For better or worse, 2008 will mark the 12th season of interleague play. Truthfully, though, I can't say that it's too exciting, anymore. Yeah, there will be the White Sox playing the Cubs and the Yankees playing the Mets and a few other good geography-based series, but the rest of it (Rays vs. Cubs? Pirates vs Blue Jays?) just feels .. blah.  

The thing is that it doesn't have to be this way. There are plenty of possible matchups out there that would give a little boost of something to one of Bud Selig's babies. No, they're currently not annual rivalries, but for one reason or another, they need to be.

My top 10 candidates for annual interleague series (in no particular order, really) after the jump ... If you'd like to see a matchup I haven't listed, leave it in the comments below. 

Dodgers vs. Yankees

Last time they played: 2004

Will they play in '08?: No

Why: Interleague play doesn't have a great bi-coastal rivalry, but this is the only logical choice.  That the Dodgers used to play in Brooklyn and Joe Torre used to manage in the Bronx only adds to what would be an anticipated series every single year it's played.

Brewers vs. White Sox 

Last time: 2001

Play in '08?: No

Why: The Brewers and Cubs are on the verge of establishing a lasting and memorable rivalry in the NL Central, but few remember that Brewers and White Sox games were main attractions on both ends of I-90 when both were in the American League. The Brewers fanbase probably has more in common with the Sox Army than they do with Cubs Nation and also, the Sox called County Stadium home for nine games in 1968 and 11 in '69. 

Giants vs. Angels 

Last time: 2006

Play in '08?: No

Why: These two teams played in the 2002 World Series, a Fall Classic that doesn't get as much credit for being absolutely great as it deserves. The Giants already have a heated relationship with the Dodgers, so it'd be interesting to see if visitors from the Bay Area get treated any better in Orange County.

Cubs vs. Tigers

Last time: 2006

Play in '08?: No

Why: People from Michigan like to move to Chicago because their own city is awful. People from Chicago like to vacation in Michigan because summer vacation spots in Illinois are non-existent. Throw in the fact this would have been the 1984 World Series if not for Steve Garvey and we've got a blockbuster.

Phillies vs. Red Sox

Last time: 2006

Play in '08?: Yes

Why: There's no such thing as too many good East Coast baseball rivalries and this would be one of them if given the chance to blossom. I'd also like to make the argument that Red Sox Nation should be forced to survive a trip to Philadelphia every other year. Builds character. 

Cardinals vs. Twins

Last time: 2001

Play in '08?: No

Why: Two great Midwestern towns. Two great baseball fanbases. One shared World Series (1987.) There is no reason or excuse for the fact that these two teams haven't played in seven years. 

Pirates vs. Indians

Last time: 2006

Play in '08?: No

Why: It's not a good matchup on paper, but anything to get a good argument going between Browns and Steelers fans. To make things even, the Indians will be forced to start Brady Quinn at second and Joe Thomas at short. Ben Roethlisberger will work behind home plate.

Nationals vs. Blue Jays 

Last time: 2007

Play in '08?: No

Why: Ever since the Expos moved across the border, the Blue Jays have to be feeling pretty lonely up in Canada. Establishing this series would create a good excuse to break out their old throwbacks from the '80s.

Rockies vs. Royals

Last time: 2007

Play in '08?: Yes

Why: The Royals and Cardinals participate in the Battle of I-70, but the highway also unites these two teams. Loser will be forced to bus back through eastern Colorado/western Kansas, without a doubt the most boring stretch of highway in our great Union. 

Orioles vs. Mets 

Last time: 2006

Play in '08?: No

Why: Because the Mets need a good interleague rivalry other than the Yankees and this made more sense than pairing them with the Rangers or Mariners. (Hey now, they can't all be winners.)