World’s Game

This Tuesday will mark Major League Baseball’s 77th All-Star game at AT&T Park in San Francisco.\nIt will also be the 77th year that the game will be between the American and National Leagues. I think it’s time to spice up the mid-summer classic scrap, and this time, stop awarding the winning league home-field advantage in the World Series and take a page out of the Futures Game and the Minor League All-Star game.\nSince 1999, their game format has been U.S. vs. World. With baseball becoming more international each year, I think the U.S. vs. World format for Major League Baseball would be better than what they have now. Although I’m sure baseball purists would have a fit if the MLB All-Star game would change to such a format, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy – I only see advantages to this idea. \nThe games would be more exciting and entertaining. The format would take away from the monotonous American League vs. National Leageue format. I think more players, if picked to play in the game, would play instead of citing minor aches and pains so they don’t have to play. Last, and probably most important, I think the game would bring more viewers, which means better ratings and ultimately mo’ money mo’ money mo’ money. And when you’re making money, all is good. \nWith that said, let’s take a look at a projected World vs. U.S. starting lineup. For the World team starters, I would pick: Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (banking on the fact that he would choose the World team) and Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. In my outfield I have the Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki, the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero, and the Tigers’ Maggilo Ordonez. On the mound for my World All-Stars would be Twins pitcher Johan Santana.\nMy U.S. All-Star starters would go as followed: Braves catcher Brian McCann, Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, Mets third baseman David Wright, and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. My U.S. outfield would feature Reds’ Ken Griffey Jr., the Twins’ Torii Hunter and the Giants’ Barry Lamar Bonds. Toeing the rubber for the U.S. All-Star team would be the ageless one, Roger Clemens.\nFor some, the idea of this format may be farfetched. But, in the future, I am hoping for a scenario where this game would become more than just a thought. As for the outcome of this game, of course the World team wins in a laugher 12-5.