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Major League Baseball, is assessing a myriad of proposals, and has discussed a radical plan that would eliminate the traditional American and National Leagues for 2020, a high-ranking official told USA TODAY Sports, and realign all six divisions for an abbreviated season.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the proposal is one of several being discussed.
The plan would have all 30 teams returning to their spring-training sites in Florida and Arizona, playing regular-season games only in those two states and without fans
The plan would have all 30 teams returning to their spring-training sites in Florida and Arizona, playing regular-season games only in those two states and without fans
The divisions would be realigned based on the geography of their spring-training homes.
The plan would allow teams to return to the comforts of their spring-training sites for three weeks of training, which would also include exhibition games, before opening the regular season
The plan would allow teams to return to the comforts of their spring-training sites for three weeks of training, which would also include exhibition games, before opening the regular season
Here's a look at one realignment structure:
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE
NORTH: #Yankees, #Phillies, #BlueJays, #Tigers, #Pirates.
SOUTH: #RedSox, #Twins, #Braves, #Rays, #Orioles.
WEST: #Nationals, #Astros, #Mets, #Cardinals, #Marlins.
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE
NORTH: #Yankees, #Phillies, #BlueJays, #Tigers, #Pirates.
SOUTH: #RedSox, #Twins, #Braves, #Rays, #Orioles.
WEST: #Nationals, #Astros, #Mets, #Cardinals, #Marlins.
CACTUS LEAGUE
NORTHEAST: #Cubs, #SFGiants, #Athletics, #Rockies, #Diamondbacks
WEST: #Dodgers, #LAAngels, #Reds, #WhiteSox, #Indians
NORTHWEST: #Brewers, #Padres, #Mariners, #Rangers, #Royals.
NORTHEAST: #Cubs, #SFGiants, #Athletics, #Rockies, #Diamondbacks
WEST: #Dodgers, #LAAngels, #Reds, #WhiteSox, #Indians
NORTHWEST: #Brewers, #Padres, #Mariners, #Rangers, #Royals.
“When you’re trying to get really creative, why say no now?’’ says Hall of Fame Manager Tony La Russa, who is also LA #Angels Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations who has been briefed of the potential plan. “So, you have a unique season. I’ve got no problem with that.
The Arizona-Florida plan has several advantages, including allowing teams to establish home bases with facilities they are familiar with. There would be 26 ballparks available to be used, including three major-league domed stadiums – Marlins Park, Chase Field and Tropicana Field
Even with the realignment, could still play 12 games apiece against their divisional opponents and six games apiece against the other teams in the state. There would be at least one doubleheader when all teams are scheduled to play because of the odd-number of teams in each state
There could still be division winners and wild-card winners, perhaps adding two more wild-card teams to each league, or a postseason tournament with all 30 teams.
The winner of the Cactus League would play the winner of the Grapefruit League for the World Series championship
The winner of the Cactus League would play the winner of the Grapefruit League for the World Series championship
