By: Martin Rand, III
Date: July 13, 2011
For the second straight year the Major League Baseball All-Star Game had a record low in t.v. ratings. I'm not surprised. Regardless of the meaning attached to the ASG in 2003 (World Series field advantage goes to the winning league), there has been little concern for the ASG.
So, how can MLB improve the mid-summer classic and get people to tune in at home? There are three things that can instantly improve the game, get fan interest back in the game and make it a meaningful game again.
First, MLB needs to get rid of inter-league play. This wouldn't be a radical change, since inter-league has only been played for the last 14 years. This would create league pride among the players and they would want to represent their team and league proudly in the ASG. Getting the stars to the game and them wanting to play is the key to getting fan interest in the game. This leads me to my second point.
Certain rules attached to the ASG have to go. The rule that states that every team has to have at least one player participate in the ASG is the main problem. This devalues the significance of becoming an all-star and we get people like Milwaukee Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks (who?) playing in the game. Also, the rule that states if a pitcher pitches on the Sunday before the ASG, they cannot play in the game is ridiculous. New York Yankees P C.C. Sabathia didn't make the team because of this rule. He is one of the best pitchers in the American League, especially this year, and could have help the AL during the game and the fans would watch him.
The final change is to to the rosters of the teams. Right now there is a starting line-up of nine batters and then a reserve player for each position, plus two extra players. Then, there are 13 pitchers who could be either starters or reserves from their team. I think that this is too much for one game of baseball. Especially if the other rules go into effect, MLB wouldn't need all these players on the team. If inter-league play is abolished and players feel like their all-star selection is merited and not just because of some rule, they will want to play in the entire game.
There should only be five pitchers for each team; and they can be either starters or reserve players. No need for 13 pitchers because 13 pitchers don't get to play in a regular baseball game. This would give each pitcher a chance to showcase their all-star ability in a two or three inning stretch. Philadelphia Phillies P Roy Halladay is arguably the best pitcher in baseball and he played in only one inning; but, in order to get Atlanta Braves P Jonny Venters in the game for less than an inning, Halladay had to come out. That makes perfect sense. However, something that makes even more sense is more playing time for the real all-stars of MLB and more people would watch the ASG.
Will MLB take any of these suggestions into considerations? Probably not, but the last two years are an indication that they need to do something to make this a mid-summer classic game again on the field and not just in name.
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Categories:
All-Star Game,
C.C. Sabathia,
Jonny Venters,
Martin Rand III,
MLB,
Rickie Weeks,
Roy Halladay,
Sports
