Why does ESPN feel the need to air Yankees, Red Sox games, when there is a much better series going on?

Question

I know it's a rivalry, but come on. There is a four game series going on between the Dodgers and Padres in a division that the Dodgers lead by a 1/2 game, yet we get Yankees, Red Sox on ESPN Friday and Sunday. I think a true baseball fan, or anybody outside of New England, would rather see the other series. I can't go one week without seeing the Red Sox or Yankees play on ESPN. For the record, I am a die-hard Cards fan

Answer 1

Its all about the $$$$$$$$$$!!! Unfortunately. And I cannot AGREE more. The fact is- there is 2000 other miles across this country and millions of other fans that DONT live in New England but once again we all half to suffer cuz New Yorkers think that the world revolves around them. When you have an owner that has more money than GOD I guess you get what you want. And also for the record, I am a die-hard WHITE Sox fan.

Answer 2

Well, your comments about the rivalry are correct, and that's a big reason why they're showing this game. When they scheduled it before the season, I'm sure they weren't envisioning the Sox being a distant second to the Yankees, and they probably thought this would be a battle for the division, or at least that both teams would be looking playoff-bound.

Even with the distance between the teams in the standings, it's likely that any matchup involving those two teams would draw more viewers than a Dodgers-Padres matchup. No disrespect meant to them, but the Padres aren't exactly a big draw outside their own market, whereas the Sox and Yankees have fans all across the country that will tune in to their games. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, money is a deciding factor, and ESPN knows more viewers will equal higher advertising revenues.

Finally, I believe that the west coast start times are a drawback. By the time the Dodgers and Padres get started tonight, half the people on the east coast will be in bed. It's tough going into a broadcast knowing that several of the country's biggest markets are going to be non-factors in your viewing numbers.

I agree that it can get frustrating seeing these teams all the time without other options, but that's why I pay the extra for the baseball package. It's worth it during pennant races, plus you get to see the good teams (like the Yankees) all season long.

Answer 3

Maybe because Red Sox / yankees is the biggest rivalry in sports

Answer 4

It probably depends on the area you live in. If what is considered a 'home' team is playing that is what will air in your region. I live in Toronto & with the NFL all they air are the Bills games. I know for Hockey & Football there are special cable packages you can buy allowing you to watch any game that is airing. There may be a similar one for Baseball, no?

Answer 5

Because Yankees/Red Sox is huge.

Answer 6

It drives me nuts. Especially this year. Who cares? What's even worse is how Chris Berman and all of those phonys get so worked up. Kevin Millar was actually a household name for a while. Kevin Millar!

Answer 7

Maybe they want to show the final nails being driven into the Red Sux coffin.

Answer 8

You're right. These games are so irrelevant now. But they sounded big two months ago, when they probably made the schedule. Chris Berman is huge!

Answer 9

I agree, but ESPN's geographical location, and ratings make the decision for them. The market is just bigger.

Answer 10

there is no better series then the Bankees........i mean yankees VS. red soxs. it goes so far back. its the best rivalry in baseball!!


GO RED SOXS!!!!!!!!!!