Longer season

[Noodle]

I understand the reason for 4 preason games, but I also know the regular players hate it, and it just kills me when you have a star, who was at no risk of losing a starting job, knocked out for a number of games or the season due to an injury. So I could go with 3 and could also live without seeing the big dogs playing much in any of them.

For baseball fans, like me, 162 works. Continuity of records and stats is important in America's past-time, and I think the length of the season encourages bringing guys up for a look. I could also go back to the pre-1961 tradition of playing 154, but fat chance in hell of that happening.

Basketball preseason is probably the dumbest thing in the world. It really is nothing but a cash cow and doesn't do a thing for getting a team ready for the season.

[Freak Out]

Why in the fuck can't MLB schedule a World Series game for sometime before 8 PM eastern time anymore? Play a day game you fucks! When did the game end Saturday night? 2 AM eastern?

[Partial]

Baseball season is far too long. They could learn everything they learn from 90 games, or 3 months of daily play.

Not at all.

I'm convinced.

[Partial]

Any team sport has value in preseason. Baseball is a sport of individual accomplishments so I don't see the value in the preseason for that.

Basketball and football depend on teams getting on the same page and in rhythm since they're working as a team or failing as individuals.

[Freak Out]

Why in the fuck can't MLB schedule a World Series game for sometime before 8 PM eastern time anymore? Play a day game you fucks! When did the game end Saturday night? 2 AM eastern?

Sorry......should have put this in the Brewers thread.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I like 16 games in the NFL. Preseason could be cut down 1, but that won't happen without adding regular season games. Perfect symmetry. 32 teams in the league, 16 per conference, 4 per division, 16 games makes for easy scheduling.

I also like 162 for baseball.

[BallHawk]

Any team sport has value in preseason. Baseball is a sport of individual accomplishments so I don't see the value in the preseason for that..

Spring Training in baseball serves multiple purposes:

1. See what the minor leaguers and new kids have in them.

2. Pitchers will work on certain pitches. A pitcher may give up 5 runs in an inning, but he'll be working solely on his curveball or something like that. No different than a QB working on a new throwing motion in preseason.

3. Pitchers and catchers improving coordination and familiarity with each other. For example, Jason Kendall had to spend Spring Training working out signs and pitches with all of the Brewers pitching staff.

4. Some roster spots are decided by ST. Maybe not the way preseason decides who is the starting QB or something like that, but bullpen spots and lower end rotation spots can be decided in ST.

So, yeah, it's important.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Most importantly, pitchers need Spring Training to build up arm strength. Spring Training is very important to them.

[Partial]

Spring Training != preseason games

I definitely see the value in training camp for every sport.

[wpony]

They should leave it alone or go back to 14 the early part of preseason is not for the vets as much is it is for the rookies they could have it where the vets would not even report for the 1st 2 weeks unless the were injured and need rehab. we need the preseason to develop the rookies the owners do not need to keep sqeezing the fans for every penny they have and they young people need time and coaching to devolpe.

[Zool]

Spring Training != preseason games

I definitely see the value in training camp for every sport.

NFL plays 4-5 preseason games. Thats 25% of the amount of regular season games. Essentially thats like a baseball team playing 40+ spring training games.

Shorten the NFL pre-season. The last 2 games are a joke anyways. Its guys who are going to get cut taking up space to other guys dont get hurt.

[GBRulz]

Spring Training != preseason games

I definitely see the value in training camp for every sport.

NFL plays 4-5 preseason games. Thats 25% of the amount of regular season games. Essentially thats like a baseball team playing 40+ spring training games.

Shorten the NFL pre-season. The last 2 games are a joke anyways. Its guys who are going to get cut taking up space to other guys dont get hurt.

That's a very good point. I know a long time ago, I did calculations on how many pre-season games that would amount to for BB, hockey and baseball. Don't remember exactly, but I think the percentile was around 10-12% vs the NFL's 25%.

The NFL has already been trying to lengthen the season. You never saw a SB being played in Feb before.

I say keep the season at 16, take away 1 pre-season game and take away the Pro Bowl. The PB is important to players for one reason...which is to call themselves a pro-bowler when it comes to contract negotiation time.

IMO, more NFL games are going to amount to more games that you have to "pay" for in order to see, as well. More games exclusive to NFLN, ESPN, etc. What's next, NFL on PPV?

[GBRulz]

Let me ask you guys this in another angle about pre-season games. IF they implemented a rookie salary cap, do you find that pre-season games would be as important? These teams have huge investments in these rookies, many of whom will make more money as a 3rd round pick than some vets see in their entire career. With that being said, teams see it even more important to rush these rooks through camp and get them ready, simply because they have mucho denero invested in them.

[Noodle]

I agree with GB about ditching the PB. Of the major sports, it's the only all-star game played after the season is over, no one is watching at that point, and football does not lend itself well at all to all-star type formats.

Interesting point about the effect a rook cap would have on the need for preseason. I think the need for 3 or so preseason games is a function of the 53-man roster more than anything else.

[Fosco33]

I'd be fine with an 18 game schedule if they cut a few preseason games and added a bye week (and started the season before labor day). I think we could even debate the wild card and extra week before the Superbowl.

It's not about money to me and the length of the season would be the same. Sure, guys play harder in games - but injuries can happen anytime (practice, etc).

I don't think it dilutes the product either - a slightly longer season would ensure more cross-division or cross-conference games (opening up to teams we don't see play the Pack but every few years).

Plus, a slightly longer season will truly show the best teams rise to the challenge (by allowing all teams some time to make up for bad starts).