Imagine if the NBA decided to completely eliminate "Eastern" and "Western" divisions and seed teams 1-16 based on their record, with head-to-head serving as tie-breakers. These would be the match-ups for the 2015 NBA playoffs along with my predictions for the winners of the series.
1st Round
1 Golden State Warriors (67-15) vs. 16 Boston Celtics (40-42): Golden State wins 4-0
2 Atlanta Hawks (60-22) vs. 15 Milwaukee Bucks (41-41): Atlanta wins 4-1
3 Houston Rockets (56-26) vs. 14 Oklahoma City Thunder (45-37): Houston wins 4-2
4 Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) vs. 13 New Orleans Pelicans (45-37): Los Angeles wins 4-2
5 Memphis Grizzlies (55-27) vs. 12 Washington Wizards (46-36): Washington wins 4-2
6 San Antonio Spurs (55-27) vs. 11 Toronto Raptors (49-33): San Antonio wins 4-1
7 Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29) vs. 10 Dallas Mavericks (50-32): Cleveland wins 4-1
8 Portland Trail Blazers (51-31) vs. 9 Chicago Bulls (50-32): Chicago wins 4-3
Quarterfinals
1 Golden State vs. 9 Chicago: Golden State wins 4-3
2 Atlanta vs. 7 Cleveland: Atlanta wins 4-2
3 Houston vs. 6 San Antonio: San Antonio wins 4-2
4 Los Angeles vs. 12 Washington: Washington wins 4-2
Semifinals
1 Golden State vs. 12 Washington: Golden State wins 4-2
2 Atlanta vs. 6 San Antonio: San Antonio wins 4-3
NBA Finals
1 Golden State vs. 6 San Antonio: San Antonio wins in 6.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Friday, April 10, 2015
The Best Landing Spots for Cole Hamels
Looking at the current situation, the Philadelphia Phillies have two options to trade current ace Cole Hamels: the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Smaller market teams are hesitant to deal prospects and absorb a large contract. Therefore, a larger market team like the Red Sox and Yankees would be the two teams willing to make a move. Boston makes more sense than the Yankees, but let's take a look at potential trades for both teams.
The New York Yankees would receive
pitcher Cole Hamels
The Philadelphia Phillies would receive
pitcher Ian Clarkin
outfielder Aaron Judge
second baseman Rob Refsnyder
catcher Gary Sanchez
This trade would allow the Phillies to boast a starting line-up that would include:
C Gary Sanchez
1B Cody Asche
2B Rob Refsnyder
SS Freddy Galvis
3B Maikel Franco
LF Aaron Altherr
CF Kelly Dugan
RF Aaron Judge
With current bad contracts to aging veterans and a relatively quiet off-season (at least by Yankees standards), the Yankees appear to have finally realized the times have changed. More and more teams, especially smaller market teams such as the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, have signed their young core of players to team friendly contracts in exchange for financial security. This trade would essentially rob the Yankees of their minor league league depth (and their best prospects) for two solid years of Hamels. Would the Yankees pull the trigger on such a deal? Two or three years ago? Yes. In 2015? No.
Boston Red Sox would acquire
pitcher Cole Hamels
catcher Carlos Ruiz
$5 million
Philadelphia Phillies would acquire
pitcher Henry Owens
outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr.
second baseman Deven Marrero
catcher Christian Vazquez
pitcher Brian Johnson
This trade makes sense on so many levels. First, it allows Philadelphia to trade aging veterans for young talent in a franchise clearly headed towards rebuilding mode. Secondly, with Boston determined not to trade catcher Blake Swihart, Christian Vazquez could be expendable. Although, he will certainly miss all of 2015 recovering from Tommy John surgery, Vazquez could be a nice, young catcher who has a clearer path with the Phillies. Third, Boston perhaps has more depth in the minors then any other team in the majors. Fourth, it allows the Phillies to acquire a pair of young arms in Owens and Johnson to go with Aaron Nola and Zach Eflin.
From the Red Sox perspective, acquiring Ruiz, along with $5 million to help pay for the remainder of his 2015 salary and a portion of his $8.5 million 2016 salary, would allow Swihart more time to develop in minors without being rushed too quickly. Boston could then platoon Ruiz with Ryan Hanigan until 2017. If Swihart is deemed ready for 2016, then the Red Sox could trade Ruiz and cash, or Hanigan, elsewhere for a prospect. Trading Jackie Bradley, Jr. clears a potential logjam in the outfield with Mookie Betts, Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, and Rusney Castillo. It would also give the Red Sox a clear cut ace it sorely needs in their starting rotation.
The Phillies starting line-up could look something like this:
C Christian Vazquez
1B Cody Asche
2B Deven Marrero
SS Freddy Galvis
3B Maikel Franco
LF Aaron Altherr
CF Jackie Bradley, Jr.
RF Kelly Dugan
If the Phillies were to obtain a haul of prospects in either case, it would be a major win for a team in the midst of rebuilding years.
The New York Yankees would receive
pitcher Cole Hamels
The Philadelphia Phillies would receive
pitcher Ian Clarkin
outfielder Aaron Judge
second baseman Rob Refsnyder
catcher Gary Sanchez
This trade would allow the Phillies to boast a starting line-up that would include:
C Gary Sanchez
1B Cody Asche
2B Rob Refsnyder
SS Freddy Galvis
3B Maikel Franco
LF Aaron Altherr
CF Kelly Dugan
RF Aaron Judge
With current bad contracts to aging veterans and a relatively quiet off-season (at least by Yankees standards), the Yankees appear to have finally realized the times have changed. More and more teams, especially smaller market teams such as the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, have signed their young core of players to team friendly contracts in exchange for financial security. This trade would essentially rob the Yankees of their minor league league depth (and their best prospects) for two solid years of Hamels. Would the Yankees pull the trigger on such a deal? Two or three years ago? Yes. In 2015? No.
Boston Red Sox would acquire
pitcher Cole Hamels
catcher Carlos Ruiz
$5 million
Philadelphia Phillies would acquire
pitcher Henry Owens
outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr.
second baseman Deven Marrero
catcher Christian Vazquez
pitcher Brian Johnson
This trade makes sense on so many levels. First, it allows Philadelphia to trade aging veterans for young talent in a franchise clearly headed towards rebuilding mode. Secondly, with Boston determined not to trade catcher Blake Swihart, Christian Vazquez could be expendable. Although, he will certainly miss all of 2015 recovering from Tommy John surgery, Vazquez could be a nice, young catcher who has a clearer path with the Phillies. Third, Boston perhaps has more depth in the minors then any other team in the majors. Fourth, it allows the Phillies to acquire a pair of young arms in Owens and Johnson to go with Aaron Nola and Zach Eflin.
From the Red Sox perspective, acquiring Ruiz, along with $5 million to help pay for the remainder of his 2015 salary and a portion of his $8.5 million 2016 salary, would allow Swihart more time to develop in minors without being rushed too quickly. Boston could then platoon Ruiz with Ryan Hanigan until 2017. If Swihart is deemed ready for 2016, then the Red Sox could trade Ruiz and cash, or Hanigan, elsewhere for a prospect. Trading Jackie Bradley, Jr. clears a potential logjam in the outfield with Mookie Betts, Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, and Rusney Castillo. It would also give the Red Sox a clear cut ace it sorely needs in their starting rotation.
The Phillies starting line-up could look something like this:
C Christian Vazquez
1B Cody Asche
2B Deven Marrero
SS Freddy Galvis
3B Maikel Franco
LF Aaron Altherr
CF Jackie Bradley, Jr.
RF Kelly Dugan
If the Phillies were to obtain a haul of prospects in either case, it would be a major win for a team in the midst of rebuilding years.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
2015 MLB Regular Season and Postseason Predictions
Projected Regular Season Finishes:
AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland
2. Detroit
3. Chicago
4. Kansas City
5. Minnesota
AL EAST
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. Baltimore
4. New York
5. Tampa Bay
AL WEST
1. Los Angeles (A)
2. Seattle
3. Houston
4. Oakland
5. Texas
NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis
2. Pittsburgh
3. Cincinnati
4. Chicago
5. Milwaukee
NL EAST
1. Washington
2. Miami
3. Atlanta
4. New York
5. Philadelphia
NL WEST
1. San Diego
2. Los Angeles (D)
3. San Francisco
4. Arizona
5. Colorado
MLB PLAYOFFS
AL WILD CARD GAME
Seattle d. Detroit
NL WILD CARD GAME
Pittsburgh d. Los Angeles
ALDS
Cleveland d. Seattle in 4
Boston d. Los Angeles in 4
NLDS
Washington d. Pittsburgh in 4
St. Louis d. San Diego in 5
ALCS
Boston d. Cleveland in 7
NLCS
Washington d. St. Louis in 7
WORLD SERIES
Washington d. Boston in 6
AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland
2. Detroit
3. Chicago
4. Kansas City
5. Minnesota
AL EAST
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. Baltimore
4. New York
5. Tampa Bay
AL WEST
1. Los Angeles (A)
2. Seattle
3. Houston
4. Oakland
5. Texas
NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis
2. Pittsburgh
3. Cincinnati
4. Chicago
5. Milwaukee
NL EAST
1. Washington
2. Miami
3. Atlanta
4. New York
5. Philadelphia
NL WEST
1. San Diego
2. Los Angeles (D)
3. San Francisco
4. Arizona
5. Colorado
MLB PLAYOFFS
AL WILD CARD GAME
Seattle d. Detroit
NL WILD CARD GAME
Pittsburgh d. Los Angeles
ALDS
Cleveland d. Seattle in 4
Boston d. Los Angeles in 4
NLDS
Washington d. Pittsburgh in 4
St. Louis d. San Diego in 5
ALCS
Boston d. Cleveland in 7
NLCS
Washington d. St. Louis in 7
WORLD SERIES
Washington d. Boston in 6
Friday, April 3, 2015
Eleven Team College Football Playoff System
This year's college football playoff headed in the right direction, but didn't go far enough. I propose having 11 teams in the playoff, with the five power conferences receiving automatic byes into the quarterfinals and 6 at-large teams playing in the first round. This rewards teams for winning their conference, and earning a bye into the quarterfinal round.
I propose shortening the regular season from 12 to 10 games with two bye weeks during the regular season. Most teams play cupcakes anyway. So, let's eliminate these games. With a 10 game schedule, teams will play eight conference games and two non-conference games. This forces teams to play quality games with a limited non-conference schedule. I also propose teams having up to two pre-season games. The smaller schools and schools outside the "Power Five" will be paid for these games.
The pre-season games will be held the first two Saturdays in August. The regular season games will be held starting the the third Saturday in August (with games to kickoff the season being played on Thursday) and ending the second Saturday in November. The conference championships will be played the third Saturday of November. The at-large games will be played the fourth Saturday in November. The quarterfinal games will be played the third Saturday in December. The semifinal games will be played on New Year's Day. The championship game will be played exactly on Jan. 8. This enables players to have time off for final exams, rest after the conference championship games, and to go home during Thanksgiving and the Holiday season.
For this example, I will refer to the final college football rankings prior to bowl season in 2014. My version of the college football playoff is as follows:
For the at-large games, the highest ranked team will play in a site closest to home.
At-Large (1st Round Games) (11/22)
(8) Michigan State defeats (9) Mississippi
(6) TCU defeats (11) Kansas State
(10) Arizona defeats (7) Mississippi State
As a result, the loser of these games along with Boise State, who was the highest ranked team outside of the Power 5 schools, will play each other in the Cotton and Peach Bowls.
Cotton Bowl (1/1)
(20) Boise State vs. (9) Mississippi
Peach Bowl (12/31)
(7) Mississippi State vs. (11) Kansas State
For the quarterfinal games, the highest ranked teams will play in a site closest to home. The four sites will be the home of the former BCS bowl games: New Orleans, Miami, Glendale, and Pasadena. The losers of the games will play in the Orange and Fiesta Bowls
Quarterfinal Games (12/20)
(1) Alabama defeats (8) Michigan State in New Orleans.
(2) Oregon defeats (10) Arizona
(6) TCU defeats (3) Florida State
(4) Ohio State defeats (5) Baylor
Orange Bowl (12/31)
(3) Florida State vs. (10) Arizona
Fiesta Bowl (12/31)
(5) Baylor vs. (8) Michigan State
The semifinal game will use the current model of two bowls with the winners facing each other in the national championship game.
Sugar Bowl (1/1)
(4) Ohio State defeats (1) Alabama
Rose Bowl (1/1)
(6) TCU defeats (2) Oregon
National Championship
(4) Ohio State vs. (6) TCU
The New Year's Day Six games will be played on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The bowl games can use bowl tie-ins to determine the match-ups of the losers of the games. The SEC has tie-ins to the Sugar (primary) and Orange (secondary) Bowls. The ACC has tie-ins to the Orange (primary) and Sugar (secondary) bowls. The Big-12 has tie-ins to the Sugar (primary) and Fiesta (secondary) bowls. The Pac-12 and Big-10 have tie-ins to the Rose (primary) and Fiesta Bowls (secondary).
Will this scenario happen? Probably not. I like this system and it could work if given a proper chance. The student-athletes should have a voice in these schedules and be allowed to vote on whether or not they would like it.
I propose shortening the regular season from 12 to 10 games with two bye weeks during the regular season. Most teams play cupcakes anyway. So, let's eliminate these games. With a 10 game schedule, teams will play eight conference games and two non-conference games. This forces teams to play quality games with a limited non-conference schedule. I also propose teams having up to two pre-season games. The smaller schools and schools outside the "Power Five" will be paid for these games.
The pre-season games will be held the first two Saturdays in August. The regular season games will be held starting the the third Saturday in August (with games to kickoff the season being played on Thursday) and ending the second Saturday in November. The conference championships will be played the third Saturday of November. The at-large games will be played the fourth Saturday in November. The quarterfinal games will be played the third Saturday in December. The semifinal games will be played on New Year's Day. The championship game will be played exactly on Jan. 8. This enables players to have time off for final exams, rest after the conference championship games, and to go home during Thanksgiving and the Holiday season.
For this example, I will refer to the final college football rankings prior to bowl season in 2014. My version of the college football playoff is as follows:
For the at-large games, the highest ranked team will play in a site closest to home.
At-Large (1st Round Games) (11/22)
(8) Michigan State defeats (9) Mississippi
(6) TCU defeats (11) Kansas State
(10) Arizona defeats (7) Mississippi State
As a result, the loser of these games along with Boise State, who was the highest ranked team outside of the Power 5 schools, will play each other in the Cotton and Peach Bowls.
Cotton Bowl (1/1)
(20) Boise State vs. (9) Mississippi
Peach Bowl (12/31)
(7) Mississippi State vs. (11) Kansas State
For the quarterfinal games, the highest ranked teams will play in a site closest to home. The four sites will be the home of the former BCS bowl games: New Orleans, Miami, Glendale, and Pasadena. The losers of the games will play in the Orange and Fiesta Bowls
Quarterfinal Games (12/20)
(1) Alabama defeats (8) Michigan State in New Orleans.
(2) Oregon defeats (10) Arizona
(6) TCU defeats (3) Florida State
(4) Ohio State defeats (5) Baylor
Orange Bowl (12/31)
(3) Florida State vs. (10) Arizona
Fiesta Bowl (12/31)
(5) Baylor vs. (8) Michigan State
The semifinal game will use the current model of two bowls with the winners facing each other in the national championship game.
Sugar Bowl (1/1)
(4) Ohio State defeats (1) Alabama
Rose Bowl (1/1)
(6) TCU defeats (2) Oregon
National Championship
(4) Ohio State vs. (6) TCU
The New Year's Day Six games will be played on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The bowl games can use bowl tie-ins to determine the match-ups of the losers of the games. The SEC has tie-ins to the Sugar (primary) and Orange (secondary) Bowls. The ACC has tie-ins to the Orange (primary) and Sugar (secondary) bowls. The Big-12 has tie-ins to the Sugar (primary) and Fiesta (secondary) bowls. The Pac-12 and Big-10 have tie-ins to the Rose (primary) and Fiesta Bowls (secondary).
Will this scenario happen? Probably not. I like this system and it could work if given a proper chance. The student-athletes should have a voice in these schedules and be allowed to vote on whether or not they would like it.
A Summary of My Changes to the ATP World Tour Schedule
The current tennis format is incredibly long for both players and fans. The season starts in January and will conclude in the third or fourth week of November. These changes are designed to please both players and fans and to keep players in the sport longer.
Shorter Season
The tennis season is now shorter thanks to the new schedule I've proposed. Instead of ending the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November, the season will end in the first week of October. This will give players approximately three months to rest, relax, and heal from injuries. Hopefully, this will help players avoid burnout from having to play 10 1/2 to 11 months during the current ATP tour schedule.
Changes to ATP World Tour 500 and 1000 Events
In the past, there have been nine Masters 1000 evens (excluding the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals). Now, there will be eight (8) Masters 1000 tournaments during the season.
Tournaments at Indian Wells and Key Biscayne have been downgraded from 1000 to 500 events. Further, the draws for both tournaments will be reduced from 96 to 48. However, a new Masters 1000 tournament will take place in either Sweden or Switzerland. Switzerland deserves recognition for Roger Federer's accolades and benevolence in and out of tennis. Sweden should receive serious consideration out of respect for past greats of this country such as: Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg, and Mats Wilander.
Along with Indian Wells and Key Biscayne, the ATP Masters 500 series also adds an additional tournament in Toronto/Montreal. The tournament will take place in the opposite location of the Masters 1000 tournament in Canada. For example, if the Rogers Cup (as part of the Masters 1000 series) is being held in Montreal, the 500 tournament will take place in Toronto. They will switch locations each year subsequently.
Canada deserves another tournament with the emergence of rising young stars: Milos Raonic, Eugenie Bouchard, and Vasek Pospisil. This will hopefully help the game of tennis grow in Canada.
Changes to Hard Court Season
Since the Australian Open is known as the "Slam of Asia/Pacific", it will be easier for players to continue the "Asian Swing" upon the conclusion of the Australian Open in early February instead of returning to Asia in October. The ATP players will either pay in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, or Beijing (or take an additional week off to rest if they desire) before heading to Shanghai for the Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Indian Wells and Key Biscayne have been downgraded because of time constraints. Both tournaments use one full month combined on the ATP calendar. Nevertheless, both events will be held and should remain stronger than ever. In fact, Indian Wells will be available as part of a North American Swing, which includes Acapulco and Delray Beach, in March for players who prefer hard courts.
The indoor hard court season has been reduced by a few weeks because it's unnecessary to have players play an extra two months of hard courts after the U.S. Open's conclusion in September.
Changes to Grass Court Season
The current format for grass court season is obsolete. Thus, I propose adding two extra weeks, including an additional Masters 1000 event in Europe to better prepare players for grass. This tournament will be held in addition to the current tournaments in Halle, Queens, London, Eastbourne, and the Netherlands. This will add additional time for players to make the transition from clay to grass.
The Tournament of Champions
The Tournament of Champions will be similar in format to the tournament of the same name in the WTA. Players will be required to have won at least one tour level tournament during the current season. Ranking points will be at stake and the final rankings will be made public after the conclusion of the tournament.
Post-Season
In a new addition to the ATP, I propose the addition of a non-mandatory post-season. This will give younger players more experience and journeymen an opportunity to finance their respective careers on tour. For players returning from injuries or suspension, it will enable them to test and prepare themselves before the new season in January. However, no ranking points will be at stake because the season will officially be over.
I suggest adding tournaments to countries that lack current ATP and WTA events in order to promote the growth of tennis in their countries and to boost the local economy.
Davis Cup
I recommend turning Davis Cup into an event similar to the Olympics, in which it will be held every four years. This will (1) create bragging rights for the winning country and (2) allow the top players to compete as it will be held perhaps three or four times during a player's career as opposed to the current format of having players play Davis Cup every year. The game is too physical to ask the top stars of tennis to play each round of Davis Cup in addition to the current tournaments they are required to play. In addition, this will add to the prestige of Davis Cup and will create a buss and a sense of anticipation with the crowd.
Davis Cup will be held during the same time of the post-season tournaments as to not interfere with current tournaments during the season.
Elimination of Mandatory Tournaments
The ATP tour is far too grueling to demand players to play a certain number of tournaments. This complicates matters for players by requiring them to play a certain number of tournaments. Players will be required to play all of the Masters tournaments (until they've been on tour for 10 years), but it will be the player's sole discretion as to how many other events they play at the 250 and 500 levels. Top ten players will be eligible to play in as many 500 events as he would like, but will not be allowed to play in more than three (3) ATP 250 events in a single year. If they exceed this number, they will not be rewarded points, but will be permitted to play for prizes and prize money. This prevents players from having inflated rankings from playing weaker competition at the lower levels and acculumating points against players outside the top 20.
Player Exemptions
Players will earn exemptions for tournaments after ten (10) years on tour. It's logical and understandable for the tournaments to want the well-known players at each event for promotional and economic reasons. After a full decade, it will be a player's discretion when and where he plays. Anything prolonging a player's career is good news for players, fans, and the sport.
Other Changes
Dates of tournaments have been changed to save players from unnecessary travel. January and February (with the exception of 500 tournament in Miami) will be played in Australia. Tournaments in March through June will be played predominantly in Europe (although players will have the luxury of playing tournaments elsewhere during this time). Tournaments in July and August will take place in North America. The indoor hard court season will wrap up the season in September.
This provides players the opportunity to choose their surface throughout the year. For example, a player could play on clay after the grass season ends, but might have to travel more in the process.
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and the Tournament of Champions will be played on a rotating surface on a yearly basis. The tournament will play on clay, grass, outdoor hard court, and indoor hard court. London will continue to host the indoor hard court final. The other three shall be chosen by a committee.
Conclusion
I accept the fact this fictitious schedule is far from perfect, but it's a start in making changes to shorten the season and lenghtening careers (whether due to injury, burnout, or both). Anticipation can be built properly by having a true off-season.
Lastly, I suggest making the 500 event in Key Biscayne a kick-off celebration of the new tennis season. The tournament will generally be held the first full week of January, and will kick off with an exhibition match between legends. Since it will be a 500 event, it will be optional for players who don't wish to travel to the U.S. at this particular point in time for a tournament.
Shorter Season
The tennis season is now shorter thanks to the new schedule I've proposed. Instead of ending the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November, the season will end in the first week of October. This will give players approximately three months to rest, relax, and heal from injuries. Hopefully, this will help players avoid burnout from having to play 10 1/2 to 11 months during the current ATP tour schedule.
Changes to ATP World Tour 500 and 1000 Events
In the past, there have been nine Masters 1000 evens (excluding the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals). Now, there will be eight (8) Masters 1000 tournaments during the season.
Tournaments at Indian Wells and Key Biscayne have been downgraded from 1000 to 500 events. Further, the draws for both tournaments will be reduced from 96 to 48. However, a new Masters 1000 tournament will take place in either Sweden or Switzerland. Switzerland deserves recognition for Roger Federer's accolades and benevolence in and out of tennis. Sweden should receive serious consideration out of respect for past greats of this country such as: Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg, and Mats Wilander.
Along with Indian Wells and Key Biscayne, the ATP Masters 500 series also adds an additional tournament in Toronto/Montreal. The tournament will take place in the opposite location of the Masters 1000 tournament in Canada. For example, if the Rogers Cup (as part of the Masters 1000 series) is being held in Montreal, the 500 tournament will take place in Toronto. They will switch locations each year subsequently.
Canada deserves another tournament with the emergence of rising young stars: Milos Raonic, Eugenie Bouchard, and Vasek Pospisil. This will hopefully help the game of tennis grow in Canada.
Changes to Hard Court Season
Since the Australian Open is known as the "Slam of Asia/Pacific", it will be easier for players to continue the "Asian Swing" upon the conclusion of the Australian Open in early February instead of returning to Asia in October. The ATP players will either pay in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, or Beijing (or take an additional week off to rest if they desire) before heading to Shanghai for the Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Indian Wells and Key Biscayne have been downgraded because of time constraints. Both tournaments use one full month combined on the ATP calendar. Nevertheless, both events will be held and should remain stronger than ever. In fact, Indian Wells will be available as part of a North American Swing, which includes Acapulco and Delray Beach, in March for players who prefer hard courts.
The indoor hard court season has been reduced by a few weeks because it's unnecessary to have players play an extra two months of hard courts after the U.S. Open's conclusion in September.
Changes to Grass Court Season
The current format for grass court season is obsolete. Thus, I propose adding two extra weeks, including an additional Masters 1000 event in Europe to better prepare players for grass. This tournament will be held in addition to the current tournaments in Halle, Queens, London, Eastbourne, and the Netherlands. This will add additional time for players to make the transition from clay to grass.
The Tournament of Champions
The Tournament of Champions will be similar in format to the tournament of the same name in the WTA. Players will be required to have won at least one tour level tournament during the current season. Ranking points will be at stake and the final rankings will be made public after the conclusion of the tournament.
Post-Season
In a new addition to the ATP, I propose the addition of a non-mandatory post-season. This will give younger players more experience and journeymen an opportunity to finance their respective careers on tour. For players returning from injuries or suspension, it will enable them to test and prepare themselves before the new season in January. However, no ranking points will be at stake because the season will officially be over.
I suggest adding tournaments to countries that lack current ATP and WTA events in order to promote the growth of tennis in their countries and to boost the local economy.
Davis Cup
I recommend turning Davis Cup into an event similar to the Olympics, in which it will be held every four years. This will (1) create bragging rights for the winning country and (2) allow the top players to compete as it will be held perhaps three or four times during a player's career as opposed to the current format of having players play Davis Cup every year. The game is too physical to ask the top stars of tennis to play each round of Davis Cup in addition to the current tournaments they are required to play. In addition, this will add to the prestige of Davis Cup and will create a buss and a sense of anticipation with the crowd.
Davis Cup will be held during the same time of the post-season tournaments as to not interfere with current tournaments during the season.
Elimination of Mandatory Tournaments
The ATP tour is far too grueling to demand players to play a certain number of tournaments. This complicates matters for players by requiring them to play a certain number of tournaments. Players will be required to play all of the Masters tournaments (until they've been on tour for 10 years), but it will be the player's sole discretion as to how many other events they play at the 250 and 500 levels. Top ten players will be eligible to play in as many 500 events as he would like, but will not be allowed to play in more than three (3) ATP 250 events in a single year. If they exceed this number, they will not be rewarded points, but will be permitted to play for prizes and prize money. This prevents players from having inflated rankings from playing weaker competition at the lower levels and acculumating points against players outside the top 20.
Player Exemptions
Players will earn exemptions for tournaments after ten (10) years on tour. It's logical and understandable for the tournaments to want the well-known players at each event for promotional and economic reasons. After a full decade, it will be a player's discretion when and where he plays. Anything prolonging a player's career is good news for players, fans, and the sport.
Other Changes
Dates of tournaments have been changed to save players from unnecessary travel. January and February (with the exception of 500 tournament in Miami) will be played in Australia. Tournaments in March through June will be played predominantly in Europe (although players will have the luxury of playing tournaments elsewhere during this time). Tournaments in July and August will take place in North America. The indoor hard court season will wrap up the season in September.
This provides players the opportunity to choose their surface throughout the year. For example, a player could play on clay after the grass season ends, but might have to travel more in the process.
The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and the Tournament of Champions will be played on a rotating surface on a yearly basis. The tournament will play on clay, grass, outdoor hard court, and indoor hard court. London will continue to host the indoor hard court final. The other three shall be chosen by a committee.
Conclusion
I accept the fact this fictitious schedule is far from perfect, but it's a start in making changes to shorten the season and lenghtening careers (whether due to injury, burnout, or both). Anticipation can be built properly by having a true off-season.
Lastly, I suggest making the 500 event in Key Biscayne a kick-off celebration of the new tennis season. The tournament will generally be held the first full week of January, and will kick off with an exhibition match between legends. Since it will be a 500 event, it will be optional for players who don't wish to travel to the U.S. at this particular point in time for a tournament.
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