Initial Round of Inter-League Play

[Frayed Knot]

So we start the 13th season of Inter-League play.
All together now: YAWN ...

But it's here and there's nothing we can do about it. Currently the AL is on a 4-year winning streak, sometimes handling the overall IL series by as much as a 60/40 ratio. Prior to that, the previous 8 seasons were much more balanced with a slight overall edge going to the NLers.


Series at NL homes:

Nats-v-Orioles: aka the battle of the Beltways, aka the battle of the basement dwellers

Indians @ CIncy in the battle for Ohio (as if anyone really wants it?)

Rays @ Marlins: let's just hope they don't have to recount the ballots after its done

Toronto @ Braves: Hey now there's a traditional matchup! Jays have a good record but have had trouble hanging with the big boys (lost 5 of 6 to MFY & Bos). Halladay starts tonight.

Rangers @ Houston: with confused football fans wandering around wondering when kickoff is

Royals @ Cards: KC might even have a fighting chance this year although StL will miss Greinke

Angels @ Dodgers: the forecast calls for lots of people to be stuck in traffic


At AL parks:

Phils @ Yanx - rooting for natural disasters and/or swine flu

Rockies @ Detroit - another biggie that makes IL play so special

Brewers @ Twins - good game, eh? ... You betcha!

Pirates @ ChiSox - at least they don't have to face Peavy

DBacks @ As - I'm not even sure those cities care

Giants @ Seattle - white wine vs coffee



and in the lone NL matchup the Cubs are the Chicago team that gets to see Peavy, only from the other side as they travel to SD.

[metirish]

Is this a hot ticket in Boston or just another team for them?

[Gwreck]

Boston sells out every game anyway but yes, it's got much more going for it than a Red Sox-Rangers matchup does.

Paid a steep premium for my tickets to tomorrow's game (got Sunday's at face value, fortunately).

[Frayed Knot]

Round 1 goes to the AL although closer so far than in recent years: 22-20

AL Sweeps
Rangers over Astros
Twins over Brewers (NOW Minnesota decides to get tough?)

NL Sweeps
Atlanta over Toronto

AL wins 2-1
Orioles over Nationals
ChiSox over Pirates
Angels over Dodgers
Mariners over Giants
Rays over Marlins

NL wins 2-1
Mets over Red Sox
Rockies over Tigers
Phils over Yanx
DBacks over A's
Cards over Royals
Reds over Indians