2023 MLB Postseason

[revo]

Most unexciting WS ever?

[rhd]

I didnt realize it before but both WS teams lost over 100 games 2 years ago (Arizona 52-110 and Texas 60-102). I couldnt confirm it but this has to be the first time this has happened.

And both teams had losing records last year (Arizona 74-88, Texas 68-94). This has happened 3 times before, coincidentally each time involving the Twins (1991, 1987 and 1965).

[heyelander]

too many solo hrs - not enough runs driven in.

[madducks]

too many solo hrs - not enough runs driven in.

Sadly, in today's home run filled game, giving up several solo home runs in a game has become acceptable for a pitcher.

[Ken]

Most unexciting WS ever?

I think you misspelled least.

No teams with big media coastal bias. Check!

[revo]

I think you misspelled least.

No teams with big media coastal bias. Check!

Many reasons why:
- both teams were losers last year and combined have the lowest win% for both WS teams in the prior season
- both teams lost over 100 games 2 years ago
- both teams are in the Top 5 ever lowest win% in previous 3 seasons by WS teams
- Arizona finished just 6 games over .500, and have the 3rd worst record for a team advancing to the WS ever
- no real history -- both teams combine for just 1 World Series title
- few big stars, especially on Arizona
- both were WC teams, just third time in MLB history that's happened
- they had the 8th and 12th best records of the 12 playoff teams

[heyelander]

I'm completely indifferent to AZ. Would like to see the Rangers win, but mostly because I somehow disassociate them with Texas.

[onejayhawk]

I think you misspelled least.

No teams with big media coastal bias. Check!

Not on the coast but a big media center in Dallas. Also, both teams draw a heavily Hispanic audience.

[Ken]

Many reasons why:
- both teams were losers last year and combined have the lowest win% for both WS teams in the prior season
- both teams lost over 100 games 2 years ago
- both teams are in the Top 5 ever lowest win% in previous 3 seasons by WS teams
- Arizona finished just 6 games over .500, and have the 3rd worst record for a team advancing to the WS ever
- no real history -- both teams combine for just 1 World Series title
- few big stars, especially on Arizona
- both were WC teams, just third time in MLB history that's happened
- they had the 8th and 12th best records of the 12 playoff teams

How is that not exciting? Worst to first stories are great. Having the Dodgers and Yankees in the World Series is extremely boring.

[DMT]

How is that not exciting? Worst to first stories are great. Having the Dodgers and Yankees in the World Series is extremely boring.

Exactly. Only six teams EVER have made the WS two years after losing 100 games, and two of them are in 2023. Would a rematch have been considered more exciting?

[Ken]

- few big stars, especially on Arizona

Texas had 6 all stars this year, the most of any AL team. Arizona had 4 which was 3rd most of any NL team. Arizona has Corbin Carroll who is probably the most exciting young player in the game right now.

This comment is a huge reach and frankly disappointing. They aren't stars if they don't play in an overhyped big market coastal team I guess?

[DMT]

Texas had 6 all stars this year, the most of any AL team. Arizona had 4 which was 3rd most of any NL team. Arizona has Corbin Carroll who is probably the most exciting young player in the game right now.

This comment is a huge reach and frankly disappointing. They aren't stars if they don't play in an overhyped big market coastal team I guess?

Another good point. If not for Jung getting hurt, the WS would be featuring both ROYs.

[revo]

Texas had 6 all stars this year, the most of any AL team. Arizona had 4 which was 3rd most of any NL team. Arizona has Corbin Carroll who is probably the most exciting young player in the game right now.

This comment is a huge reach and frankly disappointing. They aren't stars if they don't play in an overhyped big market coastal team I guess?

What's the obsession with "big market coastal teams?" Baltimore would have been great. The Cubs would have been fine. The Rays would have been fine.

Both the Rangers and D'backs had marginal regular seasons but extremely hot post-seasons. When teams like that get in, it makes for a disappointing (and usually forgettable) WS and questions the validity of such a large post-season.

Let's see if stating it's the "most exciting" matchup will show up in the TV ratings.

[DMT]

I don't see how the Rays are more exciting than the Rangers.

As for the Cubs, if they'd gone 2-5 rather than 1-6 vs AZ in September, they'd have replaced then in the playoffs. I witnessed all three of the AZ sweep first-hand and knew it would cost the Cubs. In hindsight, AZ's WS appearance makes me feel a bit less disappointed in the Cubs' late-season collapse.

[revo]

I don't see how the Rays are more exciting than the Rangers.

As for the Cubs, if they'd gone 2-5 rather than 1-6 vs AZ in September, they'd have replaced then in the playoffs. I witnessed all three of the AZ sweep first-hand and knew it would cost the Cubs. In hindsight, AZ's WS appearance makes me feel a bit less disappointed in the Cubs' late-season collapse.

The Rays had the scorching hot start, they were a 99-win team, they are now perennial contenders and they played in the '20 WS. They're a known quantity outside of their fanbase.