SubscribeJML update, June 13
Interleague play continues. Zzzzzzzz. Call me old fashioned, but it meant a lot more when the only time you had the AL playing the NL were in marquee events like the All-Star Game or the World Series (spring training doesn’t count). Now? Pretty boring. Even the natural rivalries — Mets vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. White Sox, Rangers vs. Astros — seem to have lost their charm. Not to mention the role it can play when vying for a division title. Think about it. Is it fair that the Mets play the Yankees six times while the Nationals could play the Minn. Twins? Those games could make the difference in trying to get into the post-season.
But I digress…
Ike Davis had the type of game the Mets have been hoping for all year in their 11-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The slow-footed first baseman actually bunted for a single his first time up. In subsequent at bats, he struck out looking, walked, hit a three-run homer, and grounded out.The four-bagger, Davis’ sixth of the year, came in a six-run seventh inning in which all the scores came with two outs.
- Davis receives congratulations from teammates Lucas Duda and Daniel Murphy after his home run in the seventh inning. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
Ian Kinsler was 3-5 with a double, run scored, and one RBI as the Rangers beat the visiting Ariz. Diamondbacks, 9-1. Scott Feldman did not appear in the game. Craig Breslow did, pitching the eighth and giving up one run on three hits, striking out one. It’s the second straight game in which he’s allowed a run.
Kevin Youkilis was 0-3 in the Red Sox’s 2-1 win over the host Miami Marlins. He is hitless in his last 14 at bats, dropping his batting average to .219.
Ryan Braun was 1-4 in the Brewers’ loss to host KC Royals, also 2-1.
Jason Marquis is scheduled to start for the Col. Rockies tomorrow night against the Mariners in Seattle.
And, FYI, Phillies pitcher B.J. Rosenberg, called up earlier this month, is not MOT.
With all respect, I can’t disagree more with your Zzzs, Ron, on interleague play. As a fan, the more teams I see the merrier, whether in person (before I had two young kids keeping me away from Flushing) or on TV. How many more times do I need to see the Mets play their NL East rivals? None. As a fan, I love seeing different players, different uniforms, etc. I even remember a game against the Twins a few years back, where I was delighted to see Johan Santana pitch for Minnesota, even if the Mets lost. As far as the fairness issues goes, eh. Win your games and you make the playoffs.
I agree with your point to a degree, Peter. My feeling is interleague plays makes the annual “classics” — Midsummer and Fall — somehow less special by diluting the mix with regular in-season meetings.