The Atlanta Braves won 88 games this season. Just 7 games over .500. They had the worst record among the 10 playoff teams, including the 2 wild card teams. But, because they won their division, they got to be seeded 3rd rather than 5th in the NL. Meanwhile 2 better teams had to play in the wildcard game while Atlanta rested. Then, because of the luck of the seeding, they did not have to face either the Giants (107 wins) or the Dodgers (106 wins) and were able to get by Milwaukee.
Now, the Braves do have to face the Dodgers but they have home field advantage because, technically they are the higher seed (3rd seed over 4th seed).
I understand that there is nothing new about this and that the division winners get all the perks but I don't think they should. I think the playoffs should be re-seeded for the league championship series because, at that point, the teams have proven that they are the 2 best in the league regardless of divisions. IOW divisions should not play into the league championship series seeding at all. What still is relevant is the overall record.
The other thing that is weird is that the higher seed does not get to choose their setting. It can be argued that the lower seed actually has the better set up in a seven game series because of the statistical reality that it is easier to split a 2 game series away than it is to win 2 out 3 away.
The lower seed can win quite easily by splitting each 2 game series away and winning 2 out of 3 at home. It would make more sense to have two 3 game series and then a potential game 7 at the higher seeded park.
Anyway, Atlanta should be respected for doing so well despite the injury to Acuna earlier this year. But I think they are benefiting from the post season rules much more than any other team.
Now, the Braves do have to face the Dodgers but they have home field advantage because, technically they are the higher seed (3rd seed over 4th seed).
I understand that there is nothing new about this and that the division winners get all the perks but I don't think they should. I think the playoffs should be re-seeded for the league championship series because, at that point, the teams have proven that they are the 2 best in the league regardless of divisions. IOW divisions should not play into the league championship series seeding at all. What still is relevant is the overall record.
The other thing that is weird is that the higher seed does not get to choose their setting. It can be argued that the lower seed actually has the better set up in a seven game series because of the statistical reality that it is easier to split a 2 game series away than it is to win 2 out 3 away.
The lower seed can win quite easily by splitting each 2 game series away and winning 2 out of 3 at home. It would make more sense to have two 3 game series and then a potential game 7 at the higher seeded park.
Anyway, Atlanta should be respected for doing so well despite the injury to Acuna earlier this year. But I think they are benefiting from the post season rules much more than any other team.
