I noticed that the Astros play in a division that features 6 teams.

the Rangers play in a division with 4 teams.

do you think this hurts or helps a team to have to face less teams within your own division. does it give you an advantage of reaching the playoffs since you play most of your games against division foes?

I could argue for both, The Astros could benefit if (for arguements sake) if the 5 other teams in their division stink...then they could benefit from having to play bad opponents more often padding the win column.

The Rangers could benefit from only having to finshing ahead of three teams.

thoughts?

I think it helps late in the season when you're trailing. You can make up games on the leader a little easier. If you're in first, I think it would be better to play teams out of your division, especially if the ones right behind you are doing the same.

I think it is more important who those teams are. The Rangers play in a division that all four of the teams have won the division since 1999. The NL Central has the Pirates, Reds and Brewers. These teams have been non competitive for years, and it's tough if the team you are trying to catch has a three game series against the Pirates. Even if you win, they probably will also.

In the AL West, each team has at least 6 games in September against the other teams in the division. That allowed the Rangers to have a chance to catch the Angels, but it didn't happen last year.

I guess your point is what I am asking 80.

I think the Astros actually could make an easier run being that a few of the teams are sucking pretty bad. Not that the AL west is loaded cause the teams in 3rd and 4th are not too good.