MLB. Make it six straight for the American League.
The Red Sox lost yesterday, but the AL still managed to close out its sixth consecutive winning season in interleague play. Through yesterday’s day games, the Junior Circuit held a 136-113 advantage over the NL.
That’s down from the last four years, but still a decided advantage. The Sox did their part, finishing their 18-game interleague slate with an 11-7 record (even counting yesterday’s 2-1 loss to rookie sensation Tommy Hanson and the Braves).
So why the dominance? Some possibilities:
The DH — This argument’s an oldie but a goodie. It says the AL teams have a big advantage in their own parks because they carry a designated hitter on their everyday roster. Meanwhile, when NL teams come to town, they usually have to drop a bench player into the role.
Makes sense, right? But what about NL pitchers, who have more batting experience than their AL counterparts? Doesn’t it all even out in the end?
The AL East — This doesn’t hold water all the time, but right now it seems to: The NL simply doesn’t have a division as good as the AL East. The Red Sox (11-7 this year), the Rays (13-5), the Yankees (9-8 going into last night) ... good luck against that trifecta. Of course, the influx of talent won’t last forever.
It’s just cyclical — We’re inclined to give this one the most weight. Remember, the NL won two straight before the AL’s run.
Especially in the era of free agency, talent moves around so fast it’s hard to imagine one league will stay on top for too long. So buck up, NL fans. Your day will come.