Yankees-Red Sox hits national TV in weeknight prime time

[WebHamster]

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The television networks are even getting in on the intense rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced that FOX will broadcast the season's first game between the two American League East division rivals on April 16, at 8:05 p.m. (et) from Fenway Park.

This marks the first network prime time weeknight broadcast of a regular season game since September 8, 1998 when FOX aired the contest in which Mark McGwire belted his then-record 62nd home run.

The rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees went full tilt last season when the two battled to the bitter end of a grueling seven-game American League Championship Series, won by New York. Both teams have been jostling for position in the offseason, with the Red Sox signing starting pitcher Curt Schilling and closer Keith Foulke. The Yankees signed outfielder Gary Sheffield, acquired pitchers Kevin Brown and Javier Vazquez, and pulled off an amazing trade for Alex Rodriguez last month.

"The minute that Alex Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees, it became obvious to us that for a regular-season game, this was an event that would take on national interest," said FOX chairman and CEO David Hill. "The stage was set with last season's unforgettable ALCS, and what already was sports' greatest rivalry has been elevated to another level as both teams have reloaded with amazing talent in this offseason."

[Lofunzo]

To me that is amazing. It either shows how great the rivalry is or it shows how lame Fox's schedule is. Maybe both.