Cashman's comments and the new playoffs format.

[John Bonnes]

Joe C does a nice job of approaching two touchy subjects: the Yankees consistently killing the Twins and the new playoff format. The story is here:

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/139705083.html

 

First, he gives these quotes from Cashman:

 

 

“We’re exhibit A,” he said, according to the New York Times. “We conceded the division two years ago because of the previous setup. I don’t want to take anything away from Tampa Bay’s Eastern Division title, but we didn’t try to win the division. We tried to line ourselves up for the playoffs, and that worked. We wound up sweeping Minnesota and going to play the Texas Rangers two years ago because we got our guys healthy and ready to go.

 

“The division title in essence, the way that wild-card situation was sitting, it was rendered meaningless. Whether you were a wild card or a division champ, it really meant nothing more than a T-shirt and a hat.”

 

I don't take that as disrespect. But it's not like they were quivering in their boots, either.

 

Then Joe finishes with this thought:

 

Baseball has until March 1 to decide whether to move to a 10-team playoff format for this fall, and it’ll definitely be in place for 2013. The sooner the better.

 

I couldn't agree more. I'm generally against expanding the playoffs, but I love that winning the division will mean something again.