re: If we beat MState, do we get a top 8 seed?

quote:

---

Only in the world of academia would someone say that a universally top 8 ranked team (within the top 8 in nearly every poll) shouldn't be a top 8 host.

---

I wish it were that simple but it's not. There's a regional format for a reason. Baseball isn't a money sport. There are almost 300 teams playing in D1. Many of them are small and can't easily afford traveling across country. They do it, but the presidents/ADs want to stay as close as possible. The committee is there to make that happen in a reasonable manner while still maintaining the integrity of the tournament by making sure the best teams still host. Many years, it's easier because the best teams are spread out. This year, Only 1 team west of the Mississippi deserves a top 8 seed. That's a problem. So you add a second and make a few teams travel half the distance they normally would have.