Interleague play returned to baseball last week, but with a new twist that resulted in some great baseball. For the first time since interleague play began in 1997, teams are playing opponents from the other league not in corresponding divisions.
This new setup creates great match-ups like Diamondbacks-Red Sox and Cubs-Mariners. More series this week such as Braves-Twins give baseball fans something fresh to watch.
Expanding interleague play also gives the opportunity for potential World Series teams to play each other before October.
Random stat of the week
L.A. Dodger closer Eric Gagne is 0-0 with a 1.39 ERA and 21 saves in 22 opportunities through Sunday. A year after floundering to a 6-7 record and 4.75 ERA mainly as a starter for the Dodgers, Gagne has emerged as the most dominant closer in the NL.
Few realize that the Dodgers are the second best team in the NL, only two games behind the surging Arizona Diamondbacks. A lot of credit has to be given to Gagne, who has consistently finished close games all year.
On the rise
The Diamondbacks have won four straight after sweeping the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park and find themselves threatening the Red Sox and Yankees for the best record in baseball.
At 39-23 the D-backs seem well positioned for another playoff appearance. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling have been incredible (combined 21-2 record with 255 strikeouts and 33 walks), and the other starters have started to pick up the slack too.
Beyond the pitching, get a load of this. The D-backs lead the NL in all of the following offensive categories: batting average, OPS, runs, hits, walks, home runs, RBIs and total bases. Amazing.
Look out below
The White Sox sat one game ahead of the Twins May 25, but since then have dropped 11 of 14 through Sunday, and are five games behind the Twins with a 31-32 record.
Many considered the Sox the best young team in baseball after a fantastic 2000 season when they finished 95-67. But since then the South Siders have struggled to play up to their potential.
With the Red Sox, Yankees, Mariners and Angles virtually eliminating a chance for a wild card birth, Chicago has to hope for a slowdown by the Twins and continued mediocre play by the Indians to make the playoffs.
Extra innings
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays won only 281 out of their first 700 games. That's a winning percentage just a hair over .400.
They've finished last in their league every year they've existed and the Rays have seen their attendance dip from seventh in the league during their inaugural 1998 season to dead last in the American league in 2001.
This team should never have been created. Commissioner Bug Selig shouldn't let stadium issues deter him from contracting this team ASAP.
