Idiots Write About Sports

The comments to my Baseball Fever - Inoculate Against It! post made me think once again about what would happen if baseball was run more like crazy, kooky sports like European soccer. Not entirely like European soccer, but, y’know, kinda sorta.
In this example we’re going to keep the playoffs the size they are now, and keep the leagues separate. And, yes, there will be relegation.
American League

White Sox   94 63  --

Red Sox     92 65   2

Yankees     92 65   2

Indians     92 65   2

LA A of A   91 66   3

Pretty good race here. The White Sox are almost certain to get in, but a massive fight between the Red Sox, Yankees, Indians, and the LAAoA — basically a game of musical chairs. Who will be left without a seat? Don’t rest on your laurels now, Sciosciable Ones!
Meanwhile, it’s a tight race between Seattle and Tampa for that last relegation spot. Seattle’s got the one game advantage, hoping to hold on in order to stay out of AAA next year. As for KC, they locked it up months ago and are already planning their home-and-home showdown with Indianapolis next year.
National League

Cardinals    97 61  --

Braves       90 68   7

Astros       86 71  10.5

Phillies     84 74  13

This one’s basically over. On Real Planet, either the Astros or Phillies will be sitting out. But in my crazy world, they’re both in, baby. Sad news for the fifth-place Mets, sixth-place Marlins and Nationals, eighth-place Brewers, and — oh, hey, there they are! — ninth-place Padres.
Meanwhile, there’s no relegation race here either. Colorado and Pittsburgh, prepare to make way for Toledo and Buffalo.