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Giants sweep; should Interleague continue?
By Charlie O. Mallonee June 13, 2010 |
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The Oakland A’s allowed the San Francisco Giants to complete a three-game sweep on Sunday at AT&T Park. Led by a strong 116-pitch effort from Matt Cain, the Giants capitalized on opportunities to defeat the A’s 6-2. This is not the way the A’s wanted to start a nine-game road trip versus National League opponents. Being swept in a series that allowed you to sleep in your own bed each night is nothing short of embarrassing. The A’s now head out on the road for six games. The first three games will be played in the often unfriendly confines of Wrigley Field against the Cubs. The trip will wind up with three games versus the very tough Cardinals in St. Louis. The A’s need to win five of six just to finish with a winning record on the nine-game road trip. Based on their play in San Francisco, that may be just too much to expect. Should Interleague Play Continue? There is a larger question that looms over Interleague play – should it continue? When Interleague play began in 1997, baseball was in need of catching the fans attention with something different. Interleague play did energize the fans with something different by matching up teams that has never played each other before. It was exciting and fun. Now, it seems to have become so common place. The electricity has been drained from the match ups. This reporter believes it is time to change the Interleague schedule. It is time to limit Interleague play to six games – home and home series - over two weekends. There are ten natural rivalries: Oakland – San Francisco, L.A. Angels – L.A. Dodgers, Texas – Houston, Kansas City – St. Louis, Chicago White Sox – Chicago Cubs, Cleveland – Cincinnati, Tampa Bay – Florida, Baltimore – Washington, Minnesota – Milwaukee and New York Yankees – New York Mets. For the other five Interleague series I would suggest the following match-ups: Detroit – Pittsburg, Toronto – Philadelphia, Seattle – San Diego, Boston – Atlanta and the lone National League series would be Arizona – Colorado. Interleague would be quick, fun and leave the fans wanting more rather than less. Will it happen … NO! Baseball does not think creatively and does not act decisively. What do you think? Let me know at raydeoman@gmail.com |
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