The Impact of Starting the Baseball Season in July

Everyone loves a good ‘what-if’ scenario, so let’s ponder this question: What if the baseball season started in the middle of July instead of the last week of March? How would our view of the contenders differ?

Let’s delve into the second-half records of current playoff-bound teams, including the tied Braves and Mets for the final NL wild-card spot. Here’s a glimpse at how things have shaped up:

The Good

Padres: 30-13

Diamondbacks: 30-14

Dodgers: 28-15

Brewers: 26-17

Mets: 27-18

Astros: 25-19

Royals: 24-20

The Not So Good

Twins: 22-23

Guardians: 22-23

Phillies: 22-22

Orioles: 23-22

Yankees: 22-20

Braves: 23-22

Teams like the Phillies and Guardians, once at the top, have stumbled in the second half. But as history shows, a rough second half doesn’t bode well for World Series ambitions. So how can these teams turn it around in time for October?

Lessons from History

Over the last 30 seasons, few teams with losing second-half records have made it to the World Series. Consistency and resilience are key to overcoming mid-season slumps.

The Phillies

After a strong first half, the Phillies faltered, but recent wins indicate a possible rebound. Pitching issues and complacency were the primary culprits, affecting their performance.

The Guardians

Similar to the Phillies, the Guardians saw a decline in the second half but have shown signs of recovery. Pitching woes and offensive struggles contributed to their slide.

Both teams have a chance to reclaim their early-season form in September. With a focus on consistency and team morale, they can turn their seasons around.

Conclusion: Focus in September

As the regular season winds down, it’s crucial for teams to maintain peak performance and avoid prolonged slumps. A strong finish in September sets the tone for a successful postseason run.