Well, I'm watching the 2008 All-Star game right now. I'm a huge baseball fan, but I can't say I've ever been a fan of the All-Star game. I think the last time I watched a complete one was back in 1996, and that was because it was Ozzie Smith's last appearance. Instead, every year I tune in and out to see who's winning, and I only do that because the freaking game is actually important for something... otherwise I doubt I would watch at all. The team that wins (National or American League) gets home field advantage in the World Series. So considering the Cardinals have been pretty hot the past couple years, I like to know if the NL is winning. Unfortunately, the last time the NL won was the last time I watched a complete All-Star game... 1996.
I have so many issues with the star-studded event, mostly because it's just that... an
event, not a
game. None of the players or coaches take it seriously. Coaches make sure every single player makes an appearance at some point in the game. Even if a pitcher is on fire, they have to take a seat on the bench so All-Star Pitcher #2 can have his time to shine. It's retarded. There's no strategy, and the players don't even try because they don't want to get hurt. For a game that could mean so much to one team in the post-season, all the best don't give their best.
Considering this year's players, I wouldn't even call some of them "the best." When you think of the Pittsburgh Pirates, "all-star caliber" probably doesn't come to mind. However, I heard this from St. Louis broadcaster Mike Shannon, apparently the Pirates' outfield has a better batting average and more RBIs than the National League's starting All-Star outfielders. Those three were Matt Holliday (CO), Ryan Braun (MIL), Kosuke Fukudome (CHC). Fans should not be allowed to vote. Some very deserving people (like 11 game winner, Kyle Lohse) are left out, while household names (like Derek Jetter) are in. The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the best teams in baseball, yet zero Rays players represented the American League's starting lineup. The cubs, unfortunately, are tied for 1st in baseball with the Angels, they had 7 guys sent to the game, 3 of them had enough votes to be starters. Soriano was one of those 3 and couldn't even start because he's been hurt... what a waste of votes baseball fans.
Apparently back in the 50's the Commish banned fans from voting because Cincinnati Reds fans kinda rigged the system. Someone needs to do that again so fans can't pick the players anymore.
On a side note, I'm liking this Bank of America commercial I keep seeing. It shows the Cards/cubs rivalry along with some other popular ones. We got jipped on that a few years ago during a different rivalry commercial.
walked to the KSPR booth and back to my car. I did stop by and see the goats because they were on the way out, but I didn't see any craziness. However, I'm sure if I walked around long enough I could see some interesting stuff and run into some of the Ozarks' finest. All in all, it was a fair.
