September 18, 2006
Three Way Division Tie
Mike Teevan of MLB was kind enough to call me back and explain the scenario of three teams from the save division tying for both the division lead and the wild card. This possibility exists in both the AL Central and the NL West. According to Mike, there would be a two game playoff for the division, and the two losing teams would then play another game for the wild card. However, it is being discussed that if the two game playoff results in a 1-0, 1-1, 0-1 result, that the third playoff game would be abandoned, the 1-0 team would be the division winner and the 1-1 team would get the wild card. Stay tuned.
I can't believe this scenario was never considered before. And though there is no perfect solution, not allowing a round-robin to play out is really a bad idea.
I misread your note. Not a round-robin, but kinda wacky just the same.
However, it is being discussed that if the two game playoff results in a 1-0, 1-1, 0-1 result, that the third playoff game would be abandoned, the 1-0 team would be the division winner and the 1-1 team would get the wild card.
It took awhile, but I finally figured out why that makes sense. I'm a bright one. :)
I do have a couple follow-up questions though:
- How do they determine the match-ups for Games 1 and 2?
it is being discussed that...
Really?
- This wasn't decided when they first instituted the wild-card?
- Who will ultimately make the call, MLB or the 3 teams?
- Will they continue to fly by the seats of their pants in future seasons or would this season's decision become a binding precedent?
Great job David. Thanks for making contact with them!
Like others, I'm surprised (actually, well beyond surprised) that MLB is only now trying to figure out how they will handle this situation if it arises. Nice work, David. I'll be interested to see how it all plays out...
Wherever I look, all I can find are discussions of the tie-breaker for three-way ties involving divisional crown AND wild card. No one has explained how they break a three-way tie in which ONLY the division is at stake, and the other two teams will get nothing (as could easily happen in the NL Central with Cards, Astros and Reds).
Anyone?
