MLB Continues to Ruin the All-Star Game

[3074326]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2098957

Was a change needed..?

They need to keep the game the way it was. It seems like they do something every year that decreases the value of the game for the fans. The All-Star game is for the fans, stop limiting it.

Just my thoughts.

[Illmatic]

I think the game stopped being "for the fans" when it was to determine home field advantage for the World Series.

[3074326]

Definitely.

It's not for fun anymore, which is what it should be. I know they're trying to make it more interesting, but it's just getting stupid.

[Kurtz]

Well, the voting system is obviously ****ed up. It's a popularity contest. I mean, I love a democracy, but they could change it a little.

[Illmatic]

Definitely.

It's not for fun anymore, which is what it should be. I know they're trying to make it more interesting, but it's just getting stupid.

Well, the reason they did it was because the players and managers weren't even trying anymore. It was looking a lot like the Pro Bowl, which is a disaster on so many levels.

[3074326]

True.

I like how Nomar Garciaparra has more of a chance to be an All-Star than Felipe Lopez of the Reds and Clint Barmes of the Rockies. Garciaparra is third in voting for SS in the National League.

[Red Stripe]

I agree 100% that the W.S. home-field should be the better record.

If you just hate the teams in your division, and you know you're not making the W.S., why not blow the game

But I kinda like the idea of the 8 country Home Run Derby, although it really won't prove anything.

[3074326]

When I think of the Home Run Derby winner I don't think "Whoa, where is he from?!?!"

I really don't care about that. To me, a baseball player is a baseball player no matter where they are from. Don't go political with it and get all this "My country can hit the ball better than your country!"

Just put the eight best home run hitters in.

[MattSharpIsCool]

They did this in the hockey all star game for a few years. "North America vs. The World." I thought it was kind of lame then, and its kinda lame now. But is it really RUINING the all star game? Nah. I do prefer the AL vs. NL though.

I dont know about the winner getting WS home field advantage. But they needed to do something to make this game somewhat meaningful. Players used to actually try and win this game, and I think that makes it much more fun to watch.

[3074326]

I think they're ruining it because it's not for the fans anymore. It gets more lame every year.

That = ruining it in my eyes

[MattSharpIsCool]

I dont see how it isnt for the fans though....thats the only reason they even have an all star game. Just because the game actually has a point now, doesnt mean it isnt for the fans.

[dancetomdance182]

I dont see how it isnt for the fans though....thats the only reason they even have an all star game. Just because the game actually has a point now, doesnt mean it isnt for the fans.

It is for the fans, but in another view, it isn't.
I remember an All-Star game I think 2003? The score was tied and although the fans wanted the game to continue, the commissioner just said no. In this case, the game wasn't for the fans.

[MattSharpIsCool]

It is for the fans, but in another view, it isn't.
I remember an All-Star game I think 2003? The score was tied and although the fans wanted the game to continue, the commissioner just said no. In this case, the game wasn't for the fans.

And thats because neither team had any players left to use, because they had already put them in and taken them out "for the fans."

[Illmatic]

It is for the fans, but in another view, it isn't.
I remember an All-Star game I think 2003? The score was tied and although the fans wanted the game to continue, the commissioner just said no. In this case, the game wasn't for the fans.

That was Bud Selig's finest hour...ending an All-Star Game no one wanted to win.

[3074326]

I dont see how it isnt for the fans though....thats the only reason they even have an all star game. Just because the game actually has a point now, doesnt mean it isnt for the fans.

Illmatic and I discussed why we thought it wasn't for the fans anymore in the first few posts.

The home field advantage thing is stupid. The thing about bringing different countries into the home run derby is stupid. Players will probably get cheated out of the home run derby because of this.

The game is now too competitive for it to be fun like it was.

[Reaganista]

there's no reason to play any all-star games anymore.

Between Cable TV and all the interleague games, most fans have seen everybody in the league of any consequence.

It's not like it was back in the day where the All-Star game would be the only time you could see some big other-league superstars.

[3074326]

Another good point.

Interleague play is a good idea, but it kind of defeats the purpose of having different leagues.

[Illmatic]

Cubs-White Sox
Giants-A's
Mets-Yankees
Cardinals-Royals
Dodgers-Angels

The only interleague that should be played. I know the talking heads on ESPN have said that a million times, but it needs to be repeated. No one cares about Padres-Mariners or Red Sox-Phillies.

[SmashingPumpkin]

I don't like the new Home Run Derby. It's not for the fans, it seems. The whole idea is just stupid.

[HTLSM]

its gay

[LTJ386]

Cubs-White Sox
Giants-A's
Mets-Yankees
Cardinals-Royals
Dodgers-Angels


Add Reds-Indians to your list.

[Illmatic]

Yeah, that would make sense too.

[3074326]

Yeah, that's a fairly big game for us Ohio-ans.

[nitzguy]

what about the detroit v Arizona match up?????????

[Rearviewmirror]

For one thing, it's just the home run derby we're actually talking about here. having hitters represent their countries is okay, imo. Obviously, they're trying to appeal to a broader home-base than just the US and Canada.

The All-Star game has always been nothing but show anyway. I don't think it has ever been considered all that serious an event, and there's no reason why it should be. I can't wait until it's over ever year, and all the teams get back to playing ball.

[Steve DeBerg]

The game never would have changed if the managers would have been smart and saved one pitcher incase of extra innings. Since the the tie a few years ago it has all been down hill.

[MattSharpIsCool]

For one thing, it's just the home run derby we're actually talking about here. having hitters represent their countries is okay, imo. Obviously, they're trying to appeal to a broader home-base than just the US and Canada.

The All-Star game has always been nothing but show anyway. I don't think it has ever been considered all that serious an event, and there's no reason why it should be. I can't wait until it's over ever year, and all the teams get back to playing ball.

Actually, back in the day, the all star game was taken pretty seriously. One year, a catcher (I forgot his name) had his career ended when Pete Rose bowled him over at home plate.

[Rearviewmirror]

Actually, back in the day, the all star game was taken pretty seriously. One year, a catcher (I forgot his name) had his career ended when Pete Rose bowled him over at home plate.


Unfortunate for that catcher. A career wasted on a meaningless game.

[MattSharpIsCool]

The point is that the players used to take pride in being chosen as an all star, and played for their league. The game used to actually mean something.

[Illmatic]

Actually, back in the day, the all star game was taken pretty seriously. One year, a catcher (I forgot his name) had his career ended when Pete Rose bowled him over at home plate.

Ohhhh yeah, I remember that. Pete Rose went down in the annals of assholery when he ruined poor Ray Fosse's career even though a slide would have worked.

[Rearviewmirror]

Ohhhh yeah, I remember that. Pete Rose went down in the annals of assholery when he ruined poor Ray Fosse's career even though a slide would have worked.

Though Ray Fosse was an excellent player, he was accident prone. He was disabled five times in his career: while still in the minors in 1967; for most of 1969; for most of 1974 (hit by a pitch, pulled a side muscle, and then suffered a pinched nerve in his neck trying to break up a clubhouse fight); twice in 1976; and for all of 1978. And although it didn't put him on the DL, there was an odd incident in 1970: A cherry bomb thrown from the stands blew up by his foot, badly burning his arch and causing him to go into a state of shock.

[Illmatic]

If you don't think that Rose barrelling into him derailed his entire career, then you have to be the president of the Pete Rose Fan Club.

[3074326]

For one thing, it's just the home run derby we're actually talking about here. having hitters represent their countries is okay, imo. Obviously, they're trying to appeal to a broader home-base than just the US and Canada.

The All-Star game has always been nothing but show anyway. I don't think it has ever been considered all that serious an event, and there's no reason why it should be. I can't wait until it's over ever year, and all the teams get back to playing ball.

It's the home run derby, not the "best hitters from various countries" derby.

[Rearviewmirror]

It's the home run derby, not the "best hitters from various countries" derby.

The new way may be more fun, imo.

[3074326]

Each to his own.

I know I'd like to see the best home run hitters in baseball if I were watching the home run derby, but that's just me.

[Rearviewmirror]

If you don't think that Rose barrelling into him derailed his entire career, then you have to be the president of the Pete Rose Fan Club.


Nope; I'm not a Pres of any fan club. In fact, I don't even like fan clubs. I've just seen tons of base runners go barreling into catchers over the years.

[MattSharpIsCool]

The point I was trying to show you by mentioning the Rose-Fosse incident, was that it didnt use to be a meaningless game. Players took pride in representing their leagues, and played hard to win.

[Rearviewmirror]

The point I was trying to show you by mentioning the Rose-Fosse incident, was that it didnt use to be a meaningless game. Players took pride in representing their leagues, and played hard to win.

I understand that. I just don't care much for the game. I usually miss it every year, mainly because it's summer time and I'm usually too busy to watch. I'd rather watch the real teams; that's what it's really all about ... team spirit and effort.

[Silvermedalmafia]

That's lame.

[Mr. Hankie]

I would love to see Adam Dunn in the HRD but nooooo, they have to do this sh t.

[MattSharpIsCool]

This new format has nothing to do with not being able to see Adam Dunn, since Dunn didnt even make the all star team.

[3074326]

Jason Bay is in the Home Run Derby and he has 16 home runs. Bobby Abreu has 18 home runs. Ivan Rodriguez is in the Home Run Derby and he has five home runs.

Five home runs! This is the home run derby!

This new format is stupid. There are much more deserving players for the Home Run Derby.

[Red Stripe]

Jason Bay is in the Home Run Derby and he has 16 home runs. Bobby Abreu has 18 home runs. Ivan Rodriguez is in the Home Run Derby and he has five home runs.

Five home runs! This is the home run derby!

This new format is stupid. There are much more deserving players for the Home Run Derby.
Too predictable I guess??
Well its probably gonna be Ortiz and Tiexiera in the final round

[Red Stripe]

what about the detroit v Arizona match up?????????
And the heated rivalry that is the Blue Jays and Cubs

[Mr. Hankie]

This new format has nothing to do with not being able to see Adam Dunn, since Dunn didnt even make the all star team.

Nvm then.

[3074326]

Too predictable I guess??
Well its probably gonna be Ortiz and Tiexiera in the final round

It's going to be a waste of time. Let the home run hitters be in the derby..

[Rearviewmirror]

That's lame.

So's your mother.

[Rearviewmirror]

It's the home run derby, not the "best hitters from various countries" derby.


Who cares? I want to see 'the best hitters'. If a hitter from another part of the world can hit better than anyone in MLB, wouldn't you like to see it?

[Red Stripe]

Put the "World Home Run Showdown" in the World Cup of Baseball, not the MLB

[Understanding In a Crash]

If Ichiro is confirmed into the derby I must say that will be an interesting twist. I saw Ichiro taking batting practice and yankee stadium and he seems to want to hit where he wants on command... even if thats into the black bleachers 450 feet AWAY!

[3074326]

Who cares? I want to see 'the best hitters'. If a hitter from another part of the world can hit better than anyone in MLB, wouldn't you like to see it?

It's the Home Run Derby. I want to see home run hitters. I don't care where the player is from, just put the best home run hitters on the field.

[Mellotron]

I just don't understand the point of this whole 8 hitters from different countries. Are they trying to find out which country can hit the best? It just doesn't make sense, and it's yet another stupid move by the MLB.

[3074326]

I'm not quite sure what the point is, either.

[Rearviewmirror]

I don't care where they're from; just put the best hitters out there. If Joe Schmoe from East Osch Kosch Zimbabwe can hit more home run than Mark Teixeira or Andruw Jones, then I want to see it! :thumb: