It is playoff time again and time to dust off time-tested methods for politically aware fans to at least decide the teams for which to root in the coming weeks. Surprisingly, the method predicts the champion about three-quarters of the time.
The theory is pretty simple. One must always root for the team from an unequivocally blue state. If there is a contest between two such states, one may pull for either team or attempt to break the tie by selecting the team which is an original major league franchise, preferably one that has never relocated.
So this year in the AL, since the Yankees and Detroit are both from blue states and both original ML franchises, there is no clear favorite. Personally, I am hoping Detroit wins because it is the underdog and from a rust belt state to boot. In the case of Tampa vs. Texas, Florida is considered a swing state or a purple state, so it is OK to root for them, though in the LCS, one must cheer for the winner of the Yankees/Tigers series. In no case can rooting for a team from Texas be considered legitimate even if you are from Texas.
In the NL, there are clear choices as well. In the Cardinals/Phillies series, Pennsylvania is the bluer state. Some pundits consider Missouri a purple state, though I have my doubts. Fortunately, the Phillies trump this dilemma. Wisconsin is considered by many a state that leans left and is thus blue. However, given the abomination of the Scott Walker regime, you have to have serious doubts here. Thankfully, they are playing the Diamondbacks from Arizona, so the issue is categorically resolved. Just as in the case of Texas, one may never support a team from Arizona.
The NL LCS presents issues should the Cardinals and Brewers advance. If you think Wisconsin is blue, it's not a problem. We will cheer for the Phillies and hope the issue is put to bed.
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