BASEBALL POST SEASON: WHOLE NEW BALLGAME(S)

Aiming to whip up flagging interest in the National Pastime and simultaneously boost TV revenue, Major League Baseball is planning to introduce additional play-off games next season in which one more wild-card team will be selected at the end of the season for the playoffs in each league. The additional playoff tier is expected to increase baseball’s revenue by as much as 25-60 percent, the Wall Street Journal reported, while at the same time stimulating viewer interest in the sport. Word of the changes received mostly positive comment from team owners. And David Levy, president of Turner Sports, said, “We hope the additional Wild Card spots will draw added interest from baseball fans around the country.” Additionally, the Houston Astros will be moving to the American League, resulting in each league having 15 teams. It also sets up cross-state rivalry between the Astros and the Rangers, potentially boosting attendance and TV ratings for the two teams.