"I don't care about the playoffs. A short-series tournament with few/no adjustments to in-series win probability is a poor fit for a sport where it takes about 70 games for luck to influence a team's record as much as skill. But, on a completely different level, I do care about the players. And the players care about the playoffs. They've been raised and conditioned in a system where there's a tournament at the end, and they want to win the tournament."
"My question is: there are still eight teams in the running - which player(s) on those teams will you be most gratified about winning a ring this year? Freddie Freeman got (another) one last year. Max Fried could get one with his new team, but I bet everyone hates the Yankees too much to care. William "Wild Bill" Contreras with Milwaukee? Kevin Gausman (haha)? Who ya got?"
A short-series playoff tournament with few or no adjustments to in-series win probability poorly fits baseball, because about 70 games are required for luck to influence a team's record as much as skill. Players care deeply about the playoffs because they are raised and conditioned to view the postseason as the defining tournament and to want to win the championship. Granting players the chance to achieve their postseason goals matters emotionally even when that pursuit conflicts with other players' opportunities. Among remaining contenders, fans may feel especially gratified if particular players earn rings, such as Freddie Freeman, Max Fried, William "Wild Bill" Contreras, or Kevin Gausman.
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