Pablo Torre's Rant Against "Big Playoff" Was Excellent
By Ty Duffy
Pablo Torre filled in on ESPN’s SportsNation on Friday. He delivered this rant against the American playoff industrial complex. He presents some excellent points. Namely, playoffs are about extending seasons and revenues, not providing valid champions.
Should the Warriors winning 73 games be less impressive if they don’t then run the playoff gauntlet? For what competitive purpose should the Warriors have to prove themselves again?
Sports are an entertainment product. Thus, there must be some balance with pure competitive integrity. The NCAA Tournament is a terrible, arbitrary way to determine a champion that discredits the regular season. But, we love it because it’s highly entertaining.
Though, one wonders why MLS persists with a bloated, season undercutting, even more arbitrary playoff that no one watches.
Enjoy the playoffs. Just keep this in mind the next time MLB wants to add an additional round to stretch the season into mid-November.