ajcsportstalk

By I care

July 10, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Well, I care. These are the best players in the game today(even though Edgar should be there). Its fun to watch still because you dont know what can happen, like Ripken’s homerun in Seattle his last year, or Torii Hunter robbing Bonds in ‘02. And think of it this way, for fans in National League parks whose team still has a chance, its almost better for the NL to lose this year. If they do, then the NL park would get Saturday and Sunday world series games due to the changes made by MLB this year. So, go AL!

By Drew

July 10, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

I think the All-Star game is great..for what it’s worth, I could really give a crap about it being meaningful. People should take in the all-star game and not treasure it, but realize they are witnessing some of the greatest people ever to pick up a baseball. I grew up in the 90’s, so the likes of Griffey, Bonds, and Frank Thomas were always in the game, but it is so interesting to see how the game has changed and new talent seems to flood the league these days. All the “stars” aren’t 32+ anymore, they’re a new breed of young, exciting all-stars which to me makes it even more special. If you don’t know who Hunter Pence is, or Ryan Braun is, or Prince Fielder is, now is the time for you to step in to the future and see some of the games all-time greats mesh with the game future studs. How many other times during the year are people going to get to see this much talent on one field?

By Roswell Ed

July 10, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

If you magnify that photo of Bonds you can read that tag on the back of his hit it sez:

SIZE 14 1/2

What a big melon.

By Roswell Ed

July 10, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Barry Bond’s head is so big that he moonlights as a drive-in movie theater screen.

By Roswell Ed

July 10, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Bond’s head is sooo big he doesn’t have a forehead:

He has a five head!!

By Stephen

July 10, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

40,000+ people paid $175 for HR Derby tix last night. It’ll be at least that for the AS Game.

Do the math. MLB isn’t going to give it the axe.

Though, I will say this: The HR Derby gets more and more boring every year.

And putting the home-field advantage value to an exhibition game is ridiculous and should be done away with.

By BamaBrave

July 10, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Of course it should stay…it’s still the best all-star game out there. The competition - once the frigging game actually begins - is genuine. The NFL’s Pro-Bowl is a complete joke, and the NBA All-Star game involves even less defense and intensity than the regular season games - and that’s saying something. Keep the MLB All-Star game (the players need the break), but I could do without all the media manipulated bling and hype. The Home Run Derby was cool when it started, but like Chris Berman and ESPN in general, it has indeed become a caricature of itself… I mean, you’d have thought Vlad discovered the cure for cancer when he won the Derby last night…

By RC35

July 10, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

As I looked over the starting lineup, the NL has two hitters batting over .300. The AL has one hitter batting under .300. Now, who is really fielding an “ALL-STAR” team?

By The Murf

July 10, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding? This is the best of the big four all star games! Of course I’ll be watching

By BossLady

July 10, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

This is the big game, on the big stage with all the big boys on the field. Most of these guys I follow anyway on their teams and are happy to see their success. I am like the players when they are together, not one of them are my enemies. Real baseball fans love good baseball no matter who is playing the game. Rios batting last night was so exciting I stood while he performed. Matt Holliday too. My Braves are my home and my team. The Major Leagues is my sport. I wish McCann the best and hope he get hits in the game tonight.

By oh yeah

July 10, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

i’ll definitely be watching…at least until mccann is out of the game! it was better when it was just an exhibition, but it did take forever with st. joe torre, for example, playing every single one of the players.

By Quint

July 10, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

How about doing away with inter-league games and then the All-Star Game would be worth watching again. Yes, it is much better than the NFL’s and NBA’s games.

I hate that home field advantage in the World Series is decided by an exhibition game. That is ridiculous. Use best record or if MLB keeps inter-league use the head to head league winner. If the Al wins more games against the NL then they should receive home field advantage for the World Series.

While we’re at it, let’s have a true World Series. Have the MLB World Series winner play in a true world tournament, not that Spring World Classic tournament made up of a bunch of all star teams. I would like to see how Cuba and Japan would fare against the U.S. World Series winner.

By jack

July 10, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Winner gets home field advantage… Dont like that because most players know they likely wont make the Series anyway. The winning players need it to be more personal. Maybe give the ” Winners” a $50,000 bonus each, All Star rings, individual trohies, Coaches Trophies, a case of Brown Cow ice cream; something! Goal is that each Player will recognize the game as a Very Personal thing and go full bore to win. As is, you can see most participants act like this is just a “Social” event…And maybe that is all it needs to be. Just do away with that winner gets home field advantage thing. It is obvious the players, as a whole, do not care.

By Mighty Casey

July 10, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think Mike Vick and his fellow thugz used Louisville Slugger bats to finish off the losing dogs?

By Juiced Up

July 10, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I talked to Barry Bonds in 1991. Last night I heard him do an interview on the TV. His voiced has changed. It is definitely more high pitched now. I guess what they say is true. When you DO STEROIDS your private parts shrink. Congratulations to Hank Aaron for being the “Real” All Time HR King.

By Jt

July 10, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

It is the only game in town and so I HAVE to watch. Nothing else on the idiot tube

By DAN

July 10, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I WILL WATCH. NOTHING ELSE ON TV. PLUS SELIG THAT IDIOT MADE THE LEAGUE WINNER HAVE HOME FIELD FOR THE WORLD SERIES. STUPID IDEA.

By Leads36

July 10, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

The All-Star game makes no sense to me…Essentially, it is an exhibition game that has a real impact on the major league season…again, it makes no sense…if the All-Star Game is going to determine home field advantage for the world series, than only the best players should be in the game, and we need to abolish the rule which states that each team needs to be represented…that being said, the All-Star game should be nothing more than exhibition game, that is fun to watch, with all of baseball represented…Home field advantage for the world series should be determined by either the best record, or simply alternate each year between the national league, and that other DH league.

By Admirer

July 10, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

What changes are you talking about, By I Care?

By bfred

July 10, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

At least the MLB all-stars seem to try, even if it is just to show off for each other. The NBA all star game is like watching a high school team practice, and all NFL players care about is not getting hurt. Name one NBA player who would climb the wall for his conference like Torii Hunter in 2002.

By Bob

July 10, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Home field advantage for the All Star game winner is the dumbest idea since the flat earth theory. Envision this one for example:

Joe Blow is the KC Royals rep in the All Star game. In the top of the 9th he hits a home run to give the Junior Circuit the lead and win. Two weeks later, Blow is traded by the last place Royals to the San Diego Padres.

San Diego wins the NL West and then the NL Penant. The Minnesota Twins win the AL Penant and have home field advantage in the World Series. Why? Because the San Diego Padre Right Fielder, Joe Blow hit the winning homerun for the American League in an exhibition game. Duh!! This rule is dumber than the BCS selection process. There was absolutely nothing wrong with alternating between the two leagues so why fix something if it isn’t broke?

By paul

July 10, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

yes I will watch. I’m a life long baseball fan. I hate they try to give this game artifical meaning. Just seeing the best current players compete is enough for me.

By BirdMahn

July 10, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

The reason I don’t really care if I see it or not lately? I don’t like the home field advantage in the World Series being decided by an exhibition game, that has nothing to do with the WS!!! This was supposedly done to boost TV ratings. I refuse to take part in such stupidity! But if nothing else is happening, I might have the game on…:p

By Ryder

July 10, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I think I Care meant changes in the World Series schedule since it starts on a Wednesday instead of a Saturday.

Personally I think that baseball has it all mixed up. If you want to truly have the All-Star game mean something, especially something so dramatic as homefield in the World Series (which I think is a joke) then it makes no sense whatsoever to still have this archaic rule that every team must have a representative.

For what? So some jerk in Tampa Bay will tune in to the game hoping to see a third-rate pitcher from his team who has no business even being in the ballpark? Who honestly wants to see if a Colorado Rockies hitter against a KC pitcher determines that game one of the World Series is in either Anaheim or New York? RIDICULOUS!

This is what irks me so much about baseball. They’ll change one aspect of the game but not do any further tweaking. It doesn’t work and as a result fans lose interest.

If you absolutely have to have homefield advantage determined in the All Star game, then have the BEST players out there (gee what a concept)! I don’t care if all the best players are from one team, they deserve to be out there.

I can’t wait for Selig to leave the game so someone competent can come in and do the job right!

By Rev Al

July 10, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Not enough brothas in the game. To many whire boys and wet backs.

By CL

July 10, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

My comments have to do with Hank and Bud, surrounding the resistance towards Barry Bonds. Have either Hank or Bud ever stopped attending major league baseball games?(NO) Still attending games with the various others who have either admitted or been suspended for the use of steriods; yet upon the one who embarks on a new home ruin record. Do these individuals take a position to be absent? As if to say, it is O.K. as long as you are not breaking his (Hank’s) long standing record. As if to say no pitcher on the mound of oppisition to the primary target they have used, to justify being absent. clearly the princle is selective, when nearing closer to one’s mark. On the surface, it may appears justied; but on the deeper side; it acts in it’s own conflict, with self permission to attend other games!!!

By Amber

July 10, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I like the All-Star break for the break it gives our players. I know they need the rest and are glad for it at this time. I’m bored out of my mind for a few days, but I’ll get over it.

I actually think Chip/Joe made a very good point over several recent games:

OR

Sounds reasonable to me…. I personally vote for #2.

By Rican_in_atl

July 10, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

some dumb person had to make a stupid comment. I mean there isnt a law where determine that because you black you shouldnt play baseball I mean I think that a stupid comment REV AL I mean there is so many leagues out there where you can play starting from rec league to traveling team and HS and College so that comment was un-nessesary. Me as Puerto Rican that has been here in Atlanta for a while I have seen that there is so many places to play baseball since Atlanta is a football baseball state thats what I think.

Anyways, the Allstar game a place where where the best of the first half of the season compete against each other I mean If you dont think thats exciting I mean you dont love the sport. Me as an baseball player I love to be around the best play against it bring the best in me. I mean thats my opinion.

By geauxbraves2000

July 10, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I care about this game. I don’t like the home field advantage part of it, but I am a huge baseball fan, I can watch any game at any time.

It’s the fan’s game, it can be a popularity contest if that’s what it comes to.

And every team should be represented, every team has fans and it would not be right to leave those fans out.

If they want to have an All Star Game that matters, let the players and the coaches choose who plays, then maybe that game could mean something, but, until then, this is the fan’s game, and I am a fan.

Geaux Braves!!

By JR

July 10, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

I never watch any all-star game in any sport. What a colossal waste of time! Games that mean nothing played by athletes you care less about. Give me a good high school or college game anytime.

By geauxbraves2000

July 10, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t copying you Amber, your post wasn’t there when I was typing :)

Geaux Braves!!

By Bill

July 10, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Bonds is a thug. He couldn’t hold Hank Aaron’s jock strap. He’s only popular in SF and they don’t know any better. He will never be the man that Hank Aaron is.

By GT

July 10, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

I think after the Sosa blowout that everybody assumed Bonds would follow suit and never hit another homerun again. Man how the press loves to pile on like a gang at a bus stop. Then when things start not adding up with Bonds the way they did with Sosa and he continued to hit homeruns this same press disguises itself as fans and tries to slip quietly into the crowd. The fans weren’t drinking the Kool-Aid and voted this guy onto the all star roster. The press thought they were leading the parade only to turn around to find it went a different direction. I like the editorial page of the newspaper because it leaves a lot to the individual to decide what is right and what is wrong. The problem with sports is it is more absolute than most things in life and really doesn’t need as much editorializing since the results quite often speak for themselves. The problem is these non performers dictate to some extent the membership into the hall of frame. This was fine back in the day when the reporter spent more time reporting the action on the field and less on rumors and non relative events to sports. Pete Rose was a freak on the baseball field and hall or not he is part of baseball maybe more that 70 percent of the inductees whose names mean nothing to me or the public. How are you going to say Rose didn’t happen or that Bonds didn’t happen. People are going to ask if it was so bad why they got to play full careers.

By Braves Fan 79

July 10, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I hope all those Bonds fans saw how he really is when he passed up the home run derby in his hometown. What a selfish thing to do and whatever respect i had for the guy is now totally gone. His excuses for not participating were lame….he dosent have to be rested for a 2nd half pennant race….his team sucks! He dosent have to be rested to catch hank, hes only 5 behind. I hope he never makes another all star team again. Hank Arron…the TRUE HR King!

By Jeff

July 10, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Baseball’s All Star game is the only that even matters. Braves could use a win for home-field in the World Series.

By humbug

July 10, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Until it is reserved for only the players having an all star year it’s just an exhibition and fluff.

By Darren

July 10, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

I am watching the All Star came right now and I care about it. I am really upset Chipper and Edgar got hosed. Go Braves!

By Adam Krohn

July 13, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

here’s my column on Selig’s decision to let the all star game determine the world series home field advantage:

http://sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/343/071507-SPORTSTALK—Strikeout.aspx

By dan

July 18, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Who cares about the all-star game. The only thing worse than the all-star game is home run contest the night before with Chris Berman and the same tired garbage he has been spewing for years. If I hear “back back back” one time I’m gonna hurl. Berman needs to go away.

And Ron Mexico, burn in haitis. I hope you suffer the exact same fate as the dogs you killed. You are a worthless pile of sh*t.