Too many teams. . .expansion has diluted the product.

Pitching and catching has declined in quality. (Although catching as an art form runs in cycles. . .we could see a new generation of great catchers soon.) But look no further than my beloved Phillies- if 46-year-old Jamie Moyer can hold a job, the talent is diluted. I love the old man, but really. . .

I don't think you can argue this in a league that hasn't expanded significantly or seen teams move around a lot in several decades.

In the modern world of pro sports the issue isn't the overall depth of the talent pool it's an issue of money being the sole method of distribution of talent. Because the system has encouraged owners to try to "buy" championships the product on the field varies wildly from team to team and from year to year.

As a result the level of fan engagement is pretty low, they don't see enough familiar faces or careers develop as a pay-off for their long term loyality. Teams no longer have a discernable character or a style of play and dynasties are effectively unheard of. If the owners and players are completely mercinary, why should the fans care about a team?

I think they did expand to 30 teams too quickly, but there's more to it than a dilution of talent. Major League Baseball has done a poor job of appealing to kids over the last several years while the NFL, NBA, and even NHL has drawn their attention. Kids that don't grow up playing baseball aren't likely to play baseball when they grow up, so there is a dilution of American talent. Baseball turns it's scouting attention to places like Japan and Latin America, which creates more problems with appealing to young and old alike. When I was a kid one of the best things off the field was interviews with guys like Reggie Jackson and Pete Rose. Today a lot of the big stars speak in broken English or have to give interviews through interpreters. Frankly, that's not going to appeal to most Americans.

Are you kidding me?

There's more people per team now than ever before, especially with the popularity in Japan, Tawaiin and Latin America.

Get rid of any two of the following: Pittsburgh, Washington/Montreal, Florida, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Minnesota, Arizona

Granted, there are many teams today. However, things would be much more competitive if teams were in better cities. For example, the Expos move to Washington could make them a contending team eventually, whereas they never had a chance in Montreal. We need to move teams from places like Tampa Bay and Toronto, and into places that can properly accomodate them.

Until the Yankees fold or drop out of the league, there will be no dilution of talent.

I don't see it.