Jump to content

The Pointless Realignment Outpost


Lee.

Recommended Posts

  • 3 weeks later...

Here's an MLB minor realignment I just came up with. It's without expansion, so still 30 teams. NL goes to the NFL format (4 divisions of 4 teams) and AL stays as is. I have 2 different ones; one with Colorado and Texas swapping leagues, and the other with Colorado and Tampa Bay swapping.

Scenario #1:

NL

West: Arizona, LA Dodgers, San Diego, San Francisco

Central: St. Louis, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, Milwaukee

East: NY Mets, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington

South: Atlanta, Houston, Miami/Florida, Texas

AL

West: LA Angels, Colorado, Oakland, Seattle

Central: Chicago Sox, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Minnesota

East: Baltimore, Boston, NY Yankees, Toronto, Tampa Bay

Scenario #2:

NL

West: Arizona, LA Dodgers, San Diego, San Francisco

Central: St. Louis, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, Milwaukee

East: NY Mets, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington

South: Atlanta, Houston, Miami/Florida, Tampa Bay

AL

West: LA Angels, Colorado, Oakland, Seattle

Central: Chicago Sox, Cleveland, Kansas City, Minnesota, Texas

East: Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, NY Yankees, Toronto

Makes all divisions as about numerically even as possible with 30 teams and not going to 15 teams in each league (which would require constant interleague play); instead of four divisions with 5 teams, one with 6 and one with 4, five will have 4 and two will have 5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would that scenario have interleague play at all?

Probably. I'm kind of tired of interleague play, but I'm not against keeping it as is. This, by keeping the leagues with even number of teams each, prevents there from being an interleague series always being played, as would be the case with 15 teams in each league.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So for the playoffs, would the AL have the only Wild Card?

And Cleveland in the Central when it's farther East than East division Detroit?

Yes and yes. Prior to 1998, Detroit was in the east when they switched to the 6 division format. They moved to the central when Tampa Bay joined. If the playoffs do change as it seems it might, with each league 5 playoff teams, then the NL would have 1 WC team and the AL 2. This was an alignment proposal back around 2000, to go 4 divisions in the NL and 3 in the AL, but it had Arizona and Tampa Bay swapping. There was also one in 1998, but it was far more radical and had a lot of teams switching with Minnesota being the most western AL team.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chicago's Jersey

Northwest Indiana

I always (begrudgingly) thought of Wisconsin as the New Jersey to Chicago's NYC:

Newark = Milwaukee

New Brunswick/Rutgers = East Milwaukee/UWM

Seton Hall = Marquette

Princeton = Madison

Atlantic City = Wisconsin Dells

Seaside(-guidos) = Lake Geneva

Twin Cities = Phily

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NFL: 2 preseason games, 18 regular. 14 divisional games, 4 games against half of another division, rotated over a 6-year period. Playoffs could be top 2, 3 or 4 in each division.

4 divisions of 8:

West: Seahawks, Niners, Raiders, Chargers, Cards, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys.

South: Saints, Jags, Bucs, Fins, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs.

North: Bears, Vikes, Lions, Pack, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Titans.

East: Pats, Jets, Giants, Bills, Eagles, Steelers, Skins, Ravens.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NFL: 2 preseason games, 18 regular. 14 divisional games, 4 games against half of another division, rotated over a 6-year period. Playoffs could be top 2, 3 or 4 in each division.

4 divisions of 8:

West: Seahawks, Niners, Raiders, Chargers, Cards, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys.

South: Saints, Jags, Bucs, Fins, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs.

North: Bears, Vikes, Lions, Pack, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Titans.

East: Pats, Jets, Giants, Bills, Eagles, Steelers, Skins, Ravens.

So goodbye NFC and AFC?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NFL: 2 preseason games, 18 regular. 14 divisional games, 4 games against half of another division, rotated over a 6-year period. Playoffs could be top 2, 3 or 4 in each division.

4 divisions of 8:

West: Seahawks, Niners, Raiders, Chargers, Cards, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys.

South: Saints, Jags, Bucs, Fins, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs.

North: Bears, Vikes, Lions, Pack, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Titans.

East: Pats, Jets, Giants, Bills, Eagles, Steelers, Skins, Ravens.

So goodbye NFC and AFC?

In addition to that, you lose a little parity here. Those 2 games a team plays again a same-conference opponent that finished in the same spot as it did the previous year can make or break a team's season. The Jets have 2 of their 9 wins this season thanks to games versus Houston and Denver. Under this format, all division teams play the same schedule so if you're not as good a team, you ain't going anywhere.

You can argue "that's how it should be" but I LOVE when a team can get itself into the playoffs thanks to a softer schedule and go on a run. Heck, I can use the Jets again from last year: Sure Cincy rested their starters in Week 17 but it was the same spot in the standings from 2008 that got the Jets that game. Because of playing Cincy that week, that situation, they come within 30 minutes of the Superbowl. Under this format, that game doesn't happen.

I guess I see it as lateral, or a very slight downgrade, but not better.

And good lord, the Bills may go 0-14 in that new NFL East.

HornetsTwistSig.gif

New York Jets |3-3| First, AFC East

New York Mets |74-88| Fourth, NL East

New York Islanders|34-37-11| Fifth, Atlantic Division

New Orleans Hornets |21-45| Third, Southwest Division

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 divisions of 8:

West: Seahawks, Niners, Raiders, Chargers, Cards, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys.

South: Saints, Jags, Bucs, Fins, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs.

North: Bears, Vikes, Lions, Pack, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Titans.

East: Pats, Jets, Giants, Bills, Eagles, Steelers, Skins, Ravens.

You lose a little parity here.

You can argue "that's how it should be" but I LOVE when a team can get itself into the playoffs thanks to a softer schedule and go on a run.

Good lord, the Bills may go 0-14 in that new NFL East.

Well, "that's how it should be" <_< . This is a simple, geography-based re-organization, without consideration of whether or not the divisional teams are "competitive" with each other. Screw Buffalo.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 divisions of 8:

West: Seahawks, Niners, Raiders, Chargers, Cards, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys.

South: Saints, Jags, Bucs, Fins, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Chiefs.

North: Bears, Vikes, Lions, Pack, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Titans.

East: Pats, Jets, Giants, Bills, Eagles, Steelers, Skins, Ravens.

You lose a little parity here.

You can argue "that's how it should be" but I LOVE when a team can get itself into the playoffs thanks to a softer schedule and go on a run.

Good lord, the Bills may go 0-14 in that new NFL East.

Well, "that's how it should be" <_< . This is a simple, geography-based re-organization, without consideration of whether or not the divisional teams are "competitive" with each other. Screw Buffalo.

Definitely your opinion, and I have no issue with that. If you want 4 divisions of 8 teams, geographically aligned, this is the way to do it. I'm simply posting my opinion. Also, just note my main point was losing the non-divisional games, NOT if divisional teams are competitive since that's impossible to assure. I'd also like to think it was apparent that my Buffalo comment was a joke.

HornetsTwistSig.gif

New York Jets |3-3| First, AFC East

New York Mets |74-88| Fourth, NL East

New York Islanders|34-37-11| Fifth, Atlantic Division

New Orleans Hornets |21-45| Third, Southwest Division

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd also like to think it was apparent that my Buffalo comment was a joke.

Understood. I knew it was a joke. My "Screw Buffalo" comment was too.

As for retaining tradition by keeping the AFC and NFC, I think that can be taken under advisement, but if it's going to help the league cut travel costs (and therefore save money, because businesses of any sort are inherently greedy buggers), that's what this alignment would be there for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, in the NBA, with all the Hornets-to-Seattle discussion, here's what a Hornets-to-Seattle scenario would look like (just the Western Conference in both cases; relocating teams are underlined, teams just changing divisions are colored and bolded):

Western Conference

Pacific Division

--Golden State

--LA Clippers

--LA Lakers

--Phoenix

--Sacramento

Southwest Division

--Dallas

--Houston

--Memphis

--Oklahoma City (from Northwest Division)

--San Antonio

Northwest Division

--Denver

--Minnesota

--Portland

--Seattle (from New Orleans and Southwest Division)

--Utah

Of course, this would be if other possible relocatees (Memphis, Minnesota, Sacramento, etc.) stayed put. It's that simple.

In the event of a Kings-back-to-Kansas City situation coupled with a Hornets-to-Seattle scenario, the West could end up looking like this:

Western Conference

Pacific Division

--Golden State

--LA Clippers

--LA Lakers

--Portland (from Northwest/Midwest Division)

--Seattle (from New Orleans and Southwest Division)

Southwest Division

--Dallas

--Houston

--Memphis

--Phoenix (from Pacific Division)

--San Antonio

Midwest Division (formerly Northwest Division)

--Denver

--Minnesota

--Kansas City (from Sacramento and Pacific Division)

--Oklahoma City

--Utah

This is another interesting option--as it would put the Suns in the same division as the Spurs, while the lowly Timberwolves would not be as far from other teams in the new Midwest division. Seattle and Portland would go together into the Pacific, replacing the moving Kings and the Suns, renewing some of the old rivalries with the remaining California teams. What seems to be a new rivalry between Utah and Oklahoma City would also be maintained in the new Midwest.

Of course, I don't know how long the Suns have been in the same division as the California teams, but it would seem to make sense to put them in with the Texas teams and the Grizzlies. Thoughts?

Pyc5qRH.gifRDXvxFE.gif

usu-scarf_8549002219_o.png.b2c64cedbb44307eaace2cf7f96dd6b1.png

AKA @LanRovr0 on Twitter

LED Sig Credits to packerfan21396

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, in the NBA, with all the Hornets-to-Seattle discussion, here's what a Hornets-to-Seattle scenario would look like (just the Western Conference here):

Western Conference

Pacific Division

--Golden State

--LA Clippers

--LA Lakers

--Phoenix

--Sacramento

Southwest Division

--Dallas

--Houston

--Memphis

--Oklahoma City (from Northwest Division)

--San Antonio

Northwest Division

--Denver

--Minnesota

--Portland

--Seattle (relocated Hornets; from Southwest Division)

--Utah

Of course, this would be if other possible relocatees (Memphis, Minnesota, Sacramento) stayed put.

No complaints here, definitely the most logical realignment. I'd be for it, if it means my Hornets don't have to keep turning in piss-poor performances against the Spurs and Mavs 4 times a year.

HornetsTwistSig.gif

New York Jets |3-3| First, AFC East

New York Mets |74-88| Fourth, NL East

New York Islanders|34-37-11| Fifth, Atlantic Division

New Orleans Hornets |21-45| Third, Southwest Division

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For those about to freak out over a possible 7-9 or 6-10 playoff team from the NFC West, I propose the return to 3 divisions to a conference.

AFC East

Buffalo

Indianapolis

Miami

New England

N.Y. Jets

AFC Central

Baltimore

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Pittsburgh

Tennessee

AFC West

Denver

Houston

Kansas City

Oakland

San Diego

NFC East

Arizona

Dallas

N.Y. Giants

Philadelphia

Washington

NFC Central

Chicago

Detroit

Green Bay

Minnesota

Tampa Bay

NFC West

Atlanta

Carolina

New Orleans

St. Louis

San Francisco

Seattle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For those about to freak out over a possible 7-9 or 6-10 playoff team from the NFC West, I propose the return to 3 divisions to a conference.

AFC East

Buffalo

Indianapolis

Miami

New England

N.Y. Jets

AFC Central

Baltimore

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Pittsburgh

Tennessee

AFC West

Denver

Houston

Kansas City

Oakland

San Diego

NFC East

Atlanta

Carolina

Dallas

N.Y. Giants

Philadelphia

Washington

NFC Central

Chicago

Detroit

Green Bay

Minnesota

Tampa Bay

NFC West

Arizona

New Orleans

St. Louis

San Francisco

Seattle

Fixed it.

YOZXkBG.png?1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For those about to freak out over a possible 7-9 or 6-10 playoff team from the NFC West, I propose the return to 3 divisions to a conference.

AFC East

Buffalo

Indianapolis

Miami

New England

N.Y. Jets

AFC Central

Baltimore

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Pittsburgh

Tennessee

AFC West

Denver

Houston

Kansas City

Oakland

San Diego

NFC East

Atlanta

Carolina

Dallas

N.Y. Giants

Philadelphia

Washington

NFC Central

Chicago

Detroit

Green Bay

Minnesota

Tampa Bay

NFC West

Arizona

New Orleans

St. Louis

San Francisco

Seattle

Fixed it.

Okay, much better geographically.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.