TR, I don't know that ESPN has total control over the schedule, though I would think as the broadcaster, they would have serious input.
However.....the Yankees DO have TWO 8pm ET, Prime-Time slots (Tuesday and Friday)..Their 10pm slot on Wednesday is probably just a slight nod to the West Coast fans as a more worker-friendly start time of 7pm.
Because, of course, EVERYBODY wants to watch the Yankees.
Boston - CWS are at 4pm-7pm-4pm....at least they get one primish time.
The NL: Houston - Atlanta are scheduled at 4pm and 8pm (note, Atlanta...although that one's on Fox, so ALL of ESPN's prime-time games are BoSox or Yanks)
But the Pads and Cards get 1pm (that would be 10 flipping AM in San Diego...neither school kids nor workers benefit) and 4pm. Gee, nobody wants to watch THEM.
Cards fans actually questioned ESPN about the dearth of coverage this year and were told by ESPN: they've been walking away with their division since April. They're not news. Gee, but the Yanks are news, losing or winning?
Rant over.