ARLINGTON, Texas — The MLB All-Star Game is still a treasure, and arguably much better than the dismal failure of most other All-Star Games. But it still needs help. Lots of help. (More on that later, but first a few words about the other All-Star Games.)
There’s very little defense in the NBA All-Star Game, so he’ll likely be able to score double figures.
The NHL All-Star Game has been revamped in a bizarre way, but according to my hockey expert, it’s “not hockey.”
Of course, the NFL Pro Bowl can never be a success because, understandably, no one wants to risk life and limb on a low-viewership exhibition.
When it comes to the Midsommar Classic, it’s not hopeless. It’s salvageable. And that’s where we come in.
Although the All-Star Game continues to surpass other star events in popularity and ratings (not only does it draw a larger television audience than other star events, but even the Home Run Derby outranks other games), its viewership is at its lowest in five of the past seven years.
It also feels like it has lost a little bit of its luster.
We have enough suggestions to help you out (MLB overall ratings are up this year on Fox, ESPN and MLB Network, so there’s hope), so let’s get started.
1. True superstars such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, and Ronald Acuna Jr. (when he was still active) will play in every game.
It’s great to have everyone there, but we need nine top-tier stars to play, that’s pretty clear.
2. The selection process needs to be completely overhauled.
It’s crazy that the Padres have five All-Stars and the Mets only have one. The West Coast bias is strong, but this is just ridiculous.
Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor (tied with Harper for third in WAR) should be here too. Lindor said he sat out because he needed to get off to a better start and Nimmo said he sat out because he needed to be more popular. Reality: That’s the system.
I don’t want to name names, but there are a few guys who don’t deserve to be here more than Angel Hernandez.
We’ve been worried about the fan vote for years, but it turns out the real problem is the player vote. Players are too busy competing to study all the statistics. To be honest, some of the players don’t know anything compared to the dedicated fans.
Use a statistical system for your reserve players, and don’t get hung up on a fixed number of players at each position – as long as you have four worthy shortstops, that’s fine.
And you definitely don’t need one player from every team. Some teams are weak. Some teams are not worthy of being All-Stars.
3. Throw out the boring American League and National League uniforms and go with regular team uniforms and caps for each player.
This is basically unanimous (tweet me if you disagree so I know I’ll mute you because you have no taste).
4. Host a Home Run Derby featuring true power hitters.
They don’t need to rely on Pete Alonso to save the Derby every year, they need Ohtani and Judge in it too.
Judge suggested a few extra days of rest might help, and I’m all for it if he and Ohtani are able to play.
If that’s due to fear of missing the swing (which Judge said isn’t the case, by the way), MLB.com’s numbers analysts say that’s a myth.
I suggested raising the prize money, but Ohtani’s people said it was not possible (not surprising, since we know Ohtani is a man who really doesn’t care about money, and neither does Judge).
5. Aluminum bats will be used for the Home Run Derby.
This has been controversial. In fact, one MLB official protested, saying, “Someone’s going to get killed.”
Harper said we could expect to see Judge hit the ball at 140 mph. (Good, I say!) Harper also had safety concerns but seemed intrigued, suggesting that the aluminum could be removed for the final five pitches.
Coach Harper wondered if it might be dangerous for kids catching balls in the outfield, or for fans in the stands (I think the kids in the outfield should go anyway, but I’ll take my chances from 330-plus feet up).
Let’s be honest: The best Home Run Derby took place during the steroid era. In 2002, before some players were found to be using steroids, players were hitting balls out of the Brewers’ stadium.
This would be something similar, except instead of powering your body, you power the bat.
6. Add a skills competition.
The bunt/hit placement contest was interesting for the future contestants. You can also add in pitching and running contests. See who is faster: Garrett Mitchell, Bobby Witt Jr. or Ellie de la Cruz.
“The skills competitions are fun,” Harper said.
We agree.
7. Choose your manager based on their performance this year.
No disrespect to Bruce Bochy, the best manager of the last 25 years, or Torey Lovullo, the sweet guy who did a near miracle last year, but I have no idea why last year’s World Series manager is going to manage the team. Why not this year’s best manager? Rob Thomson, Pat Murphy, Steven Vogt, or Alex Cora would make more sense.
8. Raise your game again.
You have to incentivize winning somehow. Traditionalists have rejected this idea, and I’m probably in the minority, but effort and interest increase when something is at stake.
OK MLB, it’s your turn now.
