MLB All-Star Game

We here at The Ben Crook Experience are men of the people. If you have any questions, we are more than glad to answer them. The topic of today’s post derives from a question posted by Mr. Christopher Chartier via our Facebook fan page. Mr. Chartier wants to know our thoughts on the changes to the MLB All-Star game.


First, lets go through the changes for the Summer Classic. The rosters of the teams have been expanded from 33 players, to 34 players per team, with 13 pitchers. So, two extra players will be in Anaheim for the game. This is not the first time this has happened. The original all star game was played with a normal roster size of 28 from 1969-1997. The MLB then expanded to 30 players in the 1998 season. All was well, until the infamous Milwaukee game of 2002. You all remember the 11-inning game that ended in a 7-7 tie, with both teams running out of pitchers. To prevent this from happening again, rosters were again expanded to 32 players per side, including 12 pitchers. This also was the first year that the All-Star game determined “home-field” in the World Series. Keeping with the “bigger is better” belief, the MLB once again augmented the rosters last summer to 33 players, and added a pitcher to bring the pitching staff up to 13 players.

The other major change for this year’s game is the addition of a DH (designated hitter) to the National League Roster. Normally, if the game is played in a NL city, the pitchers for both teams would have to take their turns at the plate. Now, no matter what city, a DH will be used. The fans will still get to vote the American League DH, like they have been since the DH was introduced in 1989. However, NL designated hitter will be chosen by the manager of the team.

A small change that was announced by the MLB earlier this season was that a pitcher who pitches on the last Sunday before the All-Star game will be ineligible to throw in the game. If this happens, the player will be replaced on the roster with a player of the manager’s choice.

I think the changes to the game are for the best. Having a bigger roster will give more players who are having great seasons a chance to play in the game. For example, Pablo Sandoval had to be left off the roster for last year’s game when he was having a monster first half of the season. He deserved to be there, but because of his lack of popularity throughout the nation, he didn’t get that chance. The addition of a DH, to me, is great for the All-Star game. A majority of fans want to see hitters hit, and pitchers pitch. Having a pitcher go to bat just causes unnecessary lineup problems and a lack of excitement during his at-bat. It will make each matchup more competitive, and provide a better viewing experience for the fans. The only change I have a problem with is the “Sunday Pitcher” ban. I don’t have a problem with not pitching the player, because no exhibition game is worth an injury to a starting pitcher. However, if this player got voted into the game, he has the right to be there. To replace him on the roster is unfair. He worked hard to get there, and deserves to experience the festivities.

Well there you have it Christopher. Overall, I think the changes are going to be good for the game. Everybody out there, go vote for your favorite players! Be a part of the experience! Tune into the 2010 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday July 13, in Anaheim, California to witness first hand the best players of the game.