Parity is a double-edged sword for Major League Baseball



Parity has a price, and for Major League Baseball, it comes in the form of declining television ratings and a lower profile in October.

Even as one of the most entertaining and competitive post-seasons in some time continues, baseball is aware of the problem.

When the Boston Red Sox failed to make the post-season and both the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies were knocked out in first-round upsets, baseball could rightly claim that it had achieved total competitive balance.

If the three biggest-spending teams in the game could not win a play-offs round while budget-conscious teams such as Tampa Bay could qualify for the post-season and some modest-spending clubs could reach the two League Championship Series, then surely parity has arrived.

In fact, parity has been here for a while, with six different franchises - the White Sox, Cardinals, Red Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Giants - winning the six World Series beginning in 2005.

Fans often say that they like parity and complain when the "same old teams" dominate in October. But the truth is that they are less likely to watch when lower-profile clubs go deep in the play-offs.

It is poor timing for baseball, too, as many of its national TV deals are winding down and negotiations for new contracts loom on the horizon.

Baseball can say that competitive balance is a good thing for the game, and it is, but the same cannot always be said for its effect on the bottom line.

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Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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If you go
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Director: Jon M Chu
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Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

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Business Insights
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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

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Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.

Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.

The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 3/5