Angels fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief after Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the potential realignment of the league. The idea of a 32-team league with realigned divisions initially caused some concern, but Manfred's recent comments provide clarity and a glimmer of hope for the Los Angeles Angels.
Manfred's stance on keeping 'two-team cities' separate is a significant development. This means the Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a significant talent disparity, won't be in the same division. The Angels, struggling to make the playoffs since 2014, could have faced a challenging situation with the Dodgers, who have dominated the last two seasons. With the current setup, the Angels would have faced the Dodgers more than six times annually, potentially increasing their losses.
The proposed realignment involves reordering the leagues geographically, creating eight divisions, and adding two expansion teams. While the exact details remain mysterious, the Angels can be relieved that their cross-city rivals, the Dodgers, won't be in the same division. This change could significantly impact their competitive landscape.
The Angels' quiet offseason might be attributed to a looming TV dispute and a potential lockout. However, there are still moves the team can make to prepare for the upcoming spring training. The focus now shifts to building a competitive team and potentially returning to the postseason, which is a more pressing issue than the league's realignment.
Manfred's comments offer a positive outlook for Angels fans, ensuring a more manageable path to success in the American League West. The team can now focus on strategies to regain their place in the postseason, with the reassurance that the Dodgers won't be a constant hurdle.
