All Star Week: Love it or Hate it?
The Home Run Derby showcased what some guys can do in extreme heat. I remembered the tongues wagging at Mets Spring Training during Jerry Manuel's 80 pitches in 6 minutes drill--constantly swinging the bat is tiring! So what do I think of All Star week? As a player I understand the honor of being one of the chosen ones on the field, but I have to think that getting some rest during the long season is pretty darn nice too.
I honestly don't even root for my "home team" guys nor really care about the outcome of the game. It's one of those...if it's on, I will watch; if not, I won't rush to a TV set. It's all become extremely commercial too and me, I like my baseball pure and simple. I know what producer, Bobby, would say: what if a player gets hurt? He is deathly afraid David Wright or any Met will tweak something. The team needs an injury like a hole in the head. I think the guys know to take it easy though. No one wants to compromise their health and ability to play when it's "for real". Maybe that's it, I know its not "real" so I don't care too much. It's like preseason. When it counts, then count me in!
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Comments: 6
Bring Sal back, you stink on sports
The Home-Run Derby takes too long. I like the event, but not for three hours.
I enjoy the All-Star Game. Even after all these year's of watching the game, it still means something to me. As a Mets fan, I will be rooting for the National League as I always do. It's about league pride, even more than the artificial incentive of home field advantage.
As for the injury comment, my feeling is that injuries can happen getting out of bed in the morning. I heard this about the WBC. Injuries happen no matter what. Not a good excuse for not liking the All-Star Game. Being analogous to preseason games and indicating it is not "for real." Cannot figure out that line of reasoning. I do not understand, you are a baseball fan, but you do not watch a showcase of the game's best players. Do you like the WBC? To stay consistent, you must answer that you do not like the WBC. Are you provincial enough that the only games that matter are regular and post season games played by the Yankees and Mets.
Watch and enjoy the All-Star Game.
All that have a name and do not live in anonymity realize the journalistic talent of Lolita Lopez. You're the Best, LoLo!!!
Thanks for coming to my rescue James! I do like to watch all baseball, be it a preseason, regular season, WBC (love the tourney!) or postseason games. However, the level of excitement and anticipation wanes for those games that don't necessarily count. So, I WILL watch the All Star game but am not pinned to the couch like usual. Placing the All Star game and WBC games on the same platform is not fair. The All Star game, while good action, accomplishes little. The WBC showcases how baseball has developed across the world, how different countries practice and perform and ultimately players we might not know so well. I still remember watching the then new Met Endy Chavez play for Venezuela. I had not followed him before his move to the NY and must admit my semi crush on his Gumby like moves began there.
Does your husband know the way you feel about Endy? haha
I am a big proponent of the WBC. I am equally enthralled with he All-Star Game. The All-Star Game represents the best of the best from each league getting together in mid summer for a showcase.
There are many colleagues of ours in the media, as well as fans, who see no point in the World Baseball Classic. I have defended it, even if the time it is played can be debated.
I put meaning in all athletic endeavors. In high school and college I treated each baseball game I played as an opportunity to exhibit my talent (as limited as it might have been).
I enjoy and put meaning on all games I watch. From the Caribbean World Series , to pre-season baseball to regular season baseball and post season baseball. Of course, some games have considerably more importance than others, but I am a baseball purist that loves to watch the game on all levels.
I agree with your assestment about the WBC and the importance to introducing the game to countries and educating us how the game is played elsewhere. In the same respect, I disagree that the All-Star Game "accomplishes little." Sports are entertainment. The All-Star Game is to entertain. Are you proposing we eliminate All-Star Games in ALL sports?
There are those who feel the WBC accomplishes little. Some fans in North America will not give Korea or Japan the props for winning the first two WBC's.
Anyway, as always, you make salient points. Sometimes we just agree to disagree, but are fundamentally on point on most issues.
You're right on the entertainment front and I guess, if we use that assessment, then yes, the All Star Game accomplishes something. Even if I did not agree, I still would definitely KEEP the All Star games. They are fun and still good baseball(that Crawford catch yesterday was great), even with all the other "stuff"....maybe it's more my anxiousness to get the 2nd half going. Conclusion to self: let the All Stars play and enjoy it damn it!