It is that time of year again, interleague baseball takes over. Throughout the years, managers, players and fans have had complaints about interleague play. AL managers have to remove the designated hitter position from their lineups when visiting NL ballparks, sometimes players are forced to play in positions they are unfamiliar with or break out of their routines and miss a few games because of the missing DH position. Fans have complained because it strays from tradition.
Despite all the complaints, statistics have shown more and more interest in interleague games as the years have passed. Since 1997, interleague games have attracted crowds averaging 33,285 per game, 12% higher attendance to regular season games. All in all, interleague games allow for fans to see superstars from the opposing league. Furthermore, they can see possible World Series matchups. Here are some of the intrueging games taking place over the weekend.
Baltimore Orioles vs Washington Nationals
In case fans have been out of the loop, the Orioles are in first place and, for a good portion of the first month and a half of baseball, the Nationals were in first place too. This matchup features the team with the most homeruns in the Majors, Orioles versus the team with the lowest ERA in baseball. Both teams are underdogs in their division, so might as well catch them playing each other while they are still good.
Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies
Both teams are expected to be contenders in their respective divisions, but 2012 has not brought much luck their way. The Phillies have been struggling with injuries to their biggest boppers, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Meanwhile, in Boston, after changes in their front office, key players have struggled and they have also been plagued by injuries. If both teams can find a way to win, a Boston vs Phillies World Series is not far from possible.
Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays were a miracle team in 2011. The Braves could not clinch the Wild Card and make it to the postseason last year. These teams had contrary fates in 2011, but have started out the year strong. The Braves are in first place and the Rays are right behind the Orioles in the AL East. Both teams have done a great job with their farm system as they continue to produce great young players. The new playoff format will give both teams a higher possibility of reaching the postseason and would be a series worth watching.
