Today I've had a few emails and texts attempting to puzzle out the playoff format for the 55s. My understanding does not cohere with Jim Porter's understanding, and generally there's a degree of uncertainty all around.
I wish the Board would post a brief, cogent, coherent explanation of what happens next. Something we could all look at and say, "See, here."
For example:
If Group A is top four teams, and Group B is bottom six teams, when does Double Elimination start for Group B?
Will Group A be reseeded after this "Phase 2" of four games between each other? Can a team drop out of Group A and be replaced by a team from Group B? (That doesn't seem appropriate, but it's one version that I am hearing.)
Anyway, I think this is the right time -- better late than never! -- to clarify in written language the format moving forward.
Thanks. I know you guys would hard for the benefit of all, and I'm grateful for that.
-- Edited by JimmyP on Saturday 30th of June 2018 11:33:57 AM
That's a division thing decided on by the managers. Board has nothing to do with it other than approving the season plan. I believe you guys are the 3 seed. Managers have the schedule
The 55 regular season consist of two parts. The first part we just finished. All teams played each other once.
The second part consist of 4 games against like opponents. To derive that we matched up teams with similar records at this point in the season. (4 teams still have makeups that could not be made up for this first seedings, they can do so by 7/20).
The next four games, The second part of our regular season, are already slotted and they go until 7/19. Immediately after that date the teams are seeded a second time.
After 7/20 Teams 5-10 will play a double elimination tourney . At the same time Teams 1-4 , (and not necessarily the same 1-4 decided in the first seeding after the first part of the regular season), will then play each other in three additional games. While any 1-4 team can move up and down as a result of these 3 games , no 1-4 team can drop lower than 4th.
The winner of the 5-10 double elimination tourney will then join the 1-4 teams as the 5th seed in the championship double elimination tourney.
If as teams are eliminated they want to play additional games those will be arranged but they will not count in standings or the tournaments. this will be done to whenever a team has at least 18 games or the champions are determined.
Realistically, it seems almost pre-ordained, because of the unbalanced schedule, that a 5 or 6 seed will switch with a 3 or 4. Strictly from a "best record" POV, odds favor a #5 seed over a #4 seed (and a #6 seed over a #5 seed, in terms of strength of schedule).
Jim Porter: You were right!
So moving forward, Teams 1-4 will play each other for 4 games, be reseeded, then play against each other 3 more times in games that don't "mean" anything, then play against each other in a double elimination tournament.
Worth a try. Can always be tweaked in future years. Nothing's perfect.
-- Edited by JimmyP on Monday 2nd of July 2018 07:27:32 AM
-- Edited by JimmyP on Monday 2nd of July 2018 07:28:30 AM
I don't know all of them but I do know 4 plays 1,3,5 & 6 and I believe the intention was to get 4 more or less evenly matched games.
There was a lot of discussion in the 55's this off season which culminated in the elimination of the draft and the adoption of the unbalanced schedule. For what it's worth these meetings are all open to everyone and on occasion non GM's do attend and are welcome to add their input.
I like it. Great job by the Managers to work together and come up with this unique format. Now I hope we can work together to raise our team fees for next year and put two umpires on the field for all games. No reason our division should be any different.
