will MLB ever change the way teams make the playoffs?

There is always a discussion on chaning the system. It was very active during Spring training to try to make some fairness in the AL east. BUt nothing happened. Sports in unusual in that thing can change like the flip of a dime. SOme day, I am sure it will change. So there's hope for you.

IIRC the format actually changed not *that* long ago (15 years?). It's just the way it goes. At the moment, the AL East is probably the strongest division in the major leagues. But there have been plenty of years where the only team to actually get usefully above .500 in that division was the Yankees. In a few years time, it'll be a completely different division.

As to whether they should change how they make the playoffs... there are 30 teams in MLB. At the moment, 8 make the playoffs. How far do you want to expand it? Play it the same as football where the top 12 make it (division winners plus three next best teams)? Or take it to the extremes of hockey and basketball where over half the teams make the playoffs (and some with losing records creep in)? Or, worst case scenario: all teams make it, like in the case of the UK Elite Ice Hockey League. 8 teams in it. Guess how many teams make the playoffs? Yup, 8...

I personally cannot see any justification for a team with a losing record to make the playoffs. After all, they FAILED. Allowing them in would be saying "it's OK to fail". This is what would happen in your scenario; eventually someone with a losing record will get through.

It's less bad that you're good and miss out than that you're bad and still make it. Personally I like it just the way it is. To get to the playoffs means you've actually done something.

what is this hockey now where everyone makes the playoffs. or would you rather have a voting system like college football? Its done by region and rank in that region. why would they change that?

The Current system works perfect. if the other teams cant beat the Div leader out for the lead than they get 1 shot a WC. wouldnt it be ridiculous if the Rays, Yanks and Red sox made it and nobody from the AL Central was in the playoffs? there can only be 4 teams per league in the playoffs.

Yes, I think eventually they will. Your point is valid. I think there is be two more teams established in near future and they will very possible make it two division in each league and 8 best teams in each league will make the play offs.

If they do this right now, I think it will be a bit odd becaue the number does not add up and because different divisions has their different division rival schedule, it makes the schedule very uneven. If they make it two divisions in the league, I believe the schedule will be a lot more even and playoffs will be based on record rather than division winners.

"Make it like the NBA and NHL" is just about the worst possible argument to use for selling your point. Those postseason tournaments are interminable, and often (pretty much always in basketball) the lower seeds in the first and second round are toast the moment they take the floor. Snore.....

MLB's approach could be jiggered for the better, sure, but it's not going to happen soon. Teams LIKE selling tickets all the way to the season's final weekend.

As for the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rays, and that other team having the best records in the AL -- that's as may be, but it's June 8th. There's a lotta season ahead to play. Let's check back in mid-September, shall we?

The whole intent is to compete for a title and the guy with the best record wins the title. If you just let everyone in the playoffs like you imply, then there's no competition anymore.

That's whats the matter with the whole world everyday.

In school, they give a gold star to the best student. Now, they have to give a star to everyone so they're not left behind; not everyone has to win, and not every kid is meant to go to collegee.

Maybe if they have another round of expansion and realignment.

Perhaps they should go back to having balanced schedules, with more inter-division play (but scrap the inter-league stuff).

4 from each league: 1 from each division, and 1 who has luck on their side

Maybe if they have another round of expansion and realignment.

that's why there's a wild card