So word came down from on high today that the Houston Astros are moving from the NL Central to the AL West starting in 2013. This despite seemingly vehement dissent on the part of the fans. Despite a historical rivalry amongst the teams in their division. Despite the fact that the state of Texas will no longer offer the National League style of product. Despite the fact that it would create an unbalanced schedule throughout the year necessitating increased interleague play (and the possible discussion of having the NL adopt the DH). Despite the fact that there are 5 National League teams that play further west than the Astros including the Mariner's "natural rivals", the Padres. It offends my sensibilities that there should be not just one but two AL West teams playing out of the Central Time Zone.I have three proposals to rectify the situation:
1) Add two teams to the AL and move none of the NL teams to the AL. That makes 16 teams in each league. Re-organize them into four four-team divisions. Might I suggest Las Vegas and Portland? Additional revenue streams!
Or
2) If the league can't support adding additional markets, CONTRACT one team from the NL Central (Astros).
Or
3) Move the Diamondbacks to the AL. They have a relatively short history and have been discussed to be moved to the AL before. They play in the pacific time zone (usually, no daylight savings time there), and are IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE USA.
The MLB is taking advantage of the team's sale by strong-arming the new owner of the Astros into making this move with a reportedly $80 million discount. I don't like it; I think there are better alternatives as indicated above. I think Bud Selig is an ugly, inefectual weasel and has now officially been added to my "David Stern" list. Good day to you, sir. I said good day!
