If you are Jim Tracy, would you tank to play the Braves?

[Clarkmeister]

Now that the Dodgers have the NL West sewn up, the Dodgers may be in an interesting situation tomorrow. If the Astros lose, the Dodgers may be in a spot where they perceive it to be beneficial to also lose. It could be the difference between facing the Braves or the Cardinals in the first round.

Say the Astros lose and the Dodgers for whatever reason feel they have a better chance against the Braves. Would it be considered unethical to tank against the Giants in order to give themselves a chance of facing the Braves in the first round?

[Michael Davis]

Is your question any different if the Dodgers don't show up for the game and forfeit?

Yes, it is unethical to throw a game, but there may be more important considerations involved than sports ethics.

[Non_Comformist]

Yes it would be unethical to openly "throw" the game however if Tracy were to decide that it was more important for certain starters to get an off day and that his bullpen needed as much rest as possible, and these decisions reuslted in the Dodgers losing the game, well that's baseball.

[Zeno]

Tracy has a perfectly sound reason to rest Gagne because his shoulder has been somewhat stiff. And it is certaintly OK to set and use his bullpen as he sees fit for rest or to give others some innings of work.

But I'm sure the Dodgers will try just as hard to win. It would be natural for the players to be somewhat emotionally drained tomorrow, especially considering the way the Dodgers win baseball games.

-Zeno

[IrishHand]

It makes no difference - the Dodgers are winning the World Series regardless. /images/graemlins/cool.gif