Once upon a time the midsummer classic was an event that showcased the talents of the games top stars. People watched all their favorite players together on one field, playing in a game for nothing other than bragging rights, but competing as if everything was on the line. Nowadays the game determines which league will have home field advantage in the World Series. While it seems like adding meaning to this game could only help the appeal, the reverse is true and the all-star game gets less and less exciting every year.

Players used to care about bragging rights for their league so they tried hard to win the game and put all their effort on the field. Managers managed to win, rather than to ensure that everyone on the roster would get some playing time. The stars played 7, 8, and 9 innings and the games were exciting.

This all seems to be in the past as today's all-stars appear to be more interested in the paychecks and the experience of being an all-star, rather than in winning the game. The starters only play the first 3 innings and the game is full of substitutions because managers want everyone to get an opportunity to play. Baseball has expanded the rosters so much that by the time the end of the game rolls around, most fans are stuck looking at a game with a bunch of random players that are good baseball players, but that are not true all-stars.

I think that the Home Run Derby is the most exciting part of the All-Star Break and am wondering if there is anyone out there that actually cares about the All-Star game anymore?