41.   There have been replacement players, replacement umpires and a new playoff format.

42.   He said eliminating Colorado and Cincinnati in the expanded playoff format has made pitching the Series easier.

43.   An expanded playoff format created late-season excitement with close races.

44.   An expanded playoff format produced exciting games, with Seattle and Colorado reaching the playoffs for the first time in their history.

45.   Despite an expanded playoff format, the winningest teams in each league advanced to the Series, something that had not happened in nine years.