New MLB Rule: Best Record Picks Schedule

MLB has given a slight reward to the team that finishes with the best record in the American League. In addition to having home field, the team gets to pick which schedule it would like from two predetermined schedules. One of the schedules plays 5 games in 7 days, the other plays 5 games in 8 days.

Personally, I don't think this matters, but it seems like some Yankees and Red Sox fans think it's a big deal, so I'm passing it on.

This year, the two schedules are as follows:

Series A Series B Possible Times
Wed Oct 3 Game 1 10:30am, 2:00, 5:30
Thu Oct 4 Game 1 12:30, 4:00, 7:30
Fri Oct 5 Game 2 Game 2 2:00, 5:30
Sat Oct 6
Sun Oct 7 Game 3 Game 3 9:00am, 12:30, 4:00
Mon Oct 8 Game 4 Game 4 2:00, 5:30
Tue Oct 9
Wed Oct 10 Game 5 Game 5

The one obvious advantage is if you play Series A, you can have your #1 starter pitch games 1 & 4 and your #2 starter pitch games 2 & 5 on regular rest. Of course, you'll then be screwed for the ALCS, but who's looking ahead?

For what it's worth, here is the rest of the AL Playoff Schedule

ALCS
Fri Oct 12 Game 1 5:00pm FOX
Sat Oct 13 Game 2 5:00pm FOX

Mon Oct 15 Game 3 1:00pm FOX
Tue Oct 16 Game 4 5:00pm FOX
Thu Oct 18 Game 5 5:00pm FOX

Sat Oct 20 Game 6 1:00pm or 5:00pm FOX
Sun Oct 21 Game 7 5:00pm FOX

World Series

Wed Oct 24 Game 1 5:00pm FOX
Thu Oct 25 Game 2 5:00pm FOX

Sat Oct 27 Game 3 5:00pm FOX
Sun Oct 28 Game 4 5:00pm FOX
Mon Oct 29 Game 5 5:00pm FOX

Wed Oct 31 Game 6 5:00pm FOX
Thu Nov 1 Game 7 5:00pm FOX