Teams went all out to win their divisions to an even greater extent when only the division winners advanced.
True...But in most cases only until the trade deadline...
If a team is 8 to 10 games back at the trade deadline in August, without the second wild card, teams would sell off...Now there's a better chance that these teams make some moves to try to win that wildcard instead of selling off...Also if a team gets a double digit lead in their division by the All-star break and there's no 2nd wild card, every team in that division would most likely start to think sell off mode which basically is saying "we're throwing in the towel"...Now there's a better chance of that not happening imop...Those one game make it or break it playoff games are bound to be the most exciting games in baseball...I do think a 2 out of 3 series makes more sense but no doubt 1 game all or nothing will be some great baseball...
