If the 2022 MLB season ever takes place, expanded playoffs will be installed. Why? It’s one of the very few things players and owners seem to agree is viable, and the move to either 12 or 14 teams is a bargaining chip the MLBPA seems willing to morph and bend on as otherwise unproductive talks stagnate.
This is intriguing news for television contract negotiators and players on teams that typically finish fifth-through-seventh, but it’s certainly not joyful noise for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After all, they’re one of the very few MLB teams that does spend, and does win, and every additional playoff challenger added to their docket — no matter how mediocre — is another impediment to a championship.
How often have you watched something that shouldn’t happen … happen during the MLB playoffs? The chances increase with every additional postseason expansion, and the Dodgers — after doing everything right — will be targeted anyway.
Whether you’re willing to swallow that poison pill or not, nobody’s requiring you to be excited about what might be at the end of the rainbow in 2022.
Former Dodgers fan favorite Joc Pederson hears you loud and clear. Why stop at 12? 14? 16?!
Official…will play 162 games 7 innings each, 32 teams make the playoffs and everyone gets a participation trophy 🏆
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) March 1, 2022
Dodgers fan favorite Joc Pederson took shots at expanded MLB Playoffs
You’d think, of all people, that Pederson would be all for the expanded MLB Playoffs, considering how often he dominates during the month he renamed “Joctober.”
If even he can’t get on board with the expanded farce, and views the additional round for seven-seeds as a participation trophy, then what does that say about how the rest of the player population might feel about it?
Players like Clayton Kersh–nope, can’t even say it.
Pederson shares our hope and enthusiasm for the game. We’ve laughed with and at him for the past several years, even long after he left LA. He also shared the same joy we did regarding the potential free agent frenzy that will follow the end of the MLB Lockout — and, perhaps, the same misguided assumption that the frenzy would be occurring sooner rather than later.
When this deal is done…it’s gunna be the craziest free agent frenzy we’ve witnessed.. popcorn up sports fans🍿
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) March 1, 2022
Instead, now we’re sitting locked out, begging for that chintzy participation trophy/piece of metal.
Perspectives can change quickly, huh?
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3 surprise trades Dodgers can make when MLB Lockout ends
The Los Angeles Dodgers can pull off these surprise trades to thicken out their roster when the MLB Lockout ends. Lots of talent to poach.