A.L. at home for another World Series

July 16, 11:27 AMBoston Red Sox ExaminerEric Dorval

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 You don't have to go to college. This isn't Russia.  Is this Russia?

The American League is 12-0-1 in the last 13 All-Star Games.  This includes the ones “that count”, since in 2003 MLB decided to give the All-Star Game champion home field in the World Series.

Some people are strongly opposed to giving the All-Star Game champion home field in the World Series.  Their argument is that the All-Start game is an exhibition.  They ask why players from all different teams should decide what league gets home field in the biggest series each year.  These are valid questions, but I disagree.

I love the fact that the All-Star champion has home field advantage in the World Series.  What method would be better?  Before inter-league play, MLB used to alternate home field between the N.L. and A.L.  That does not make any sense to me.  This isn’t communist Russia.  This isn’t tee ball.  Everyone does not get a trophy at the end of the year.  Home field should be earned, not awarded.

Another possible way to decide home field advantage is to give it to whichever World Series team has the best record.  On paper, this sounds fair.  However, we need to remember that, as of right now, the average A.L. team is better than the average N.L. team.  Inter-league play has determined that.  So why is it fair that a team who plays an easier schedule gets to be home for the World Series?  This is not the answer.

The one drawback to having the All-Star game count is that it is no longer a true exhibition.  But who cares?  Let’s be honest, would you rather watch the NBA All-Star game as it’s played now, or a real game that counts for something.  Would you rather watch a MLB All-Star “exhibition” with a score of 10-8, or a close, low scoring game?

For me, I’ll take a good, low scoring game all day.  In the past four MLB All-Star Games, the teams have combined to average seven runs per game.  That’s good baseball, which is exactly what the All-Star game should be.  It should be an exciting game, not a home run derby where no one cares.  The NBA All-Star Game has turned into an unwatchable dunk/three-point contest where players don’t even try.

The MLB All-Star game is now must-see TV.  It is fun and exciting and still has star power.  If you want an exhibition, watch the Home Run Derby.  If you want good baseball, watch the game.