How I would run the All-Star Game

[Lou E Ville]

1. Split the game into three three-inning segments, with each segment featuring all start from one AL division vs. corresponding NL division. Since the Mets host this year, the last segment would be the NL East vs. the AL East, the first three the AL West vs. the N West. If the Angels hosted, those would be flipflopped. Home team fans would thus have several players to watch at the end of the game. Each team would have more representation, too. Seattle fans wouldn't be waiting for that one or two batters Felix Hernandez faces.

 

2. Nine innings only. If it's a tie it's a tie.

 

3. Let the fans vote the top six starters plus the starting pitcher of their three inning segment. AL West voting only occurs at AL West parks, same with other divisions.

 

4. Managers put in the other three starters and pick backups as well as closer.

 

5. Here's the kicker...fans on the internet get to manage the teams in the ninth. They get a list of who's left and moves they can make, and vote.

[DW711]

Remove fan voting entirely. Let the players pick the teams (without voting for their own).

 

Remove any way this game effects the World Series.

 

Remove the fact that every team has to be represented.

[mtangelsfan]

The players won't pick the AST any better than the fans would.  Look at the pro-bowl

[DW711]

I can't look at the pro bowl!

[yk9001]

1. Split the game into three three-inning segments, with each segment featuring all start from one AL division vs. corresponding NL division. Since the Mets host this year, the last segment would be the NL East vs. the AL East, the first three the AL West vs. the N West. If the Angels hosted, those would be flipflopped. Home team fans would thus have several players to watch at the end of the game. Each team would have more representation, too. Seattle fans wouldn't be waiting for that one or two batters Felix Hernandez faces.

 

2. Nine innings only. If it's a tie it's a tie.

 

3. Let the fans vote the top six starters plus the starting pitcher of their three inning segment. AL West voting only occurs at AL West parks, same with other divisions.

 

4. Managers put in the other three starters and pick backups as well as closer.

 

5. Here's the kicker...fans on the internet get to manage the teams in the ninth. They get a list of who's left and moves they can make, and vote.

 

It sounds HORRIBLE.

[bloodbrother]

Fan voting will never go anywhere and it shouldn't. All they need to do is just remove the stipulation that the game decides HFA in the World Series and remove the every team must have a rep rule

[HaloFan85]

I doubt they remove the 'a player from every team' rule anytime soon.  That would be detrimental to television ratings.  Having a player from every team ensures the fanbase of every team will be watching tonight.

 

Do away with the HFA rule and just offer bigger monetary incentives for playing in the game with an even bigger payday for the winning team.  With as much money the MLB has been making in recent years, they can easily afford to pony up more cash for the participants and winners of this game.

 

Just make it worth their while moneywise, and they'll play just as hard as they do with HFA at stake.

[Lou E Ville]

I forgot to add...remove World Series implications. That's the dumbest rule ever.

[DW711]

I think we're really missing the biggest thing here and that is get some real announcers (the Giants guys) on here.

 

I don't even know why I have the volume on.

[Taylor]

I think they should actually wear the ASG jerseys instead of their own.

[stevestevens]

It sounds HORRIBLE.

Yep

[LBHalos17]

The game was WAY too long tonight, without the idea of fan-involvement determining the 9th inning. 

 

Stop with giving HFA in the World Series to the winning team of an exhibition game.

 

Pete Rose didn't need extra incentive money to play hard for the fans.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Remove fan voting entirely. Let the players pick the teams (without voting for their own).

 

Remove any way this game effects the World Series.

 

Remove the fact that every team has to be represented.

 

Definitely this. The only one I might compromise on is the last one - but expand the rosters if you're going to keep it. Cutting a player who deserves to go because a team with no real all star has to be represented is foolish. Some guys may only have one year that is worthy of selection, and if they're passed over that is their only shot.

[Tank]

Remove fan voting entirely. Let the players pick the teams (without voting for their own).

 

Remove any way this game effects the World Series.

 

Remove the fact that every team has to be represented.

bingo on all points, DW. derek jeter had over 500,000 votes this year before he had a single at bat. that's reason enough to take it away from the fans.

[Docwaukee]

I don't mind a fan vote, but I don't think it should determine the starters. 

 

I also agree that it's totally stupid to have it determine HFA