I love baseball. I love video games. So it should make sense that I am pretty darned nuts about baseball video games.

Sadly, the superb competition of a few years ago between EA’s MVP, Take Two’s MLB 2K, and Sony’s MLB has almost completely ended, thanks to an absurd exclusivity agreement that has come close to ruining sports gaming overall.

However, there is at least a small amount of next-generation major league competition between two competent titles, although it’s only on the PS3 (Sony obviously would never put their title on their rival’s machine). This year’s MLB 2K7 and MLB 07: The Show go head to head in a heck of a deathmatch for your baseball dollar.

After over 100 games between the two titles (yes, I am that nuts…and I play on my treadmill every day) I can unequivocally state that 2K7 wins - but not by a whole lot.

2K7 is a clear victor in a few important categories - visuals, pitching, online stability, and overall quality of presentation - but darn it if The Show doesn’t put up a hell of a fight. I definitely prefer Sony’s take on batting (which is obviously a pretty darned important facet of any baseball title) and their “Road to the Show” mode is a game unto itself.

The best news is that hardcore baseballers that own PS3s have a great choice, and they won’t lose out with either one. I also can’t wait for next year’s titles, as they can only get better (right?).

This year, 2K7 is the champ. Next year?

We’ll see.