Here's one vote for the continuation of inter-league play.

It's become somewhat fashionable this year to trash play between National and American league teams during the regular season. But, I still like it, especially when there are natural ties between the opponents.

This week, the Brewers played the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians. Former Brewers' manager Phil Garner manages the Tigers. The Indians were a traditional rival of the Brewers from their AL days.

The Brewers will finish this first wave of inter-league play this weekend when they host the Kansas City Royals, another traditional rival from the AL days. Remember George Brett and Robin Yount, who went into the Hall of Fame in the same year. Former Brewer coach Tony Muser also manages the Royals.

When there is a regional rivalry, it is even better. The Cubs vs. the White Sox, Mets vs. Yankees, Angels vs. Dodgers, Astros vs. Rangers are examples. The Brewers will play the Sox later this summer.

In fact, I have long been a proponent of complete realignment in baseball across the traditional leagues. Wouldn't you love to see the Brewers play in a division with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cubs, Sox, Minnesota Twins and Tigers?

Intense rivalries could develop in such a division. Fans also could easily travel to road games. With the imbalanced schedule, travel costs would be cut considerably. Even pro sports will some day have to be concerned about travel costs.

Don't hold your breath for that realignment to ever occur. Traditionalists in the game would go ballistic if the NL and AL were broken up.

But keep inter-league play. It gives fans more of an opportunity to see different teams play. And, when some natural rivalries are involved, it adds to the fun of the season.

Give your opinion of inter-league play on The Brew Crew Review message board.

Thursday's game in Cleveland was aired in Australia, where it was Friday morning.

I am well aware of the time difference. My wife and I spent three months in Australia last year, including September, when the last game in County Stadium history was played.

That created a dilemma, since I was the author of "Down in the Valley: The History of Milwaukee County Stadium" and wanted to start the book with a description of the last out in stadium history.

But, thanks to some friends at the University of Technology-Sydney and satellite and internet technology, we watched the last game, which started at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. I sent back the start of the book via e-mail within a couple hours after the game.

I hope some of our mates watched Thursday's game. I know some of them read this column. G'day.

Geoff Jenkins earns the honor with his two home runs and four RBI in Thursday's game. Jenkins has kept his average over .300 all season, but had not hit for as much power since coming off the disabled list. But, he looked back on the power track Thursday.

This play was picked for its bizarre quality. On Wednesday night, the Indians' Russ Branyan singled to left. Jenkins made a strong throw to the plate, holding a Cleveland runner at third.

But, the ball got by catcher Henry Blanco, and then pitcher Allen Levrault, who was backing up the plate. Levrault got the ball and threw wildly to the plate.

The runner never moved from third, but Branyan just kept running. The Brewers' Luis Lopez retrieved the ball, ran down Branyan and tagged both runners at third base. Branyan was called out.

The Brewers took two of three in Cleveland to finish the road trip 3-3 and come back to Miller Park one game over .500 at 32-31.

Jenkins' power surge on Thursday was encouraging. So was Richie Sexson's 465-ft. homer, the longest hit by a Brewer this season. Perhaps the most encouraging thing about two of the homers was that Jenkins and Sexson hit them to the opposite fields. When the two sluggers are on, they often hit to the gaps of the opposite fields rather than pull everything.

The Brewers now need to clean up against the Royals at Miller Park this weekend. Jeff D'Amico will come off the disabled list to start Saturday.

That game also is Umbrella Night, which continues even though you don't need a brollie in Miller Park. On Sunday, a Geoff Jenkins' bobble head doll will be given away. Let's hope Jenkins keeps the fans' heads bobbing with a few more bombs.