Frank Coztansa wrote:
While I get the expanded (read; watered down) playoffs, I take issue with this;
One Post wrote:
What makes the Sox different is they are an immensely talented team.
The 2004 Cubs were so talented that they had no weaknesses, and what did they win?
The way the Sox rebuild has gone and with what the players have said and their attitudes over the last 2-3 years, this season is a complete failure if the Sox are not playing in the World Series. That's the bar. Win the pennant, or its a failed season. There is not a third outcome for 2022. I've been consistent in saying this since the ALDS ended last October.
Talent or not, the Sox have not played like a Championship team for the vast majority of this season, however young it may be.
Frank, I think the comparison to the 2004 Cubs is perfect in this situation. That 2004 Cubs team was amazingly talented, but Prior went down for a bit, I think Wood did also. So the team won 86 games and was on the outside looking in for the playoffs. If MLB had 12 playoff teams that year the Cubs are in it, and we can't know what would have happened, but they would have been a scary team for anyone to face in any round of the playoffs. That's what makes the expanded playoffs change the complexion of the regular season.
The expanded playoff should also adjust the idea of "WS or Bust". You've got more small sample size playoff series that can be unpredictable.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
