Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 10/7/2004

Question
How do the playoffs work leading to the Pennant?

Answer
Bill,

Here's the deal...

Each division winner qualifies for the playoffs.  That makes three teams in each league.  The fourth team that makes the playoffs is the team with the best overall record who isn't leading the division.

The division winner with the best record is matched up against the playoff team with the worst record (unless the team with the worst record comes from the same division).

In the first round, the team which wins three games first advances.  The two series winners meet, then play a best of seven series (first to four wins advances).  Then the winner from each league faces each other in the World Series.  Again, the winner of four games first is declared the champion.

I hope this answers your question!  Ask again if you need clarification!

Brian