You get what you deserve ...

by ttagaris on Oct 17, 2007 2:36 PM CDT

National League Playoffs
Chicago: #3 media market
Philadelphia: #4 media market
Phoenix: #12 media market
Denver: #18 media market

TBS and Major League Baseball feel the heartbreak as the number 3 and 4 media markets each lose. And not only do they lose, but they lose in the least amount of games possible.

Seemingly unable to catch even the smallest possible break, the number #12 media market loses to the number #18 media market -- and they do so, again, in the least amount of games possible.

TBS buys the rights to a possible 17 games of National League playoff action and gets the least possible ... 10.

And all of this on top of the Mets (number 1 media market) getting nosed out in an improbable late season collapse.

American League Playoffs
Yankess: #1 media market
Angeles: #2 media market of L.A.
Boston: #7 media market
Cleveland: #17 media market

New York, the number one media market hands down, goes out in the first round ... they didn't even get a game 5.

The number 2 media market gets swept out of the playoffs in three terribly uneventful games.

Now it looks like the #17 media market might jettison the only top ten market left in the playoffs.

To this, I say: couldn't happen to a better organization

As I reflect upon the days before the start of the season -- tuning into CSPAN2 while hoping and praying Senator John Kerry would deliver us from MLB giving away exclusive rights to out of market telecasts -- I can't say I am upset things turned out the way they did (save for the Cub loss, obviously).

As I remember hours on the phone with Comcast less than 48 hours before opening day, praying they'd be ready to go with Extra Innings ...

I remember having to wait weeks for them to add game channels 11-14 ...

For the way they handle Saturday baseball, and how I can't watch the Cubs even on MLB.TV because of arcane rules and the fact the Yankess/Devil Rays game has to get broadcast into 90% of national markets.

For the way they swindle the fans out of a fair and equal shot at tickets to big regular and post season games.

And for TBS: For FrankTV, "Rodrigo Ramirez," Julio Jorge, and providing us with the Dick StockTONE throughout the series.

You deserve it.

Kisses,

Tim

P.S. Yes, I am still bitter.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

Quick comment

there's no need for the "25 minutes from the #2 media market" comment on the Angels. Anaheim is, and always has been, a part of the Los Angeles media market. That's like saying Northwestern is near the Chicago media market because they play in Evanston.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh Timmers on Oct 17, 2007 2:38 PM CDT reply actions

Updated ...

... it was more b/c of my lack of familiarity than anything else. Appreciate the perspective.

Tim

by ttagaris on Oct 17, 2007 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

25 minutes?

Takes me 2 hours to get to Downtown LA from Anaheim, unless it's past 9 p.m. ; )

But seriously, it is still part of LA.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Oct 17, 2007 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously!

It only took me 4 hours to get from Santa Clarita (30 min. north of LA) to Anaheim last Saturday!

Also, if you can get from Anaheim to Downtown LA in 25 minutes at any time of night, there's an opening on some NASCAR teams for you. Even speeding home at night, it take me well over 30 minutes.

On the bright side, we have such an awesome mass transit system out here, I never need to drive anywhere. :)

Since I left, I've always missed Chicago but never as much as I do right now!

by TMOX on Oct 17, 2007 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions

See, Since I Live In L.A......

....I know you're being sarcastic about the mass transit, all four or five buses of it.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Oct 17, 2007 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I beg to differ with those saying Fox would prefer

I beg to differ with the people who say the Red Sox would kill ratings wise.

The bloom is off the rose. There is no national interest in the Red Sox in the world series or as much as there was in 04 because they won it then.

I will be rooting for the Indians if they make it and the Rockies if the Red Sox make it.

I think an Indians/Rockies world series would outdo Red Sox/Rockies.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 17, 2007 8:31 PM CDT reply actions

Red Sox

I think the point is not that Fox would prefer the Red Sox because they would bring in the most non-baseball fans. I think the point is that the Red Sox currently have the most out of market fans nationally in the game today. They have now surpassed the Yankees in away game ticket sales. Granted, I live on the east coast (VA to be exact), but there are more Red Sox fans here than any other team, and it's not particularly close.

by Texas Wahoo on Oct 18, 2007 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions

The team the networks want

There is one team that would be an all time draw in the world series.

The Chicago Cubs at least the first time they make it.

The Cubs are a traveling show. Every team wants them to come to play. Not that they particularly like seeing the Cubs themselves but they love the extra tickets sold.

There are people out there who will tune in to see the Cubs in the world series that would not tune in to see the Yankees or Red Sox again.

by puckishcubsfan on Oct 17, 2007 8:33 PM CDT reply actions

Whats unfortunate...

... is that while the networks may not want the Rockies-Indians, and the average baseball fan may not turn in, this is a very compelling match-up. These are two young teams with up and coming, exciting stars. I've watched more playoff baseball than I usually do. It would be unfortunate if the story about the WS is that it was a ratings disaster simply because the Yankees aren't playing. These are some fun teams to watch that play very good baseball.

DmL

by dmlichte on Oct 18, 2007 10:51 AM CDT reply actions