It is the time of year when the sports fan is caught between two very different emotional events. This is common with the changing of the seasons, but I think it is most pronounced now.

This weekend the NBA began the process of completing their grinding season so that the “World Champion” is decided. At the same time Major League Baseball is taking baby steps to determine its champion by initiating a 162 game schedule plus playoffs.

Through the influence of television the NBA championship is close to being decided on the same day as we celebrate our nation’s independence. Yes, when we should be enjoying the outdoors we are inside as if it was winter.

So, you say, what is my point? My point is that the seasons are too long. Too grueling. The best overall basketball played in the NBA was during the NBA’s strike-shortened season. Unless you have done it, you can’t really appreciate how difficult it is to go through an NBA season. I know, they make a ton of money to do just that. Outside of NBA cities the interest is waning. Too many bad games. Lets get to the playoffs.

In NBA cities they are paying $40 to $100 for a seat and they don’t always get their money’s worth. It is not just about winning and losing. A bad game is a bad game especially when you look at the cost. Too many B movies where the star has mailed it in. In TV land we just hit the remote and we might not come back so soon.

Owners have a huge investment in their athletes. The fan deserves a good show. Maybe less is more if we can raise the quality such that people get their money’s worth. There are many fans that would be happy after 40-50 games (basketball) or 120-130 games (baseball), then going directly to determine who is the best. It’s called the playoffs and/or the World Series. Why are we playing the World Series in football weather? Could it be GREED?