3.