Inter-league play?

[lmanchur.]

What is everyone's opinion on inter-league play? Love it or hate it?

I think it was a good move for the MLB a few years ago when they brought it in. However, I think it's overused... don't they have something like TWO times a year when they go to inter-league play? I think it should be just ONCE a year (or maybe I'm wrong and it is only once a year), because I think the more games verus your own division rivals, the better.

The only reason I think inter-league should stay in place is because I like the geographical rivals like Montreal vs. Toronto, New York vs. New York, Chicago vs. Chicago, that people never see otherwise, unless those two teams make the World Series, which is EXTREMLEY unlikely (...except for New York and New York, but it will be a long long long LONG time for Canadian baseball fans to see a Montreal vs. Toronto World Series final!!!!!).

I like inter-league because of the geographical rivals, but it should be limited so more meaningful games can be played versus division rivals.

What does everyone else think?

[iFroggy]

I don't like it and never have. I think it takes some allure away from the World Series. A Montreal vs. Toronto (like that'll happen... ;)) World Series would mean THAT much more, if you hadn't already played a bunch of times.

[Nate]

I agree with Patrick. The whold thing with teams from the two leagues meeting in the World Series doesn't make as much of an impact when the teams might have already played during the season.

[Wedge231]

I like it. How else were we going to see Mets Vs. Yankees? The Mets just got lucky by not having to face the Braves. Also, they made the schedule so you do play teams in your division more. The Mets only play several games against NL West teams compared to 19 against the Braves.

[FL Tiger]

I like Interleague play, although they ought to limit the number of matchups to one or two geographic rivals. No one cares to see Pittsburgh vs. Kansas City.

[Wedge231]

Good point. Red Sox and Yankees are really only interesting matchups for the Mets.

[Jimt]

The AL and NL souldn't spit in each others faces until the end....It's the crown jewel of all the games.
Previews take the drama away from it.

[ryanpaige]

One thing I didn't like about Interleague play was that the only regional match-up I cared about still wasn't played.

But this year Houston and Texas will play each other (for the first time in games that count). Since a Houston/Texas World Series is a huge improbability, I'm glad I can see the teams play in games other than that preseason game they do every year.

[catman]

I think that Inter-league play should have a rotation -- AL East Vs NL East one year, then AL East Vs NL Central, then AL East Vs NL West. This way, the fans in Boston would get a chance to see the Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals, etc. once in a while. It would increase fan support for the small market teams. I'm a Twins fan and my team is doing well for now, but I think that there would be a lot of people that would want to see Barry Bonds play in the Metrodome. Or Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Mike Piazza. It would allow fans to see players from both leagues live, not just on TV.
In case no one guessed, I like inter-league play.

[Spike]

Yeah I like that idea too, catman.

That's the way the N.F.L. does things. They rotate their interconference play so you'll get to see another team at least once every three years (I guess that's 4 years now since realignment will make it 4 divisions in each conference in the N.F.L.) if they're in the other league.

[PeterDewar]

I'm kinda with everyone on this one.

I LIKE it because of the MON/TOR, NY/NY, CHI/CHI matchups but at the same time I DONT LIKE IT because it can spoil the World Series. But in some cases like Tor/Mon, it probably wont for a long time. Maybe once a year though, not twice.

A rotation isn't a bad idea either.

[Marc]

Originally posted by PeterDewar
I'm kinda with everyone on this one.

I LIKE it because of the MON/TOR, NY/NY, CHI/CHI matchups but at the same time I DONT LIKE IT because it can spoil the World Series. But in some cases like Tor/Mon, it probably wont for a long time. Maybe once a year though, not twice.

A rotation isn't a bad idea either.
Points well taken, but also, Interleague play can hurt some of those good series you mentioned. One that comes to mind is the Mets/Yanks matchup. They played so many times during the year that the World Series wasn't as unique as it could - and should - have been.

[iFroggy]

I agree with you both. (Marc and Peter)

[Titandude]

I like interleague play, and I agree on the rotation thing.

[Wedge231]

Yes. That rotation thing sounds good. Plus its not really fair to certain divisions how it is. The NL East will most likely lose to the AL East. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays can beat anyone in the NL East while the Phillies are the only decent team in the division right now. :(

[PeterDewar]

Wow, the Jays can beat anyone in the NL East except maybe Philadelphia! :)

Sorry I just had to say that again, sounds so.... so.... great! :D

Just joking around.

[Wedge231]

Well looking atthe other team in the division, they are all below .500, even the Braves! So I guess that tells you something.