Quick Thoughts On The All Star Game

     The MLB All Star game has grown to an astounding level of ridiculousness in recent years. Now "It Counts" and in deciding World Series home field advantage, a major part of the game has been placed to what is supposed to be a sideshow. The All Star Game originally in 1933 was meant to be an opportunity for fans to watch players from all cities. With the introduction of MLB.tv packages and the ability to watch many many games a week  has caused the All Star Game to lose its sparkle. Now its time to end it.
     I do believe that it is time to end this declining tradition, but there are ways to improve the product. First off lets abolish the rule that there must be a representative from each team. The AL and NL teams should simply be filled with the best players from each league. Yes, Jose Altuve (.295,.328,.379) is a nice player and a good story with his short stature, but he is a member of the game's elite. Hell, no! I would much rather see another Cardinals or Braves player than watch Jose Altuve go 0-1.
     Number two get rid of fan voting. Fan voting is a way for the fans to be a part of the game but the idea is a complete failure. Right now Derek Jeter, a player who hasn't participated in a single game this year, is one of the leaders for shortstop. Am I expected to let Joe Schmo football fan who logs onto MLB.com for fun to have as much of a voice as the voices inside the game. Right now a scout would have as much of an impact on the players as this guy Joe Schmo. I don't need to see Jeter, Jose Reyes, and a shell of his former self Albert Pujols in the game. Just because most fans don't know the true stars of the game like Juan Segura, Manny Machado, and Chris Davis shouldn't mean the rest of us have to suffer.
     The All Star game is meant to be a sideshow; don;t attach more importance to this game then there is meant to be at its core. That's like taking Tropic Thunder and saying Best Picture at the Oscars should be decided on which movie is the most similar to the movie. Terrible idea! Also one last thought...if the managers are supposed to try to win the game, then how come every player gets an at bat. I remember a couple of years ago Brandon Inge came up, grounded out and got high fives for being an all star. That's simply not what this game is about.