Joey Kaufman

Ratings crunched

Recycled discourse is pretty commonplace throughout sports media: athletes’ transgressions, rivalries — whether fabricated or real.

Oddly, one talking point that has been increasingly popular remains declining World Series television ratings.

The 2008 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays marked the lowest rated ever, and last year’s set between the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers tied ‘08’s numbers.

As some have pointed out, it doesn’t look as if 2011 is much more promising, as the Rangers, on Wednesday, face the St. Louis Cardinals, who in 2006 were a part of the second-lowest rated series ever against the Detroit Tigers.

Many ask: Will this now surpass 2008?

I ask: Does it matter?

Why has this become a talking point so central to one of sports’ most cherished spectacles?

Aren’t there storylines more central to the upcoming four-to-seven games? Pujols. The Cardinals, who were once 10 1/2 back in the wild card race. Nelson Cruz, who had six home runs in six games against the Tigers. 

If the goal is to point out football has been sport No. 1 in America, that is a fight that no longer needs to be waged. It has been apparent for years.

Good baseball, good television isn’t necessarily predicated on great ratings. Maybe, let’s all move on.

Yes, Tumblr

At 1:31 a.m. PST, I’m certain I can’t engage in anything remotely constructive.