McCarroll21
05-16-2008, 03:32 PM
Interleague Play Preview: Impact on NL East
By: Josh McCarroll (http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/member.php?u=1) | Braves-Nation.com
As I’m sure everyone remembers, the Braves run through their 2007 Interleague schedule can only be described as one word: disastrous.
The Braves went 4-11 in Interleague Play last year, playing the World Series winning Red Sox six times and also played the Tigers, Twins and Indians, as well. While the Braves were struggling to go 4-11, the Mets and Phillies each went 8-7 in Interleague games, four games better than the Braves Interleague record.
When looking at the big picture, the Interleague schedules separated the three teams by four games, the Braves lost the division by five games and finished four games behind the Mets for second place in the division.
This year, the Braves Interleague schedule gets a little easier. The Braves play the Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners from the American League West, and the Toronto Blue Jays from the American League East. Their combined records going into Interleague Play tally up to a .491 win percentage.
The Phillies schedule in Interleague Play gets them a similar schedule, but their schedule replaces the Texas Rangers with the Boston Red Sox. The combined winning percentage of their opponents is .507.
The Marlins will play six games against the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners in their Interleague games. Their combined records give them a .497 win percentage.
The Mets play the Yankees six times in Interleague, with games against the Angels, Mariners and Rangers out of the American League West. Their combined win percentage is .473.
Going just by records, the Braves currently have the second worst schedule for Interleague play this year between the top competitors for the National League East, as opposed to the toughest last year. While the Mets record comes in as the weakest of the four, one can’t overlook the New York rivalry and the role it could play on the two series between the teams.
While Interleague Play may have cost the Braves the division title, or at least the chance to be in position to make a push at the end of the season, a year ago, this year it may play out to give the Braves an advantage.
By: Josh McCarroll (http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/member.php?u=1) | Braves-Nation.com
As I’m sure everyone remembers, the Braves run through their 2007 Interleague schedule can only be described as one word: disastrous.
The Braves went 4-11 in Interleague Play last year, playing the World Series winning Red Sox six times and also played the Tigers, Twins and Indians, as well. While the Braves were struggling to go 4-11, the Mets and Phillies each went 8-7 in Interleague games, four games better than the Braves Interleague record.
When looking at the big picture, the Interleague schedules separated the three teams by four games, the Braves lost the division by five games and finished four games behind the Mets for second place in the division.
This year, the Braves Interleague schedule gets a little easier. The Braves play the Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners from the American League West, and the Toronto Blue Jays from the American League East. Their combined records going into Interleague Play tally up to a .491 win percentage.
The Phillies schedule in Interleague Play gets them a similar schedule, but their schedule replaces the Texas Rangers with the Boston Red Sox. The combined winning percentage of their opponents is .507.
The Marlins will play six games against the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners in their Interleague games. Their combined records give them a .497 win percentage.
The Mets play the Yankees six times in Interleague, with games against the Angels, Mariners and Rangers out of the American League West. Their combined win percentage is .473.
Going just by records, the Braves currently have the second worst schedule for Interleague play this year between the top competitors for the National League East, as opposed to the toughest last year. While the Mets record comes in as the weakest of the four, one can’t overlook the New York rivalry and the role it could play on the two series between the teams.
While Interleague Play may have cost the Braves the division title, or at least the chance to be in position to make a push at the end of the season, a year ago, this year it may play out to give the Braves an advantage.