On Competitive Balance

Keith and I were engaging in a text conversation about competitive balance and MLB versus English Premier League soccer. We were discussing the news that Chelsea is interested in Liverpool striker Fernando Torres when I made the following throwaway comment: "well, EPL is the original MLB when it comes to money. Although MLB has more competitive balance."

Well, I only thought it was a throwaway comment. Keith of course hates baseball, so this led to a discussion, which led me to this thought:

How do you frame competitive balance?

What defines it?

Keith and I, two avid sports fans, two guys keenly interested in world futbol, came from this concept in totally different directions. I am going to lay both lines of thought out briefly, although I probably won't do Keith's justice.

I argue that MLB has more competitive balance than not only the EPL, but at least comparable to every other American sports league. I think this is true for these reasons:

• baseball has had many winners in the last decade - 8 in 10 seasons if my memory serves correctly (Yankees-2000, Dbacks-2001, Angels-2002, Marlins-2003, Red Sox-2004, White Sox-2005, Cardinals-2006, Red Sox-2007, Phillies-2008, Yanks-2009).
• baseball also had by my unofficial count 23 of 30 teams that made the playoffs in the first decade of the 21st century (the lone clubs to not make the postseason - Bucs, Reds, Nats, Royals, O's, Blue Jays, Rangers).
• baseball has a playoff where anything can happen

Keith's reason against baseball (again, I apologize for any overarching simplicity) was that, in any given year, there are only approximately 5 teams that can win it all. When pressed to name pre-season favorite this year, I would name the following: Yanks, Red Sox (those 2 every year), Rays, Phillies, Cardinals, Twins. I could only name 6, and that might come from having played almost two months already, and it also might come from the way I think about baseball.

In any event, this leads me to the question that I hope will solicit comments - what exactly is competitive balance? How should Keith and I frame this argument?

2010 Minnesota Twins

I need an outlet to describe my jubiliation after a 5 month advent of sorts. Baseball is freaking here y'all! Without further ado, here are the top five developments in my favorite organization over the offseason that have me busting with anticipation. Busting, Jerry, I'm busting!

5) The Projected Bounceback of Francisco Liriano (Gardy name = Frankie)

I was listening to a Baseball Today podcast featuring Jayson Stark (4/9), who astutely said that out of anyone on the Twins staff, Liriano is the guy who can win on stuff alone. Now, I am a huge fan of Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn trying to paint corners and induce soft contact, but there is something sexy about stuff, no? Liriano was so-so last night, putting up a quality start but walking 5 and only striking out 3. I am interested to see if he will dominate, however in June, July and August when that slider is not stifled by the cold midwestern air. On a side note, the jury is very much out on whether he can bounce back mentally from any rough starts in April and May as he seems to be his own worst enemy.

4) Gardy potentially turning his back on Nick Punto Hollywood Hogan style

Minnesota fans can probably think of nothing more unlikely than Ron Gardenhire benching LNP (Little Nicky Punto) in favor of playing Brendan Harris. Gardy is an "aw shucks," "gettin after it," "play your butt off" kind of guy, and in his mind, no one personifies those plucky traits more than LNP. If you want to see diving stops at third, sliding headfirst through first base and some nifty baserunning, than LNP is your guy. Unfortunately, you're going to have many botched sacrifice bunts, pop-ups with one out-man on third situations, and many many routine fly balls to left. In a straight up numbers comparison, Harris seemingly hasn't shown much greater offensive prowess, and has had a similar number of ABs. However, his proclivity for the clutch hit, his potential for 15-20 HR from that number 9 spot and his not tugging at Gardy's shirttail every time the camera pans to him on this bench makes me favor Harris.

3) Umm...Target Field?

Did you hear the Twins have a new ballpark? It doesn't have a huge off-white Teflon roof covering it. The seats face home plate. The concourses are wide enough that you don't have to plan your exit strategy in the sixth inning. For Pete's sake just look at the thing!!! Look at the food!!! I was lucky enough to score tickets to the home opener on Monday (I've never been to a home opener!) and I more excited than this boy.

2) Bye-bye Carlos!

The organization traded Carlos Gomez straight up for J.J. Hardy. I'll let you discover the beauty of this on your own. Let's just say look at the stats in August. You'll understand. You just will.

1) Joe and Denard

Knowing that your club has signed the best overall player in the American League until 2018 is like sitting down to your fifth delectable dinner in a row and just having the satisfaction that you married well and you're going to be having Shrimp pasta dishes and Pork Tenderloin and fine bisques regularly for a REALLY long time. Knowing that you also signed the best kept secret as far as AL leadoff hitters go for peanuts so you can afford the shrimp, pork, and bisque makes your smile grow that much more.

Twins are on the rise baby! Can't Wait...