Get Your Act Together, All Of You

Once again, it's time for the midsummer classic. Unfortunately, the only iota of authenticity the All-Star Game has left is the "midsummer" part. Selig has managed to confuse everyone as to the actual import of the game, as his inability to keep players interested in even attending has undermined the "home-field advantage" gimmick he started in 2003.

Pedro is about the only one with a legit excuse for not playing, given that he pitched Sunday afternoon (nicely, I might add). Kenny Rogers, as much as ever looking out for #1, is making the game about himself. But fundamentally nobody really cares about the game, and if that's the case, why does it have to mean something?

We could have, in 2002, decided to play the game according to the rules (that is, until one team has finished with more runs than their opponents in the ninth inning or later). Instead, home-field advantage was introduced to the effect of making Bud Selig feel more important about himself.

The All-Star game has been and always will be about the players. It's up to them to make it more meaningful. Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?