How would you fix the All Star Game?

palampe — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:54:57 -0000

Since there isn't a real game to watch over the next few days, I thought I'd throw out this question: How would you fix the All Star Game? I have seen a few ideas, some of which are way, way out of the box. For example: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/five-all-star-games-in-one/ Personally, the first thing I'd do is open the Home Run Derby to all players, not just the ones on the All Star teams. I mean, where's Ryan Howard last night?!?! He's not my favorite 1B, not the best 1B, but come on! That dude should seriously be in anything called a Home Run anything! Next, I'd create a sort of "All Star Week," freeing up the schedule from Monday - Thursday, with the actual game played on the Wednesday. Monday would be pomp and circumstance and I'd see what could be done to coordinate a Hall of Fame indunction around this time. Tuesday would be media circus day, coordinated with events at every MLB park to include autograph signings, kids run the bases, free showings of a classic movie such as The Natural on the jumboscreens, camping in the outfields, etc. Make All Star week an event in every major league city, not just one. Anyway, just suggestions to kill the time and ponder... Thoughts?

Overuse + Age = 2008 Izzy

palampe — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:31:14 -0000

Quick math to support the idea that Izzy's problem is fatigue: Over his career, he has appeared in an average of 62 per 162 games and appeared in a career high of 74 games in one season (2004) (baseballreferenc.com). With 26% of the 2008 season played, he is being used on a pace to appear in 79 games. Factor in the unqualifiable yet common sense factors of age and known medical history and it plays out that too much has been asked of Izzy this season.

It is reasonable to presume that his performance has been affected by overuse. The Cardinals need another bullpen operative to close games or need to have the starters go deeper into games or score more runs to eliminate save situations in order to have Izzy available and effective (in an ideal world, at least two of those three!). Izzy's epic fall has its root cause in a flawed team that has relied far too much on the arm of one formerly dominant pitcher.

SB Nation User Blog: palampe

How would you fix the All Star Game?

Overuse + Age = 2008 Izzy