Why MLB Postseason is Greatest Time of Year

 The playoffs of any major sport are exciting, but undoubtedly the MLB postseason is particularly so.  Though there are several reasons that this is the case, there are a few that stand out.   Generally, in baseball, the playoffs showcase the most elite teams in any given season.  Along with this, the best players are able to display their skills.  Therefore, the best overall teams are able to progress through the playoffs. In many other sports, the hottest squads advance, rather than the most talented ones the league has to offer.

 Although Major League Baseball has expanded its playoffs in recent years, they are still small enough to ensure that only the best teams will face one another.  Right now, all division winners in each league compete in the postseason, as well as, the two top non division winners in each league.  That’s how it should be, the best in baseball should only be permitted to compete for championships.  Unfortunately, the manner that other major sports carry out their playoffs stands in stark contrast to MLB.  The other leagues allow half their clubs to face off in a playoff format.  Therefore the performance in regular season play is diminished.  Just another reason why the MLB postseason is like no other.

Because of the current MLB setup, the greatest players and teams are allowed to exhibit their talent.  In the fall, the greatest athletes are on display competing for a world title.  In addition, due to the pace that baseball is played at, individual play can be highlighted and contemplated by those involved, as well as, observers and fans.  With other sports, analyzing play is much more difficult due to the high speed of competition.  Baseball is a thinking man’s game, something that can’t be said for other contests.

In the MLB postseason, every team that qualifies generally deserves to be there.  They have performed at a high level for most of the season, and  earned their playoff berth.  Very seldom do you see a team “back in” to the playoffs.  The fact is, that in the other professional leagues, many teams have done this very thing, and really haven’t performed at a level to warrant a playoff appearance.  To their detriment, the NBA, NHL, and NFL have all succumbed to embracing the financial benefits of having many teams participate in the postseason.  Without a doubt, this dilutes the importance of regular season play.  Because baseball has kept their playoff relatively minuscule, they have managed to avoid the same fate.  

Every sports enthusiast enjoys an exciting and riveting playoff season.  Though every professional league attempts to accomplish this task, perhaps nobody does it better than MLB.  It’s the best against the best.  Fans are given the time to digest how great the play is, due to pace.  Like no other sport, the top teams are the only clubs likely to win a championship.  Thankfully, MLB is the only entity to conduct its playoffs in the most proper way possible.  Hopefully, that never changes.

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Urban Meyer a Bad Choice to Potentially Take Over at Michigan State.

 Now that the Mel Tucker era has come to an end, the cascade of names to replace him have begun to infiltrate the public sphere.  Though many of those names have no chance of taking the helm of the Michigan State football program, the speculation is bound to continue until a firm candidate is chosen.  One former coach that has appeared to capture some interest, is the former Ohio State head man Urban Meyer.  Although his coaching resume is unquestionably outstanding, his coaching tactics and past behavior should give the MSU brass some pause before letting him steer the troubled, but storied football program.

Due to his arrogance and ego apparently, Meyer has adopted some peculiar coaching methods.  This included repeatedly engaging in abusive behavior toward players.  The most notable instance saw Meyer kick a player’s leg multiple times.  When confronted about the incident by the affected player, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo, Urban said, “He would kick his leg whenever he wanted because he was the head ball coach.”  However, such actions ultimately resulted in Meyer’s demise as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach.  Given this type of behavior, Urban Meyer does not belong on any football field in any capacity, let alone, as a head coach at a major university trying to recover its reputation that was damaged due to multiple scandals.

The recruitment of solid and all around character players seems to be a major weakness of Meyer’s.  In total, 31 of Urban’s players became embroiled in criminal matters.  The severity of those situations ranged from mild to the most severe.  Because of this history, someone other than the former coach must be picked to make sure the football program can redevelop as an elite, well run operation once again.  Picking a head coach with such a checkered past could exacerbate the university’s problems.

From a practical perspective, can simply bringing in a big name coach attract the best and brightest players?  Given the fact that higher profile universities have more resources and facilities, the answer is probably no.  Unfortunately, colleges have to consider the financial benefit it can offer its players.  If financial gain isn’t maximized for athletes, the best coach in the country couldn’t attract elite players.  Without a doubt, this is the scenario that must be taken into consideration when searching for the next head coach.

Is Urban Meyer one of the best coaches to ever coach in the college game?  There’s no question, the answer is yes.  However, from now on, any team that considers hiring him must ask themselves if they can take on his baggage, and the potential consequences of it.  In Michigan State’s case, they cannot afford to deal with what a Urban Meyer hire may bring, when in fact, they may be able to get the same results by bringing in someone less controversial.