MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's only friends seem to be the owners these days.
Manfred recently revealed during a virtual panel at Hofstra University that the expanded 16-team playoff format used for the pandemic-shortened season this year is likely to remain beyond the 2020 season.
He added that an "overwhelming majority" of owners endorsed the concept prior to the pandemic and with it implemented for the 60-game season, it now seems like it is likely to continue.
Of course, any changes would need to be collectively bargained with the players. Owners had originally proposed to expand to the 16-team format for 2020 and 2021 prior to the start of this season in July, but players only agreed to it for this year.
Still, just the idea of continuing this playoff format under normal circumstances during a 162-game season opened the door for wide-ranging criticism of the plan from fans and respected voices around the league on social media Wednesday morning.
Re: expanded playoffs: what possible draw is there to regular season division rivalries between good teams if everyone is being thrown into Thunderdome in October anyway? It's a damn drag. Mediocrity Über alles.
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) September 16, 2020
We did, however, find some fans who liked the idea.
Am I the only person who likes the expanded MLB playoffs? Makes it so more than like 4 teams actually try every year, which is a good thing, last I checked?
— sadboi #ACAB (@SplitLetters) September 16, 2020
For all the stupid things Manfred has done, this feels like a broken clock being right twice a day thing
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