PREPCASTS SPORTS FLASH

      It's All-Star week for the MLB...it has a history of changes for its origination back in 1933. Concoted as part of the Chicago World Fair of 1933, it was billed as a "one time" affair between the Nationals and the American Leagues. It was determined that fans would vote in the participants and, to demonstrate a touch of altruism, proceeds would go to help indigent former baseball players. On July 6, 1933 at Comisky Park, the American League won 4-2 as each manager played "to win"--pride was at stake. Babe Ruth's two run HR blast was the key blow of the game.

     While the Chicago organizers had planned only for this one-time affair, MLB couldn't pass up the opportunity to promote their game. For decades, it was very popular with the fans. Eventually as interest waned, other ideas were promulgated. A 2nd All-Star game appeared in 1959,  as the number of teams increased- the rosters were expanded, in 2003 World series home advantage became a part of the outcome, a HR derby has become part of the affair. However, interest in All-Star games of all sports is on the slide--too many players "pass on it", some don't play hard, some sports don't have defense being played. From my point of view, it's simply become another revenue boost for players (already taking home millions of dollars) and not much entertainment for the fans.  So....let's revamp it.....I'm throwing out some ideas (some simple and maybe some radical but let's be entertained!

   First of all....make the entire event(s) purely entertainment-- no carryover to World Series implications.  Let the World series advantage be awarded to the League that wins the most games during inter-league play.

    Shorten the roster!  It is absolutely ridiculous to have such large rosters. Each team does not need a representative. Prior to cable TV, fans didn't have the chance to see these players. Now, many Americans see these "stars" regularly on national TV. If an MLB team doesn't have an All-star-- so be it!  Why pretend? I would recommend 15 field players and 10 pitchers.

    I would have ALL the field players bat in the same batting order with the player with highest vote getter batting first, the 2nd man hits 2nd, through the starting 8 positions. Batting 9th-15th spots could also be by vote (these are the non-starting players). PItchers would NOT ever bat or be listed in the batting order. Why? They don't ever hit anyway?When is the last time that a pitcher batted in the All-Star game?

    Some players may play 9 innings, all starters would play a mimimum of 5 innings. Pitchers may pitch 3 innings and should pitch more than 1 inning unless they've been ineffective.

   Competition would be heightened for the players by paying the winning team double/triple what the losing team receives. No All-Star bonuses would be permitted in player contracts. Make the All0

   If a player refuses to play without being on the DL,

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