Looking at 1968 (the last season before divisional play) the fifth place teams in each league had records of 83-79, .512, 20 games out and 81-81, .500, 16 games out. Putting such teams in the playoffs would be NBA-like and gross. I would think the league would want to keep the divisions--perhaps even add three or four--to bury just how inferior some of these playoff teams are.

Not hiding it too much with these records all making the playoffs in the last decade:

82-80, 83-78, 84-78, 85-70, 86-76, 88-74 (3 times), 89-73

The records are the records, but the mediocrity is diluted by the fact that bad teams are "division champions" or finish just a couple of games out in their "competitive" division.

Ah, yes. I see, I misunderstood you.

Which is what my original point was. From a marketing perspective, divisions make a lot of sense.

Texas Rangers draft paralyzed Georgia player; Houston Astros draft paralyzed pitcher

The whole feel-good story.

The feel bad story is Steven Selsky who was the next player drafted, essentially being told "as a baseball player you're slightly less valuable than a guy who likely will never walk again, now get out there and show some hustle."

They could both be starters for the Nats.

And if they came to bat, most big league pitchers would still work the count full trying to nip at the corners with cutters.

They drafted these guys to make them feel better? Wouldn't that make you feel worse? "Hey, you're drafted! You're going to be a big baseball player! You're going to....oh wait no, you're totally f'd, and because of a freak accident! Sucks to be you!" Maybe I'm messed up in the head, but that would be my reaction. "Feel-good stories" just don't jive with me, I guess.