The All Star Game

MLB ran into some big PR issues a few years ago when an All Star Game ended in a tie, rather than going into extra innings to settle bragging rights. As an (over?) reaction to this problem, MLB decided to make the All Star Game mean something, and as a result has lessened the value of the All Star Game and being a player named to it.

Rather than the good-old-days where the best and most popular players are named to the team to honor their achievements, we have games like this years All Star Game where AL Manager Ozzie Guillen sent the rest of his team to the All Star Game, even though there were better players that didn’t get to go.

And how about getting enough votes from the fans to be sent to the All Star Game, but not getting to play? Since this game “counts”, the manager is forced to leave you on the bench “in case” you need to be brought in later.

I actually have a fix for this problem (unlike the rest of my complaints in this post). Forget the silly idea of making the All Star Game count. Nobody (fans, players, etc.) likes it. Play a regular 9 innings. If at the end of 9 the game is still tied, quick Home Run Derby to decide which team “wins”. The game won’t end in a tie, and you won’t tire our your players (who need the break) with extra innings.

Manager Dump and Run

It is hard to be a Major League Manager. You either perform, or you’re out (pun intended). There are no chances to “fix” the problems with the team. Rarely any consideration for past performance (how many world series have you won? Doesn’t matter, what have you done for me lately?). It is despicable. Has there ever been a team that has actually improved when a new manager was brought in mid-season? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

But I do have to applaud the Cubs for keeping their faith in current manager Dusty Baker, even as the Cubs go through a horrible season. Dusty will be around at least until the end of this season. I hope the Cubs consider Dusty’s past performance during the off-season and decide to bring him back next year. I don’t see how you can blame him for the problems the Cubs have been having this season, especially when you see what he has done with past teams.

Lack of “Franchise” Players

Think of your local MLB team. Name the player whose name is synonymous with the team. When you say this players name, the next immediate thought in your mind is the team he plays for. You just know that this guy will retire wearing the same uniform he has on now. I bet you can’t come up with your local teams franchise player because they don’t have one.

Gone are the days of Mike Schmidt, Ryne Sandberg, and Cal Ripken. We live in the days where a Sammy Sosa get traded before he retires so the team he played for can get that last little bit out of him.

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