LCS Matchups Should Give Fox, TBS Big Ratings

MLB’s final four is set, and while both the league and TBS would have liked longer series in the Divisional round, they did get compelling games, fantastic finishes and attractive matchups for the LCS. The execs in Atlanta are shaking their heads at the sweeps by the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels, as ratings and ad revenue would clearly have been boosted if they were extended, but TBS still should feel good about playoff ratings that are more than 9% higher than last year. For MLB, the first week sees the league facing its usual criticism over game scheduling and the length of its season. Meanwhile, a new controversy has emerged: the use of instant replay. Despite a number of botched calls during the first round, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig states, "I don't really have any desire to increase the amount of replay -- period.”