February 28, 200521 yr I originally posted this idea in the Marlins forum but I was curious what people might think so I'm duplicating it here as well. -------------- I've often thought MLB ought to create a taxi-squad barnstorming league of six-eight teams where guys like a Chris Aguila or your favorite super-minor leaguer, guys who are obviously a step above AAA but perhaps not quite ready for MLB either because of ML players who are ahead of them (Stokes will never play 1B for example as long as Delgado is in a Marlins uni) or whatever reason, could play everyday rather than pining away on the bench in the bigs or overpowering their competition at the minor league level. Sort of a Future Star's League or maybe a super AAA Minor League league much like the Arizona Fall League where teams are made up of players from different organizations. It's a crazy thought I know but if MLB were more creative it might spur more interest in the sport and develop better players in the longrun. They would play their games in major league parks before (or after) a regularly scheduled MLB game, essentially creating doubleheaders. The fans would love it. The cost would be minimal. You might have the Southeast All-stars playing the Central All-Stars at 2pm on a Saturday at PPS before the regularly schedule 6pm Marlins game. It would also give GMs the chance to see how the "kids" played in major league venues. Can they really cover the territory in CF in a place like PPS, can they hit homers in Wrigley like they did in Iowa? Just an idea. I welcome all comments good or bad.
February 28, 200521 yr Interesting. Certainly MLB has experience with co-operative teams (Montreal Expos, old co-op minor league teams). It does help the ballplayers by playing against stronger competition. Stadiums in the minors are as, if not more, uniquely strange in size and shape. Perhaps they also could travel to Europe and other lands to spread the game. Can't imagine MLB teams risking the health and developement of their best young players to independent coaches. Maybe MLB could develop something like USSoccer's Project 40 with lesser prospects and a year-long commitment. But that's basically what the Gulf Coast League is.
February 28, 200521 yr Author That is much of what I was thinking - that this would have to be run under auspices of MLB with MLB-hired first rate managers and coaches who themselves may see this as an opportunity to show what they can do rather than pining away in Altoona where no knows what they can offer. I never thought of the idea of them playing in Europe, South America, Asia, etc. but I like it. Along with playing a higher caliber of ball they become goodwill ambassadors as well. :thumbup
February 28, 200521 yr Wouldn't the World Cup of Baseball that's coming out be somewhat along these lines?
March 1, 200521 yr I was thinking the same thing. Have 6 teams, each with 5 players from every organization.
March 1, 200521 yr And the first time a pitcher blows out an arm the picther's team will cry foul about how the coach over worked their picther and they couldn't tell him not to.
March 2, 200521 yr Author except that it destroys the system of minor league baseball in numerous ways. 698306[/snapback] Actually I was thinking of it as sort of a ML taxi squad. The players would be on an expanded major league roster. Paid the major league minimum, perhaps not subject to waivers. If anything I think it might strengthen the minor leagues but I understand why you might say that.
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