direct is accepting payments for the upcoming season for those that want to pay it early and get it cheaper. i got it for $177.94 today, saved $20. and there is no MLB.TV like is being rumored ( at least according to person i talked to today ).
That would certainly increase the value of Extra Innings. I wouldn't pay the extra money over the MLB.tv price for EI when it means you have to give up all the extra features and feeds that come with the streaming plan. If they started including MLB.tv I would definitely think about paying for EI.