Here we go again. Game 162 will prove vital for American League teams as the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics have pivotal matchups on Wednesday. This is what Bud Selig wanted, excitement in the final day of the season, but instead, he lowered the stakes by adding the extra Wild Card spot.
This is the present picture going into the last game of the 2012 season.
The Yankees' magic number is one. With a win or Orioles loss, but the Orioles are automatically in the playoffs because they won the Wild Card.
The Rangers and the Athletics are tied for the A.L. West lead, but both teams are already in the playoffs because they clinched a postseason berth.
No matter which team wins, the other will still have a chance to extend their postseason.
Now picture this.
There is no second Wild Card spot and we are still placed with an exciting playoff matchup.
The A's, Orioles and Rangers all have the same record, 93-68. Now somebody in the A.L. West, either the A's or the Rangers will be 94-68 after tomorrow. However, if the Orioles win, they will also finish 94-68 and automatically bump the loser of the A's or Rangers from the playoffs because the Orioles would have the better Wild Card record.
What this extra Wild Card spot presents is mayhem. What if the Yankees lose and the Orioles win? Then there is a tie in the A.L. East and both teams split the season series 9-9. An extra game to decide the winner of the Wild Card and the division will have to now be squeezed in before the actual Wild Card playoff game.
This is what happens when the thrill of October is fabricated. Do not get me wrong, the stakes are going to be over the roof on Friday as both Wild Card teams fight for entry in the division series.
However, instead of being a thrill at the end of the season, the second Wild Card is now a backup plan for teams in the American League.
