Letters to the Editor

The real reason the Cubs lost: Scouting Either that or it's because the Dodgers played better for three games. King Kaufman [2008-10-06]

• @Mantonat

  I disagree with your premise that if it were a 7 game series, the Cubs would be down 3-0. A seven game series changes the entire mindset of a team. Unlike a 5 game series, losing the first game of a 7 gamer is not that big of a deal. Winning game 2 after you've lost game 1 is imperitive in a 5 game series, putting untold amounts of additional pressure on players. If the Cubs knew it was a 7 game series, they likely would have played more relaxed in game 2, rather than panicked. It's all speculation - but one thing is certain: you can't assume everything would have played out the same if the circumstances were different.

  While I do think baseball's postseason is long enough, there is something inherently unfair about a 5 game series. Baseball has a 162 game season. Thus, a 5 game series represents 3% of the season. In football, the one game playoff represents 6% of the season. In basketball, the opening rounds are 7 games, representing 8% of the season.

  In other words, a five game series in baseball is PARTICULARLY flukey, especially compared to other sports.

  -- tbrandel
  [Read tbrandel's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Monday, October 6, 2008 08:41 AM
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