MLB player agent Scott Boras has "called for something that makes a lot of sense -- having the first and/or second game of the World Series take place in a neutral setting," according to Nick Cafardo of the BOSTON GLOBE. Having two games to "start the World Series in a warm-weather climate and/or dome" would "create quite a buzz." Boras suggested that the event could include "a big ceremony where the Cy Young, MVP, and other awards would be part of a TV special" in the host city. He calls it "baseball's Oscars." Boras believes the move would "get the corporate world involved much like it is for the Super Bowl," and some of the revenue generated could go to "a pension fund for minor leaguers." The "downside to this would be that fans whose team makes it to the World Series would have fewer games at their venue," while the last five games "would be broken up, 2-2-1." Boras said of using a neutral site, "It would be a gathering place for all of baseball. The team officials would have to show up for the awards and other business. It could be the start of the hot-stove season as it once was. It would bring baseball center stage. It would make the World Series an event, much like the All-Star Game, which is the best in sports. Why not take all of the metrics of that event and apply them to the World Series?" Cafardo wrote a neutral site for part of the Series "wouldn't be that radical," and would "allow for build-up and greater interest in the event." The idea "makes sense," and MLB officials "know it has merit, but changing the way things are done isn't a top priority" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/22).
