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Post by Splinters on Jun 29, 2006 12:35:01 GMT -5
Most everyone has a HUGE preference for the NL even so far as often referring to the AL as the "dark side." How does it make you guys feel to witness the pummelling that the NL is taking in interleague play?
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Post by MGrage on Jun 29, 2006 12:58:33 GMT -5
I'm glad it's almost over. Maybe now everyone's ERA will start going down. My God, 4.22 is good for second? I can't ever remember having ERAs this high before, Dave? Mahalo
Matt
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Post by Copperfields on Jun 30, 2006 7:10:06 GMT -5
I'll need to dig through the archives on the ERA question, Matt, but I can give a preliminary answer based on the year-end numbers. It may not be a great comparison (half-season numbers vs full-season), but early indications are that you're correct. Going through the past several seasons, this year's 2nd place ERA (4.22 as of your post) would have been good for the following rankings in that category:
2005 - 8th
2004 - 12th
2003 - 8th
2002 - 9th
2001 - 8th
2000 - 4th
1999 - 5th
1998 - 9th
Glad to see they've got that steroids thing under control...
Addressing Teddy's initial question -- how NL fans feel about the pummelling the NL teams have received in interleague play -- I feel pretty much the same way I do about the AL dominance in the All-Star Game in recent years: I'm not thrilled about it, and I'd much rather it be the NL that's administering the drubbing, but it's not going to make me become a fan of the AL or their version of the game. It's unfortunate (and clearly cyclical), but that's about it.
On interleague in general, I still hate it. From the unbalanced quality of competition within divisions (strength of schedule discrepancies between division rivals) to the effect it has on the schedule overall (more games with AL teams means fewer trips to other NL cities, which means difficulties in rescheduling rainouts and shorter series). Blech.
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Post by Splinters on Jun 30, 2006 13:23:01 GMT -5
I'm not thrilled about it, and I'd much rather it be the NL that's administering the drubbing, but it's not going to make me become a fan of the AL or their version of the game. I've always found it interesting that most people seem to have a very strong preference for one league over another. I just like baseball, regardless of the "brand." |
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Post by MGrage on Jun 30, 2006 14:47:42 GMT -5
2005 - 8th 2004 - 12th 2003 - 8th 2002 - 9th 2001 - 8th 2000 - 4th 1999 - 5th 1998 - 9th Glad to see they've got that steroids thing under control... ... Blech. I just thought I'd take you out of context Dave.  I had to laugh. Haven't the majority of players caught taking steroids pitchers? This could explain some of the elevated numbers. I think one's preference for leagues mainly depends on one's favorite team. If you grew up rooting for the Cubs, you're an NL fan. If you grew up cheering on the Sox, you're partial to the AL. Steve would be the exception to this rule since his Brew Crew changed sides. I'd be interested to see what league he prefers. I agree with Dave that interleague play has some significant drawbacks, but I also like it. A couple years back I saw Mark Prior shut down the Yankees at Wrigley and if we didn't have interleague play, that probably couldn't happen in this lifetime the way things are going now. It isn't totally fair but I like having to play new teams every year. And you've got to admit, it's made the Cubs-Sox rivalry that much more intense since interleague play started up. Though I like both teams, I'm a bigger fan of the Cubs and like NL play as well. I think it's there's more strategy put in play in the NL. Plus there's more familiarity with their players for me. I don't play in any mixed or AL only leagues. Anyways, thanks for looking up those numbers Dave. I don't think they'll change that much before the season ends. 2000 looks to be the closest comparable year. I have no recollection of that season though. Mahalo Matt |
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Post by stones on Jun 30, 2006 17:25:56 GMT -5
I think one's preference for leagues mainly depends on one's favorite team. If you grew up rooting for the Cubs, you're an NL fan. If you grew up cheering on the Sox, you're partial to the AL. Steve would be the exception to this rule since his Brew Crew changed sides. I'd be interested to see what league he prefers. When I read David's post I immediately thought like Teddy, I enjoy the unique qualities of both leagues. I think I have posted from time to time that I am a fan of the DH. I also enjoy inter-league play. I believe that the Cubs fan (not David, but in general) have recently started whining about it because they think its unfair that they have to play the better White Sox every year. As I recall, the Sox have only been good recently. On the other hand, the Brewers have had to play the Twins every year. I think the Twins have enjoyed a longer term of success than the Sox. With that said, I wish the Sox and Brewers could play occasionally. I used to enjoy that rivalry a great deal. There was nothing better than watching a fight in the left field bleachers at County Stadium between a Brewers fan and a Sox fan. This usually resulted in the Sox fan spending time in the local lock up (probably due to home cooking, I suppose). I have come to enjoy the Brewers v. Cubs growing rivalry as well though. There is more strategy involved in managing an NL team to be sure, but there is a different element of strategy to employ the DH as well. Any how that is my two cents. I am heading up north for the 4th. For the first time since I can remember, I have nothing to worry about from a fantasy baseball perspective on this trip. Both my teams stink! Happy Fireworks everyone. GO BREWERS, BEAT THOSE SINKING TWINKIES!!! |
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I had to laugh. Haven't the majority of players caught taking steroids pitchers? This could explain some of the elevated numbers.
