The St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins are just two of the five MLB teams scheduled for more appearances on FOX than the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
FOX released its 2009 MLB schedule on Wednesday, with five teams scheduled for the maximum nine appearances on the network — the Angels, White Sox, Dodgers and the aforementioned Cardinals and Twins.
Scheduled for eight appearances are the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Braves, Phillies and Indians, with the Red Sox currently set to play on FOX seven times. The defending American League Champion Rays are scheduled for five appearances.
While the relative lack of appearances for the Yankees and Red Sox may seem surprising, keep in mind that the last two Saturdays of the MLB season are designated “wild card” dates, when FOX can choose three as-yet-unscheduled games. Look for both the Yankees and Red Sox to make appearances on those dates, and eventually make the maximum nine appearances on FOX.
With FOX having canceled its MLB pregame show, the network’s MLB coverage will now typically begin at 4 PM ET each week. Coverage on Saturday, April 11, with Red Sox/Angels, Twins/White Sox or Astros/Cardinals. The network’s first Yankees/Red Sox telecast will take place on April 25, with two subsequent battles between the rivals airing on August 8 and August 22.
