| DIARY OF A FANTASY GEEK: It's the All-Star Game, not the Most-Deserving Game |
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| Written by Johnny Ballgame - Summer Arg | ||||
| Tuesday, 08 July 2008 | ||||
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The Major League Baseball All-Star Game actually matters. “This one counts” is the slogan MLB uses. What’s at stake in this game is homefield advantage during the World Series.
Homefield advantage is crucial. So why is it we let the outcome of what should be an “exhibition” game decide such an important factor? I think so, but it never seems to happen. For example, the Tampa Bay Rays have the best record in baseball, but did not have a player elected to start the game, and have just two representatives in all. It’s anything but fair. It’s politics and the teams in bigger markets will always lead in votes. The Red Sox had four players voted into the starting lineup and seven players overall in the game. The Cubs had three voted in and seven players on the National League roster, more than any other team. The Yankees could end up with four players in the game, despite hovering around .500. Baseball’s All-Star Game forms each league’s starting lineup by fan voting. Nevermind the word “fan” because there are hundreds of thousand of people that vote who have no idea which players are deserving. They simply vote for their favorite players. That would be alright if this was truly an exhibition game. This formula usually translates into several players being unjustifiably selected by way of fan voting each season. My nephew Kevin feels voters should have to pass an online baseball exam in order to cast a vote — only the educated pick the starters. Sorry for throwing you under the bus, Kevin. I don’t exactly agree, it’s almost absurd to ask fans to pass a test before voting. One group that may agree with my nephew would be the current players. A month ago Sports Illustrated released the results of a poll done by current MLB players and one question SI asked was to name, in their opinion, the most overrated player. By a landslide, Derek Jeter was voted by his peers as being baseball’s most overrated. It’s no surprise that Jeter will be starting in this year’s summer classic. I wish fans voted for the most deserving players rather than their favorites. It’s a popularity contest and nothing more. It’s on par with the junior high cafeteria. Remember the “cool kids” table? I’m sure Jeter does. I like Jeter and being that the game will be in Yankee Stadium, he should be on the team despite mediocre statistics. Jeter’s number this year: .282 BA, 4 HR, 36 RBI. Hardly All-Star numbers. His backup in this game, Michael Young, should be starting. Young’s numbers: .292 BA, 7 HR, 46 RBI. Young tops Jeter in every major statistical category and made the team only by votes from his peers and coaches. Thankfully, players and coaches vote for the reserve players in the All-Star Game. The game is right around the corner — Tuesday to be exact. This season’s mid-summer classic should also be one to remember. The game will be played at Yankee Stadium — its final season. In case you haven’t heard, the Yankees will be moving into basically the nicest ballpark ever created next season. Yep, they will leave behind years of memories, championships and history unmatched by any other professional franchise in this country — all sports included. One of the most exciting moments will be guest appearances from past legends. Pretty much every living baseball hall of famer will be there in what should be the greatest spectacle of living legends the game has ever produced. I’m not exactly a Yankee fan. However, I can’t help but respect and admire the traditions they’ve built. I’m going to miss Yankee Stadium. I’m sure most fans will. Babe Ruth played there. Hence the phrase “the house that Ruth built.” Despite what my nephew might think, the All-Star Game is about the fans. If the fans want to see their favorite players, then that’s what will happen. Then again — why are they playing for homefield advantage? Most fans probably couldn’t name four players on the Rays roster. Why would the common fan want to watch an All-Star Game with players they’ve never heard of. At the same time, the only way casual fans will learn who the up-and-coming stars are is if they can see them on the grandest stage. If the game actually “counts”, then why aren’t the best players selected to start? I’m sure the hardcore geeks that play fantasy baseball and follow every team would like to see the players with the best stats participate. The casual fans want to see the most well-known, popular players. I have no problems with this game being about the fans, just don’t put anything on the line. If you’re going to play for homefield advantage, maybe baseball should tweak the system and let more deserving players help the cause. Why should a player on the Royals, Mariners or Nationals have anything to do with who hosts the World Series?
With the players and coaches deciding the reserves, hopefully the fantasy geeks and casual fans can get what they want.
July 11-15  Add as favorites (68) | Views: 1207
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