The 2012 MLB Winter Meetings are underway in Nashville, and big new has already come trickling through. So far, the MLB owners have approved the sale of the Houston Astros to Jim Crane, shrinking the St. Louis Cardinals' division to five teams, effective 2013, and resulting in interleague play all season long.
The MLB also announced today the league will be adding a second Wild Card team:
Commissioner Bud Selig said owners also approved two additional wild-card teams for the postseason, meaning 10 of the 30 teams make the playoffs. Selig said the specifics are being worked out. The players' association favors the move.
According to Rob Neyer, the changes could happen as soon as the 2012 season.
Last year, the St. Louis Cardinals narrowly edged out the Atlanta Braves for the 2011 NL Wild Card spot, but under the new rules, both the Braves and Cards would have reached the playoffs and played a single-game playoff.
Stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the St. Louis Cardinals be sure to visit Viva El Birdos. Visit Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the league.