All Star Games

I have always been one to defend the fans voting for the All Star Game.  It's supposed to be a "dream game" for the fans to see their favorite players compete in an exhibition game.

I'm starting to change my stance.

Nomar Garciaparra is the leading vote-getter for shortstop in the American League.  His current stat line is 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2 hits, 2 runs.....and he just started his season a monthe before the All Star Game.

Normally, I'm like, "whatever...that is just the quirks of the system".   Well, now Games 1 and 7 of the World Series are decided by this game.  So we don't need the fans to vote for squat.

FAN #! votes for everyone on his team.  What in the hell is the point?  Go to one of your team's games if you want to see them play. 

FAN #2 votes for the famous players.  You know, like in the Nomar case.  A lot of these people have never heard of Michael Young to care to vote for him.

Again, I used to not have a problem with any of that.  But, with 16 National League teams....you cannot afford to have dumb selections on there.  Since every team must be represented, 16 slots are already taken.  Nomar's election to the AL team would mean that a spot that went to another player is gone.  Because there HAS to be a Devil Ray, a Royal and a Mariner on that team.......there is 3 more spots gone.

*Here is an easy solution.  Instead of having EVERYONE on the ballot [and handing them out after one week of play].....hand out the ballot at the beginning of June.  Figure the top 5 guys at each position [15 for outfield]......and have the fans vote from there.  That way, the starters would be picked from a much smaller pile.  Plus that would elimintate the "Ralph Nader votes" [people who vote for the hometown team instead of actually using it correctly] and make the real contenders have a nice voting race.

*Or, keep the voting as is.  But, the fans only voted these guys on the team.  After the coaches select the rest of the players....then the manager can look over his roster, and choose his starting lineup. 

*Just have the winning league in the "Home Run Derby" get the home Game 7 of the World Series. 

Either way, it could help eliminate a relief pitcher from the Brewers deciding where Game 7 of the Series will be played.