slightconfuse
Banned
Being the Expos,back!!!
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
MLB Expansion concept
- Thread starter EdReedFan20
- Start date
- Status
CosmicQueso
Member
In its first 5 years while playing at Parc Jarry (1969-73), the Expos averaged 1.3m per season, which is right at the NL average over that span.
During the late 70s and into the 80s, the Expos drew between 1.6-2.3 million per season, and outdrew the NL average every year.
It was only in 1998 and later had attendance figures started falling driven by a ton of factors.
Maybe Montreal wouldn't get to 3m+ per season, but if they get to 2.0-2.5m per season that would put it right in the mid-tier of the Mets, Brewers, Rockies, Pirates, Rangers, Orioles, Reds and Padres.
Montreal would absolutely, unquestionably draw more than Tampa, Cleveland, Miami, Oakland and the ChiSox.
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
BFIB
Member
No need for 32 teams. Just keep it 30 and move baseball out of Florida. Montreal gets a team, Vancouver gets a team. Do away with divisions all together (way too many teams in different time zones in the same division) and go back to the old days of National League and American League:
AL:
Yankees
Red Sox
A's
O's
Tigers
Indians
Blue Jays
Royals
Angels
Rangers
Brewers (back in the AL where they belong)
White Sox
Mariners
Twins
Montreal
NL:
Giants
Cubs
Barves
Cards
Reds
Pirates
Dodgers
MEST
Natinals
Astros (back in the NL where they belong)
Phillies
Padres
Rockies
D'Backs
Vancouver
Create a balanced schedule again while your at it.
AL:
Yankees
Red Sox
A's
O's
Tigers
Indians
Blue Jays
Royals
Angels
Rangers
Brewers (back in the AL where they belong)
White Sox
Mariners
Twins
Montreal
NL:
Giants
Cubs
Barves
Cards
Reds
Pirates
Dodgers
MEST
Natinals
Astros (back in the NL where they belong)
Phillies
Padres
Rockies
D'Backs
Vancouver
Create a balanced schedule again while your at it.
Party at the Park this Friday. I'll be there.
I'm all for moving baseball out of Florida and the Brewers moving back to the AL! (Although I'd be worried about my Brew Crew getting squashed due to the bank accounts of some of the big AL franchises)
I'd like this. It feels weird walking around Charlotte/Greensboro/etc and seeing Braves merchandise everywhere.
EdReedFan20
Member
Another potential city: Indianapolis?
Yes, but in that one, teams were moved to different cities (and that did not go over well with fans of those teams). Since then, the commissioner has said he wants two expansion teams with the 4-division 4-team set-up.
Yes, but in that one, teams were moved to different cities (and that did not go over well with fans of those teams). Since then, the commissioner has said he wants two expansion teams with the 4-division 4-team set-up.
I've been a lapsed baseball fan for quite some time since what happened with the team I support (Marlins) was just too egregious to keep on supporting them. (The swindling of money, the sell-off of players and false promises - multiple times, the disgusting rebrand so I don't recognise them as the team I liked anymore)
But I like these ideas. What would be cool is if this meant inter-league play was diminished and ring-fenced into one part of the season again. Or even eliminated. I don't and never have watched bullshit DH baseball outside of the World Series. Even as a small child (before the marlins joined the league) my affections would float between teams, but I refused to watch or support AL teams and that has stuck with me my whole life. (I was a Cubs / Braves / Giants fan as a kid depending on the season until the Marlins came along in 93.)
I like the idea of the Marlins being in the NL South and playing Atlanta and New Orleans. Could be fun. I'd miss the games against the Mets and Phillies though. I remember going to see a Mets - Marlins game live and warning fellow foreigners that baseball was pretty boring, only for about 25 runs to be scored between the teams. Good times.
Fake edit: I see people are already talking about eliminating baseball in florida. As an ex-marlins fan and someone who has been to see the rays play in tampa...
I really don't blame you.
But I like these ideas. What would be cool is if this meant inter-league play was diminished and ring-fenced into one part of the season again. Or even eliminated. I don't and never have watched bullshit DH baseball outside of the World Series. Even as a small child (before the marlins joined the league) my affections would float between teams, but I refused to watch or support AL teams and that has stuck with me my whole life. (I was a Cubs / Braves / Giants fan as a kid depending on the season until the Marlins came along in 93.)
I like the idea of the Marlins being in the NL South and playing Atlanta and New Orleans. Could be fun. I'd miss the games against the Mets and Phillies though. I remember going to see a Mets - Marlins game live and warning fellow foreigners that baseball was pretty boring, only for about 25 runs to be scored between the teams. Good times.
Fake edit: I see people are already talking about eliminating baseball in florida. As an ex-marlins fan and someone who has been to see the rays play in tampa...
I really don't blame you.
diffusionx
Gold Member
Mets and Braves is an on-again off-again rivalry, so I wouldn't want that to go away.
Oh and eliminate the DH once and for all. Get rid of interleague play so the WS matters more. It's ridiculous that there was interleague play Opening Day. Totally misses the point.
I like the idea of San Antonio getting a team.
we would PROBABLY draw more than those bottom 5 IF the marketing is great and IF we have a good TV deal and IF the blackout rules aren't too strict and IF the ballpark is downtown
lots of if, but still possible
BFIB
Member
There would be another team in NYC before another team is in Texas.
EdReedFan20
Member
It would. The only reason inter-league play is the way it is now is because there's not an even number of teams per league. It used to be 16 in the National League and 14 in the American league. However, when HOU went to the AL, it became 15 in each. So the result was 14 teams from the same league could play teams in their own league, while the 15th team of each league would play each other in inter-league. By going to 32, each league would have 16 teams, allowing baseball to return to the old inter-league schedules.
sf2fanatic
Member
I hope if Vegas does get in the mix it's a Dome stadium. I went to a AAA game, no bueno. Too hot.
CosmicQueso
Member
I guess having one less sports team in town is one less thing for Montreal fan to be depressed about.
Y'all need more sunshine up there. Canadians are so gloomy. Like mariner fans.
nillapuddin
Member
Lets play a game, you guys make your divisions
sugeestions on google
sugeestions on google
Wrong wrong wrong
Home runs are the best, they should get rid of the humidor and give Salt Lake City a team so there is another high elevation crazy home run friendly park
Or just force the Rockies to be sold to an owner that cares about winning
ImpalingNarwhal
Member
I would love for this to happen, but I would like it even more if the leagues unified their rules. 15 teams per league makes Inter-league play even more annoying than usual, and it's hard for me to care about what's going on in the opposite league.
With an even 16 teams in both leagues, would this make the AL and the NL be more exclusive like it has been in the past? Or would the league differentiation just disappear, more like it is in the NFL?
With an even 16 teams in both leagues, would this make the AL and the NL be more exclusive like it has been in the past? Or would the league differentiation just disappear, more like it is in the NFL?
Hitting is supposed to be difficult. Home runs aren't a participation trophy.
I just don't see that ever happening, with records and ticket sales and everything that goes into it.
GitarooMan
Member
I'm sure this has been noted, but I think expansion to Charlotte is more likely than New Orleans. Also, you could move the Rays to Montreal and create a 4-team AL East of Boston, New York, Montreal, Toronto (and send those pesky Orioles to AL South or something). Of course, the Orioles would never want to leave the East and those Yankees/Red Sox games, so whatever.
CosmicQueso
Member
Given Nets/Islanders attendance, are we sure about this?
nillapuddin
Member
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
EdReedFan20
Member
Looking good ;p
Really? I think most Blue Jay fans would love to get out of the AL East and away from the teams who keep buying their playoff spots.
EdReedFan20
Member
One team that I could potentially see move to a new city is Arizona. I was reading last week that they want to renovate Chase Field (For AZ fans: Why do they feel it needs renovations? It's still fairly new-ish and looks fine) and were threatening to leave if that didn't happen.
nillapuddin
Member
Someone said too much time zone confliction, so take that into account
its annoying on occasion, but I dont think its a problem
p.s.
as someone who lives in FL, Baseball is absolutely not neccesary here.
The population isnt in love with it, the Rays exist so former Bostonians can go see the Sox play
The Marlins exist for..
I still havent figured it out
My friend, I have thought about these things for years. Not just baseball but other professional sports as well, including college back a few years ago when the realignment madness was going on.
Anyway I like your ideas. However I would strongly entertain moving the Rays out of Tampa. I know your goal was to not move teams but Tampa is a dead zone. The stadium is crap and they never really grew a strong fan abase. I would like to see them move to somewhere that is a smaller market than others like Omaha, Salt Lake City, or Portland. If Portland happens you could put Colorado with the AL South which would be nice for them.
I won't talk about the A's since that is a situation that will be going on for a long long time unfortunately.
Anyway I like your ideas. However I would strongly entertain moving the Rays out of Tampa. I know your goal was to not move teams but Tampa is a dead zone. The stadium is crap and they never really grew a strong fan abase. I would like to see them move to somewhere that is a smaller market than others like Omaha, Salt Lake City, or Portland. If Portland happens you could put Colorado with the AL South which would be nice for them.
I won't talk about the A's since that is a situation that will be going on for a long long time unfortunately.
nillapuddin
Member
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2015...ssible-future-major-league-baseball-expansion
New Jersey
PRO: Largest population base and TV market in North America. The area supported three teams for decades until the Dodgers and Giants left. Many New Jersey baseball fans would love to have a team in their state and not have to travel into NYC for games.
CON: The massive indemnity payment -- likely in the billions -- that a New Jersey team would have to pay to the Yankees and Mets in order to share their territory.
Montreal
PRO: Supported a major-league franchise for almost 40 years with passionate and knowledgeable fans. About the same metro population as Phoenix or Seattle. Would provide a good divisional rival for the Blue Jays.
CON: Don't have a suitable stadium nor a current plan to build one, although they have a decent temporary home in Olympic Stadium. Canadian dollar exchange rate could be an issue. TV ratings aren't included in U.S. national numbers.
Charlotte
PRO: Outside of New Jersey, it's the largest U.S. city without a major-league team.
CON: That area of the South is usually football country. Not sure if there are enough baseball fans there to make for a viable big-league market.
Portland, Oregon
PRO: Supported a strong Triple-A franchise for many years. Though somewhat close to Seattle, it's far enough away to have its own market and fanbase.
CON: Didn't care enough about the Triple-A franchise to renovate a stadium to keep it, and don't seem inclined to build a stadium for a big-league team.
San Antonio
PRO: Large population could support a team.
CON: Much smaller TV market rank (33) than population rank (25). Has never had professional baseball above the Double-A level. Might be too close to Houston and Dallas to have a big enough fanbase.
Sacramento
PRO: Largest TV market (20) without a major-league team.
CON: As a state capital, government is the biggest business there and it might not have the corporate base that a major-league team needs. Probably too close to the Bay Area to have a separate fanbase.
Las Vegas
PRO: Money. Lots and lots of money.
CON: Smallest TV market size (41) of this group. Casino gambling could be an issue. The population there is quite transient, not conducive to building a strong fanbase.
Columbus, Ohio
PRO: Has proven it can support a major-league team (Blue Jackets). Larger than some existing baseball markets, including one in its own state (Cincinnati).
CON: Ohio is already pretty well split between the Indians and Reds and might not have enough room or population for a third team. Columbus' biggest businesses are state government and Ohio State; neither would likely provide the corporate support a team needs.
Indianapolis
PRO: Has two major-league teams (Colts and Pacers) who get good support.
CON: The support those teams have likely sucks away a lot of the corporate dollars a major-league baseball team would need. It's also split between fanbases of the Chicago teams and the Reds already; might be too close to both to succeed.
Nashville
PRO: Top-30 TV market that has supported minor-league baseball well. Considered the "home" of country music by many, has a strong media presence.
CON: Smallest of these cities by population, like Charlotte, Nashville seems more football country than a baseball town.
New Jersey
PRO: Largest population base and TV market in North America. The area supported three teams for decades until the Dodgers and Giants left. Many New Jersey baseball fans would love to have a team in their state and not have to travel into NYC for games.
CON: The massive indemnity payment -- likely in the billions -- that a New Jersey team would have to pay to the Yankees and Mets in order to share their territory.
Montreal
PRO: Supported a major-league franchise for almost 40 years with passionate and knowledgeable fans. About the same metro population as Phoenix or Seattle. Would provide a good divisional rival for the Blue Jays.
CON: Don't have a suitable stadium nor a current plan to build one, although they have a decent temporary home in Olympic Stadium. Canadian dollar exchange rate could be an issue. TV ratings aren't included in U.S. national numbers.
Charlotte
PRO: Outside of New Jersey, it's the largest U.S. city without a major-league team.
CON: That area of the South is usually football country. Not sure if there are enough baseball fans there to make for a viable big-league market.
Portland, Oregon
PRO: Supported a strong Triple-A franchise for many years. Though somewhat close to Seattle, it's far enough away to have its own market and fanbase.
CON: Didn't care enough about the Triple-A franchise to renovate a stadium to keep it, and don't seem inclined to build a stadium for a big-league team.
San Antonio
PRO: Large population could support a team.
CON: Much smaller TV market rank (33) than population rank (25). Has never had professional baseball above the Double-A level. Might be too close to Houston and Dallas to have a big enough fanbase.
Sacramento
PRO: Largest TV market (20) without a major-league team.
CON: As a state capital, government is the biggest business there and it might not have the corporate base that a major-league team needs. Probably too close to the Bay Area to have a separate fanbase.
Las Vegas
PRO: Money. Lots and lots of money.
CON: Smallest TV market size (41) of this group. Casino gambling could be an issue. The population there is quite transient, not conducive to building a strong fanbase.
Columbus, Ohio
PRO: Has proven it can support a major-league team (Blue Jackets). Larger than some existing baseball markets, including one in its own state (Cincinnati).
CON: Ohio is already pretty well split between the Indians and Reds and might not have enough room or population for a third team. Columbus' biggest businesses are state government and Ohio State; neither would likely provide the corporate support a team needs.
Indianapolis
PRO: Has two major-league teams (Colts and Pacers) who get good support.
CON: The support those teams have likely sucks away a lot of the corporate dollars a major-league baseball team would need. It's also split between fanbases of the Chicago teams and the Reds already; might be too close to both to succeed.
Nashville
PRO: Top-30 TV market that has supported minor-league baseball well. Considered the "home" of country music by many, has a strong media presence.
CON: Smallest of these cities by population, like Charlotte, Nashville seems more football country than a baseball town.
I went there last summer when I visited the GF's family. I thought the stadium was fantastic. I don't see the need for renovations but then again I'm not there everyday.
Time zones are really only a factor in the NHL since the concentration of teams is heavier on the east cost than the other leagues.
As for the Marlins, I would move them but they have a new stadium so I won't even bother with that.
matthewwhatever
Member
Fans, possibly, but there's zero chance Rogers wants to lose all that extra revenue from games against the Yankees and Red Sox. They implement premium pricing for those games for a reason.
Face it Tiger..
Banned
I'd rather Calgary gets a team over Montreal.
OKC
New Orleans
Calgary
Sacramento
Charlotte
Albuquerque
everyone else can take a hike. Montreal isn't interested in baseball anymore.
EDIT: maybe Memphis.
OKC
New Orleans
Calgary
Sacramento
Charlotte
Albuquerque
everyone else can take a hike. Montreal isn't interested in baseball anymore.
EDIT: maybe Memphis.
VendettaRed07
Member
Charlotte should get a team. The south could use another team other than the Braves, and that is probably the best market for it. The Knights are a pretty popular minor league team, think the support and interest is there.
diffusionx
Gold Member
CON x2: Where do you put the team? Put it in Jersey City or Newark or even the Meadowlands and it might as well be in NYC. Put it in South Jersey and you're out of that big NYC market (and into the Philly market), but South Jersey is materially poorer than the North.
I don't see a team coming to Jersey.
FelixOrion
Poet Centuriate
To PR or Cuba?
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2015...ssible-future-major-league-baseball-expansion
New Jersey- It would work but TV money will be the wedge that holds it back. I think that regional TV contracts will be a serious threat to MLB within the next 10 years.
Montreal- I think it is a matter of when.
Charlotte- This is Braves country so it might be a hard sell.
Portland, Oregon- I think there is potential if the right stadium is built.
San Antonio- There is potential but if the NFL plants a flag there then I wouldn't bother.
Sacramento- Too close to San Francisco and Oakland. The TV rights are hurting those two teams as it is.
Las Vegas- NHL will probably be the guinea pig in Sin City.
Columbus, Ohio- Hard to build a fan base with two teams that have been around for over a hundred years each.
Indianapolis- Not impossible but it would be a hard sell. I could see it happen.
Nashville- Kind of along the lines of Indy and Charlotte. There is potential but the threat of current fan bases might hurt their chances. Memphis might be a better chance than Nashville.
My thoughts in the quotes.
nillapuddin
Member
This is from last year
This reflects what I thought, my family is from Alabama and Kentucky
So #1 the Reds, the #2 Braves, have always got my support
Along with the Bengals and Falcons, etc.
Although Cincinnati is TECHNICALLY in Ohio, we view it as part of Kentucky and therefore it qualifies as the South lol
I could go for either of those
Reds, Braves, (Rays), (Marlins)
That could be a division for the South and might actually work for everyone
Gotcha, and yeah new stadium, mistake imo
This reflects what I thought, my family is from Alabama and Kentucky
So #1 the Reds, the #2 Braves, have always got my support
Along with the Bengals and Falcons, etc.
Although Cincinnati is TECHNICALLY in Ohio, we view it as part of Kentucky and therefore it qualifies as the South lol
I could go for either of those
Reds, Braves, (Rays), (Marlins)
That could be a division for the South and might actually work for everyone
Gotcha, and yeah new stadium, mistake imo
Tragicomedy
Member
Booting the Royals from the current AL Central? Boo this man.
manzoman96
Member
My only hesitation with expansion teams is that the talent pool gets more spread thin, but I don't think that would be as much of a problem in baseball than it is in something like the NBA.
I do think the season should be shorter though. Make the games have more meaning.
I do think the season should be shorter though. Make the games have more meaning.
Princess Carl
Member
I would go all the time in SLC. Summer nights are perfect here.
I'm all for stripping three weeks worth of games and putting a few more off days in there for players. Basically dropping the season to 144 games. make the wild card a 2 out of 3 in the better team's park. Leave the other playoff series as it is. Play the World Series in the middle of October.
nillapuddin
Member
So this is a long term plan then
lets nix FL baseball.
edit: Ill admit this feels wrong
FL produces a ton of talent, and has a large hispanic pop which take to baseball, as well as a huge amount of northern transplants (old people). But clearly its not working
Now we have 2 teams to move, and 2 to add
lets nix FL baseball.
edit: Ill admit this feels wrong
FL produces a ton of talent, and has a large hispanic pop which take to baseball, as well as a huge amount of northern transplants (old people). But clearly its not working
Now we have 2 teams to move, and 2 to add
Part of baseball's problem (and the NFL to some extent) is that they built these stadiums to host 45-50K a night back when the economy was rocking in the 90's. I know this will sound ludicrous in the ears of Owners but a 35K-40K stadium looks better since it won't take as much to fill up. Empty seats look really bad. Just ask Nascar.
nillapuddin
Member
I actually think a team should move to KY. I bet it would work in Louisville
Would Cleveland ever move?
Potential movers: A's, Rays, Marlins,
Potential Spots: Louisville, Memphis/Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio
Would Cleveland ever move?
Potential movers: A's, Rays, Marlins,
Potential Spots: Louisville, Memphis/Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio
- Status