Boras’ Plan
May 17, 2009Here’s an interesting article I read in the LA Times which they got from Playboy. In it, agent Scott Boras talks about what he would do to change the World Series.
Boras replied: “I’d modernize it, make it five out of nine games, with the first two in a neutral city. Announce the MVP and Cy Young awards at a gala held between the playoffs and a new World Series weekend. Move the home-run contest from the All-Star game to that week too.”
“The gala and home-run derby would lead to Game 1 of the Series on Saturday, with Game 2 on Sunday. Then the Series would go on with the final seven games in the Series teams’ cities. This way, different places get part of the Series. I want the World Series in Pittsburgh, Texas, Seattle. Teams in those markets would sell more season tickets. World Series weekend would be a major stage for corporate events; it could advance the game to the next level.”
Very interesting. I must say, at first glance, I don’t mind his ideas at all. The only major problem might be the weather in Pittsburgh. I really like the idea of introducing the Cy Young, MVP, Rookie of the Year, etc. to a larger audience.
I think that MLB fails to capitalize on the significance and fan interest of these titles. As it is now, they just kind of let it drip out. If you happen to open the paper the day it’s announced, you might know who the winner is. If not, you’ve got to rely on rumor.
Quickly tell me who won the American League Cy Young award last year. Who was the Rookie of the Year? The only reason I know Lincecum won the Cy in the NL is because I bought the video game and love his commercial. There must be a better way, and I think Boras is right. Revealing the winners to open the Series will elevate the awards and pump up the energy and interest of the games… it’s a win-win situation.
As far as the Home Run derby, I’m indifferent. I like it in the middle of the season, but wouldn’t complain if it got thrown into the World Series gala.
What do you think?
It’s an interesting viewpoint, but I can’t see the powers that be making the post-season longer by adding two more games and a few more days with Super Bowl-like events. I think Pittsburgh could see some World Series games if they ran their team well. Why give them another handout (in addition to revenue sharing) for less than mediocre performance?
Some interesting marketing ideas would not hurt baseball at all since they do the worst job of promoting their sport of all the major sports; as for Boras, a lot of his clients are getting caught on the juice!? Doe’s he need to be investigated?, is he HELPING his players with more than financial and cotractual advice? What if you’re an agent and your guy gets caught should you be fined or suspended? Just a thought to help with some peer pressure.
Yes, definetly a bigger stage for the annoucements for all the awards. The game needs to move past the Bud Selig hang up a red, white and blue banner school of used car sales marketing. Oh wait my bad, I think all the stadiums now have fireworks after all Friday night games; WOOHOO!
Does the Art of Cathing have a chapter on masking agents?
Is that agents that were catchers?