2 things that need to change with MLB All Star Game

[djefferis]

Just my thoughts in a couple of much needed changes to the ASG.

- Ditch the “mandatory” player from each team. It’s ridiculous that we have to watch the “best” player on a bad team. With the number of reserves selected and the inevitable guys sitting it out for whatever reason - ditch this requirement. If your good enough to play - you’ll get selected.

- Allow fans to pick the starting pitcher for each league. Again, ASG is for the fans - let them pick the starter and make it mandatory the starter goes 2 innings. I get a lot of guys don’t want to “waste” their starter for an outing - tough. It’s an honor to be selected and if you decline - you should be required to sit out 10 days.

- While we are at it - how about giving a bonus to the winning side. Say winners share is 100k and 50k to losers. Every player/coach gets a full share. MVP gets 250k and put performance incentives in place to - say 50k for winning pitcher, 25k for a save, 10k for a hold and 25k for HRs and double that if you are HR derby champ (incentive participation).

What else can we do to make the game watchable and encourage players to actually participate.

 

[MinnesotaFats]

All MLB contracts should contain significant AS selection incentives and also fines for not participating.

Wear your home/ away uniforms like old days.

Winning league players get $1m each from MLB. $500k per player & $500k to a charity of players choice, but no black charities.

 

[jjgold]

All-Star games are never gonna be the same. They’re kind of a joke now baseball is OK.

 

[flyingillini]

I haven't watched one in years.

 

[Tanko]

The game is meaningless... There is no incentive for a team to win.

In addition to the money mentioned by Djeff and Minny, there needs to be something that makes the teams want to win. WS home field used to be determined by this game but I'm not sure that is enough incentive. We need a bigger carrot.

 

[djefferis]

For some players - winning is enough incentive.

But yes - put $$ out there to motivate and more importantly incentivize participation.

ASG is for the fans. Without using Google - how many could tell you who won last 3 years ? No one cares - we just want to see the brightest stars and an enjoyable game.

 

[fishhead]

The 70's AS games were GREAT

 

[djefferis]

The 70's AS games were GREAT

And look at who played in them - you had guys like Rose and Munson who were there to WIN.

It wasn’t a get away midweek for them and a chance to enjoy a mid season vacation - it was a chance to play the opposing leagues best and beat them - showing who was the best the game had to offer.

Just like the NBA - it’s now a game where everyone is friends and no one wants to just beat the other guy no matter what for the most part.