I have to respect Donnie Baseball's opinion. After all, he's from Indiana. I still don't see how using more players than normal during a 9-inning game changes the fundamental structure of the game. The number of outs and lineup players is the same. It doesn't - or shouldn't - change the elapsed time of the game. The only difference is that the dugout is more crowded.
I would have to agree with you Sid and it's not like they just started expanding rosters in Sept in recent years. It's a long time tradition in baseball. For teams who aren't in the race for the playoffs they can take a look at their minor leaguers and for teams like Astros it's a chance to do the same with a serious consideration for some of the kids to make the final roster.
Speaking of suggestions for change from credible voices, here's a suggestion by John Smoltz which is not unreasonable. There's precedent for it in the minor leagues. As the article says, it's not without flaws, but it merits a conversation. https://www.indystar.com/story/spor...n-smoltz-mlb-changes-split-season/1357842002/
I'm not sure I'd like the split season, but I do think it's time to rethink the schedule and eliminate the interleague play. But there will be as always financial issues that come up. There will be some rivalry/interleague games that are very profitable for the teams and they won't like giving them up.
Astros finally clinch the Division with the win last night in Toronto and Oakland's loss to Seattle. It was our 100th win, the first team to have back to back 100 win seasons in quite awhile. With 5 games left it's possible for the team to break our team record of 102 set in 1998. Astros have been good in Sept 18-4 is the best in baseball and our season long road record of 54-22 is the best in MLB. Hopefully this all continues in to the playoffs. AL is set with the rSox, Indians, and Astros as Div champs and the Yankee's and A's as the Wild Cards.
The Brewers are closing in on the Cubbies and the rats are leaving a sinking ....stadium. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/video/id-5348771529001-5840509495001/wrigley-field-rally-rat-steals-the-show-during-cubs-game
That's pretty funny, why people in Australia would be interested is another thing though! In the NL it looks like it'll be down to the wire between, Dodger, Rockies and Cardinals for the last 2 slots.
Cards chances for the playoffs are very slim, but they certainly can be the best friends to the Brewers. Rare double header today in Baltimore with the Astros. Just don't see them much anymore.
Astros set to face the Indians this coming weekend at Minute Maid Park. BY THE NUMBERS: 2018 head-to-head record: The Astros went 4-3 against the Indians this season. Batting Batting Average -- Astros: .256 (4th), Indians: .259 (2nd) Home Runs -- Astros: 205 (7th), Indians: 215 (4th) Runs Batted In -- Astros: 763 (5th), Indians: 786: (3rd) Stolen Bases -- Astros: 71 (11th), Indians: 132 (1st) Pitching Earned Run Average -- Astros: 3.11 (1st), Indians: 3.79 (5th) Total Strikeouts -- Astros: 1,677 (1st), Indians: 1,536 (4th) Runs Allowed Per Game -- Astros: 3.29 (1st), Indians: 4.02 (4th) Saves -- Astros: 46 (tied-4th), Indians: 40 (8th)
It's not the first time that a Division championship had to go to a 1 game playoff but I can't ever remember 2 Divisions in the same league having to go to a 1 game playoff!