Nobody's Watching

Ratings for the Rangers-Diamondbacks’ World Series were the lowest ever. I’m tempted to say, “Good,” but nothing that remotely involves MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred ever turns out good. Manfred is probably scratching his head, trying to understand the numbers given that playoff games this season were on average twenty-one minutes shorter than last year. Here’s the thing—they still broke the three-hour mark. Football can get away with that because the game appeals to our baser instincts. Baseball is about hitting an object, not the opponent. The mind tends to wander—and channels change—after three innings of scoreless, and hitless, ball. What to do? Basically, hope that the three-outcomes mindset falls out of fashion. Homeruns aren’t worth it, if it means a bunch of walks and strikeouts come with, along with pitching changes. I mean, the Diamondbacks went with an opener in game four, using six pitchers. Somehow, the Rangers managed to go through seven. How exciting was that? My guess is that Manfred will push for the full Super Bowl-ing of the World Series, with a neutral site, plenty of hoopla and some sort of holiday hook, Thanksgiving if not Christmas. And the ratings will still shrink.