JEagle87

There are things that I like about All-Star Games, Pro Bowls and Skills Competitions. Then there are probably more things that drive me insane.  I find it hard to watch an event that the players and athletes aren't even interested in. That might be a little harsh, but then why do so many players turn down invitations to participate in these events? Or why do guys leave the game early (that's you A-Rod)? But alas, thanks to a slow couple of nights of television, I did catch most of the Derby and All-Star Game and get a chance to start my favorite column format - It's time for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Home Run Derby

The Good - Josh Hamilton - The guy has been a machine all year and showed off his swing numerous times, including a new round record 28 bombs in the first round. Comeback story aside, Hamilton is a tremendous player and I loved watching him crush souvenirs to fans over 500 feet away in Yankee Stadium.

The Bad - The Format - Not taking anything away from Justin Morneau, but MLB needs to change this format. I know they tweaked the system a few years ago, but by the time the third and final round came, Hamilton was gassed. Everyone could see it. How about just two total rounds and you can raise money with the gold ball not just for the last out, but also throw it to whoever is leading the Derby. So if Player A passes Player B midway through the second round, you start throwing him the gold ball and every homer he hits to extend his lead counts towards the charity amount. It's a win-win in my book.

The Ugly - The Participants - I have no problem with the 8 guys MLB finally got to show up for this thing. But that's not my issue here. I touched on it early and I'm putting an APB out for some AL sluggers. Mainly Manny, Ortiz and Vlad, but Ortiz gets a pass for being injured. But there just weren't enough "household" names in this event. I love Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria and Dan Uggla as players and they're having great years, but I don't see them as sluggers. Also, where is anyone from the Yankees in this? It's the last year of YANKEE STADIUM! It's the ONLY Derby ever at the "House That Ruth Built" and A-Rod, Jeter, Posada or Giambi doesn't want to bash some homers to some hometown fans? I'll give Giambi a pass since he wasn't a member of the AL All-Star team, but I will  not miss a chance to bash the Yankees (or their owners).

All-Star Game

The Good - The History - Again, it's the last year of Yankee Stadium and most of the living Hall of Famers were in attendance. Yogi Berra threw out the first pitch in what would be the longest game in All-Star history. I think it was a fitting tribute to one of the game greatest stadiums. Congrats to J.D. Drew on his MVP. The game, besides being incredibly long, was actually pretty good. Not a lot of clutch hitting, but a lot of solid pitching through out the game. And a lot of close plays at the plate, including the game-winning run and more great defense. With the exception of our next player...

The Bad - Dan Uggla - I do believe the guy is an All-Star. But he had one really bad day. He went 0-for-4 at the plate with 3 K's and left 6 on base and committed 2 errors in the 10th inning and another in the 13th. Memo to Clint Hurdle, your closer, Brad Lidge of the Phillies, shouldn't be warming up 6,7,8,9,10 times during this game. You burned him out and it cost the NL the game. Also bad, can MLB put this game on a weekend? Put in on a Saturday afternoon around like 4 PM so everyone can watch it. I feel asleep around the 11th or so and missed out on a great finish.

The Ugly - Roster Size/Management - I understand that the managers want to get everyone into the game, but, if this game is going to "count" then managers are going to have to tell some of their players that they won't be getting in. Also, managers will have to learn that their pitchers can and will probably have to go longer than one inning. What's one way that you can solve this Bud? Add more pitchers to the rosters. If there are, oh I don't know, 15 starts and 5 closers/relievers on each roster, I'm pretty sure that you won't have this problem in extra inning games. Also, no more of this Brandon Webb/Scott Kazmir merry-go-round. If they aren't available to pitch, activate an alternate to fill the roster. And you have to keep every team represented on the roster, that's one thing I like and should be kept.

I know why leagues continue to hold these events, because they make a ton of money from it and it gives players the ability to have some fun with the game they normally take very seriously. Being a sports fan, I will always watch the Pro Bowl or MLB's All-Star game, but I will always reserve the right to complain about these games. I do love seeing the best players go at each other. But these games should strictly be exhibitions, and should not count for anything, especially home field in the World Series. Which brings me to my next and final point.

The Uglyiest - The NL has not won an All-Star Game in the last 12 years. They did tie once though....

So here's to a less than memorable 2008 MLB All-Star Game & HR Derby, and to next year's entry on probably the exact same thing.

- Eagle