As I’m sure I have discussed with many of the 20 year old baseball intellectuals of Plymouth recently, the American League is a vastly superior league to the National League. This is so much so I have dubbed the National League the “quadruple A all stars” (possible necessary shout out to Bill Simmons yet again?? I’m not sure I read so much of him he is a part of me) So let us officially open up this forum for me to discuss possible explanations for this uncanny phenomenon.
Let me first start by ranting about just how much better the AL truly is. Since interleague play’s inception, the AL had the better head to head record for 9 of the 13 years, and 1673 to 1534 overall. (According to Wikipedia, so take it for what you will). Also, the AL has won 12 of the last 20 world series titles. And perhaps most embarrassingly of all the American League has now not lost in 13 straight all-star games.
I mean 
seriously.. the AL hasn’t lost since 1996. Let’s discuss some happenings of 1996 to put this into perspective: The N64 had just been released. Bob Dole was still politically relevant (if he ever was?) running for president. Tupac was still alive for Christ’s sake! (Damn you Biggie!!)
seriously.. the AL hasn’t lost since 1996. Let’s discuss some happenings of 1996 to put this into perspective: The N64 had just been released. Bob Dole was still politically relevant (if he ever was?) running for president. Tupac was still alive for Christ’s sake! (Damn you Biggie!!) The fact the AL is superior is a tough point to argue against, the question is why?
Theory Number 1: The Yankees and Red Sox carry the league and dominate it with their extravagant spending.
Examining the spending comparison of the two leagues (check out this link of 08 and 09 salaries: http://baseball.about.com/od/newsrumors/a/09teamsalaries.htm) I would have to say that the 2 leagues are not that far apart in payrolls, with only 8 of the top 15 team salaries in the AL. Plus, payroll does not necessarily dictate dominance. Having a higher budget is most certainly beneficial, but competence in its use is also necessary. (Recall such signings as Chan Ho Park/Carl Pavano/and dare I… Bobby Higginson??... Oh I went there) The Yankees didn’t buy their way to the 1996-2000 dynasty they had, they grew their own core of players, and sprinkled in free agents to fill in the gaps, just like the Red Sox, Phillies, and other teams have recently done. I am going to say this point has some merit, but is not altogether too relevant.
Examining the spending comparison of the two leagues (check out this link of 08 and 09 salaries: http://baseball.about.com/od/newsrumors/a/09teamsalaries.htm) I would have to say that the 2 leagues are not that far apart in payrolls, with only 8 of the top 15 team salaries in the AL. Plus, payroll does not necessarily dictate dominance. Having a higher budget is most certainly beneficial, but competence in its use is also necessary. (Recall such signings as Chan Ho Park/Carl Pavano/and dare I… Bobby Higginson??... Oh I went there) The Yankees didn’t buy their way to the 1996-2000 dynasty they had, they grew their own core of players, and sprinkled in free agents to fill in the gaps, just like the Red Sox, Phillies, and other teams have recently done. I am going to say this point has some merit, but is not altogether too relevant.
Theory Number 2: The National League cannot compete with the American League head to head because of the discrepancy the DH causes.
Sure the Manny/Ortiz Sox probably had an advantage by being able to get away with having 2 defensive liabilities in the same line up. But I do not feel a lot of AL teams have legit 9 man lineups anyway (I think Nick Punto is currently rolling around in a pile of money he doesn’t deserve and is laughing) Also, this can be a duel-edged sword in that in the NL ballparks the AL pitchers must learn how to remain focused while also hitting. So.. a huge HOW DARE YOU to anyone who suggests this; A large Michelangelo nunchuck to the dome! A tremendous –Neo-punch to Agent Smith’s chest- to you sirs! (that’s enough)
Theory Number 3: The balance of power can be fickle and this is just a time where the pendulum has swung towards the AL
A distinct possibility. Keep in mind the NL won all but 1 all star game from 1963 to 1982. (Wow actual stats and research to back up stats?!? This post is unprecedented!) Some players switching leagues can have profound impacts on teams. For instance, Manny moving to LA was an incredible shift in power. It changed the punchless Dodgers into contenders. And if Manny isn’t suspended for PED’s –pregnancy pills?- (giggle) maybe his antics carry the NL to home field advantage this year. Maybe we are reading too much into all of this, maybe it’s just something for sports writers to yap about and bloggers to blog about. Maybe. But it sure is a interesting debate, and I’m curious to know theories, so be sure to holla at me so we can sort this whole thing out!
Sure the Manny/Ortiz Sox probably had an advantage by being able to get away with having 2 defensive liabilities in the same line up. But I do not feel a lot of AL teams have legit 9 man lineups anyway (I think Nick Punto is currently rolling around in a pile of money he doesn’t deserve and is laughing) Also, this can be a duel-edged sword in that in the NL ballparks the AL pitchers must learn how to remain focused while also hitting. So.. a huge HOW DARE YOU to anyone who suggests this; A large Michelangelo nunchuck to the dome! A tremendous –Neo-punch to Agent Smith’s chest- to you sirs! (that’s enough)
Theory Number 3: The balance of power can be fickle and this is just a time where the pendulum has swung towards the AL
A distinct possibility. Keep in mind the NL won all but 1 all star game from 1963 to 1982. (Wow actual stats and research to back up stats?!? This post is unprecedented!) Some players switching leagues can have profound impacts on teams. For instance, Manny moving to LA was an incredible shift in power. It changed the punchless Dodgers into contenders. And if Manny isn’t suspended for PED’s –pregnancy pills?- (giggle) maybe his antics carry the NL to home field advantage this year. Maybe we are reading too much into all of this, maybe it’s just something for sports writers to yap about and bloggers to blog about. Maybe. But it sure is a interesting debate, and I’m curious to know theories, so be sure to holla at me so we can sort this whole thing out!
Until next time.
His "I can't believe I was just referenced in a blog in 2009" face
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