2017 MLB Season

[Superballer]

Interesting to mention that, as MLB reportedly is considering major realignment if they expand to 32 teams in the near future(it appears Montreal and Portland are the frontrunners for new teams if this do go ahead).  For example, the proposal I've heard might have the Orioles, Reds, Phillies, Pirates, Braves, Rays, Marlins, and Nationals in a new East Division, Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Indians, Twins, Blue Jays, Mets, and the hypothetical Montreal team in a North Division, both Chicago teams, Cardinals, Royals, Brewers, Rockies, Astros, and Rangers in a Midwest Division, and both Los Angeles teams, Giants, Padres, Mariners, A's, Diamondbacks, and the hypothetical Portland team in a West Division.  The supposed advantage of such an alignment should it be approved would be to cut down on travel time and keep each division more or less in one time zone.

[GR_Man_9009]

Interesting to mention that, as MLB reportedly is considering major realignment if they expand to 32 teams in the near future(it appears Montreal and Portland are the frontrunners for new teams if this do go ahead).  For example, the proposal I've heard might have the Orioles, Reds, Phillies, Pirates, Braves, Rays, Marlins, and Nationals in a new East Division, Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Indians, Twins, Blue Jays, Mets, and the hypothetical Montreal team in a North Division, both Chicago teams, Cardinals, Royals, Brewers, Rockies, Astros, and Rangers in a Midwest Division, and both Los Angeles teams, Giants, Padres, Mariners, A's, Diamondbacks, and the hypothetical Portland team in a West Division.  The supposed advantage of such an alignment should it be approved would be to cut down on travel time and keep each division more or less in one time zone.

I assume you mean Portland Oregon and NOT Portland Maine. Next time, if there's at least two cities with the same name, you should also specify what state you are talking about just so there's no confusion. I didn't know what Portland you were talking about until I got to the part about the new divisions.

[Teddy]

So then, it would be Eastern League and Western League? In any case, I'd love to see it happen, although I'd pretty much rather see Charlotte and Las Vegas get the new teams.

[TheBigAK]

I assume you mean Portland Oregon and NOT Portland Maine. Next time, if there's at least two cities with the same name, you should also specify what state you are talking about just so there's no confusion. I didn't know what Portland you were talking about until I got to the part about the new divisions.

I know Portland Maine is maybe a bit better known, but what about
Portland NY , PA , TN ,  OH,  IN,  MI , ND , MO , AR , TX, CT
Pretty sure most people assume Portland OR.   

FYI, there are at least 5 States with a Detroit too

[PatrickRox80]

FYI, there are at least 5 States with a Detroit too

What about Springfield? There are 25 states with that town for a name. 

[Ccook]

What would the advantage be in expanding at this point? Besides getting middling talent in the expansion draft, the question is whether or not markets like Portland and Montreal can support a pro team. Montreal already proved they couldn’t; Portland possibly could pull it off, being #25 as a TV market.

[bigblue999]

Why can't things be kept the same way? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[UltraPrice]

For the first time in 29 years, the LA Dodgers are going to the World Series.  If they play the Yankees, I will definitely be rooting for them.

[wildbill0962]

What would the advantage be in expanding at this point? Besides getting middling talent in the expansion draft, the question is whether or not markets like Portland and Montreal can support a pro team. Montreal already proved they couldn’t; Portland possibly could pull it off, being #25 as a TV market.

Montreal has plans to build a new stadium. The city really wants to get a team back.

Ironically, before the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, there was some potential of them moving to Portland. The city still has a grant available to use for a new stadium that would've housed the Expos, had they moved there.

I assume you mean Portland Oregon and NOT Portland Maine. Next time, if there's at least two cities with the same name, you should also specify what state you are talking about just so there's no confusion. I didn't know what Portland you were talking about until I got to the part about the new divisions.

I mean, there's only one logical answer here when it comes to a city housing a Major League team. You'll never see a professional sports franchise in the state of Maine.

[blozier2006]

You'll never see a professional sports franchise in the state of Maine.

The Portland Sea Dogs would like a word with you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Sea_Dogs

[Teddy]

It'll be interesting to see who those in Boston would root for in a Yankees-Dodgers World Series. They hate the Yankees and the Lakers (who play in the Dodgers' town), so I think they'll say neither (unless the Astros mount a successful comeback, in which case they'd pull for Houston then). However, the San Francisco Bay Area will definitely pull for the AL team, as they hate the Dodgers with a passion.

[UltraPrice]

Justin Verlander (probably the ALCS MVP if Houston wins the series) saves the Astros season.  Game 7 tomorrow. 

[bigblue999]

So much for a Dodgers-Yankees series.

I'll take LA in 4.

[Teddy]

The Astros make history as the first team to ever represent both leagues in a World Series. The first time they appeared in the Fall Classic (12 years ago, as a member of the NL), they were swept by the White Sox in four. Now we just need the Brewers to accomplish the same feat, and there's always next year for them.

That being said, my revised prediction is Dodgers over Astros.

[PatrickRox80]

Dodgers over Astros. I'd expect a curb-stomping.