A couple of weeks ago, Joe and I lightly discussed the All Star break. I haven’t watched one since the Selig debacle in Milwaukee, and it seems I’m not the only writer here that doesn’t care for the game. Don’t get me wrong, celebrating the best players in the game is something every sport should do. It’s one of the few times you’ll see the best at each of their respective positions play next to each other. It’s a video game GM’s wet dream come true. The whole event is just kind of lost on me. Home field advantage for the World Series is decided by this three ring circus? Please.
My biggest gripe, as it is with all All Star voting in each professional sport, is fan voting. It’s moronic. Too many casual fans voting for names, not for achievement. Case in point this year, Aramis Ramirez getting snubbed. I’ll admit David Wright is a fine third baseman, but Aramis’ numbers are better, with the major exception of stolen bases. Speaking of which, how many third basemen have 17 stolen bases (at the time of this writing)? OK, so maybe he does deserve to be there, but shouldn’t Aramis too?
Don’t even get me started on the sudden increase in voting on the last day that edged Soriano out of the starting line-up for one, ego induced (among other things IMO), Barry Bonds. It makes my skin crawl. It’s fan bias at it’s highest point of stupidity. Or perhaps the Men in Black were working the numbers. I find it way to coincidental.
I do, however, watch the Homerun Derby. I know, stupid. It’s glorified batting practice. I get a kick out of it. More for watching the players cheer each other on, and the camaraderie we see from players on all the teams. It’s a quick glimpse of the shenanigans that go on inside the clubhouse, dugout and the charter flights. Oddly, it’s not much different from the goofiness that went on in Little League, and what I hear and see between players my Senior League. It’s refreshing to know that there are players that still get a kick out of coming to the park on a daily basis, and enjoy each others company.
Do any of you still watch the All Star game? What’s you favorite part about the Mid-Summer Classic?
I agree with a few things Matt. First, I hate the voting thing too. People just vote for their favorites and it worked this year, there are a lot of good poeple out there, but next year it could be a bunch of idiots just wonering around. Second, I HATE ALL THE BARRY BONDS HYPE!!!!! honestly, I hope he can’t get to Hanks record. I also watch the homerun derby, and I’ve had it with the all star game.
Sure I watch it…it’s fun.
dont think i have watched the all star game since the one in Arlington in the mid-90’s. I would rather watch the marlins vs the nationals than the allstar game
Count me among the 4 or 5 people in the world who still look forward to the All-Star game. For some reason, everything just seems a little more magical on that night. I can see why other people might not enjoy it, though. The only bad part is that I’ll have to watch Lamar getting the start in a stadium where people will actually be cheering for him. Maybe somebody will rip another potential HR from him this year, a la Tori Hunter.
I agree with the points about the fan voting and home field advantage. Those are two things that need to go. However I still enjoy the game and the home run derby. I think many people expect too much from the game, its just a silly exhibition. I know the players don’t care about winning, but they do care about being there and having fun. That’s what I enjoy watching, its a totally different atmosphere than the other couple thousand games each year.
Yes, I watch the HRD and the All Star game. It’s fun to see all these great players in the same place. I even enjoy the introductions. But I must say, Chris Berman was a little too much to take at last night’s HRD.
Anyone on ESPN is a little too much. I avoid that network like the plague now.
How about this for an ASG overhaul: The first half pennant winner’s coach manages. He picks the roster, winner takes home field advantage in the WS. That would be a decent game!