Why Does Baseball Have To Be Baseball?

 

I've tried to avoid doing this because I know there's a charge of bitterness with it.

But, come on, how does a team win their division and not make the playoffs?

This happened in several cases, including Somerset, Birmingham, and Frisco in Double-A and others.

And, of course, the Hudson...Valley...Renegades.

It's baseball in its infinite foolishness.

I readily admit that I barely mentioned it when they wrapped up the division because I didn't think there was much to cheer about.

Sure, it's nice, but it doesn't get you any additional games. 

Still, the joke was partially on me because the team posted a graphic to announce the division title.

So it mattered...but it didn't.

It's nice and I'm happy for the players. Still, there's no payoff.

So right now the Greensboro Grasshoppers (the team that eliminated the Renegades) are awaiting good weather to open a best of five series with the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Putting business things aside, the proper thing would have been to admit the division winners into the playoffs with the next team (or next two, not being picky) as a wildcard. There. Done.

But there was some kind of logic. I don't know what the logic was but OK.

Look, my life is easier with the Gades off. I was able to do "The Clubhouse" tonight. I called Brunswick soccer today. I can do Greenwich and Brunswick football this weekend.

Still, it would be worth it to have to figure out a crazy schedule for the chance to call some playoff games.

It just feels like, so often, baseball can't get of its own way.

I think we're all grateful that there were playoffs at all.

I just don't think the powers that be thought this through.

So, why, baseball? Why does it get screwed up so often?