The Midsummer Classic?

Okay, so I generally avoid writing critically about baseball because I love it so dearly.

However, the All Star game is absolutely terrible.

One, the game is in Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, really?

The random selection of host city is horrible - the game should be played in the stadium of the defending World Series Champs - yes that means Southside. Reward the reigning champs.

Two, the voting is so screwed up that it rivals the cycling doping scandal for horrible sports news.

Fans have to vote - thats the point of the All Star game. However, if fans are going to vote (which they are) then the game cannot be so instrumental. 20 of the past 25 World Series winners have had homefield advantage.

...and when fans vote, the winners get by on their reputation (their year in year out performance). If the game is about the stars of the game then yes, this if fine. However, if the game is a year-to-year occasion rewarding the best players for the first half of the season, then it needs to be based on that years performance. In which case people like Freddy Sanchez should be starting.

Three, the AL hasn't lost since 1995.

C'mon is this even suspenseful anymore. I'm a baseball fan, I'd love to see the NL win, but how likely is that?

Four, where is the participation?

I used to love the All Star festivities because I got to see Ken Griffey (in his prime) vs. Mark McGwire and all the big bashers compete in the home run derby. Now we're lucky if Rick Ankiel and Danny Almonte participate.

Five, the game is upstaged.

The Futures Game and Old Timers Softball game are always more intriguing. Why, well the players get to play. There isn't any of this 2 innings bull crap that the managers pull in the "real" All Star game. However, in the futures game you get pitchers like Francisco Liriano and Justin Verlander matched up. Both of whom, this year are deserving starters for the AL. Too bad Johan Santana has a choke hold on the SP position for the AL.

And then the Old Timers game is just fun. You can see people enjoying themselves, playing the game. Isn't that what we are supposed to see?

Ultimately, the All Star game should just include the 9 starters 2 bench players and 3 or 4 relievers. The bench players should know they probably won't get to play and the relievers will only pitch if needed. Then, remove the homefield advantage reward and let the players play. That way the All Stars will actually get to play instead of making cameos. It will also, make the voting much less important because there is far less weight hinging on the outcome of the game.

Will it happen? No, but it should.