July 24. 2008 19:30

This is much better than a game that doesn't matter. Years ago, when the ASG was more or less a popularity contest, some guys that were voted in didn't even show up. The last year it didn't matter, when the game ended in a tie, was horrible. I was afraid that might happen again this year when the American League first ran out of position players, then used their last "almost-not-available" pitcher in the bottom of the 15th inning. I would liked to have seen how they handled it had that happened. Alas! The National League managed to lose again. Much better game than in years past, so wait until next year...

Carmen

July 24. 2008 19:31

I think that besides playing for egos and pride, the players are playing for a goal. Home advantage in the World Series is a very big deal and the game has a much greater meaning now.

Jennifer

July 24. 2008 19:32

The home field advantage gives the game some significance other than bragging rights. Still like the home run hitting contest the best

Howard

July 24. 2008 19:33

The team with the best overall record should determine home field advantage. Otherwise whats the point. Why should another group of players determine one of the key advantages(home field) for a team striving for a Championship. All stars are there to show that they are the best, and the best always want to win no matter what the resulting prize.

Howard

July 24. 2008 19:33

Although many people feel that the site of the World Series should alternate each year between the two leagues, I disagree. One of the key factors that make the All-Star game competative is the fact that the home field advantage for the World Series is on the line. Without this factor, the All-Star game would simply be a "showcase" game with no meaning and the players that are selected would have much less motivation to play at the level at which they are capable. Also, it is an example of a league effort, rather than an individual team effort, to secure the title because at this point, no one knows which team is going to make it to the World Series.
In any case, that's my two cents. Go, Tribe!!!!!!

Carol

July 24. 2008 19:34

Yes...definitely...the All Star game should continue to determine home field advantage for the World Series. This makes the game more about winning than just parading all of the players into the game and making it just an exhibition. Players actually play...unlike when defense is non-existant during the NBA All-Star Game, the Pro Bowl and the NHL All-Star game. Strategy comes into play and not all players may get into the game. But the result is that the game becomes more meaningful, more memorable and, most importantly, more important.

D

July 24. 2008 19:35

while the all star games were fun to watch (especially when the national league won)--there was no purpose for the ball players to give their all--i think the home field advantage was a stroke of genius.

I

July 24. 2008 19:35

I do not like the winning league setting the venue for the home field advantage in the World Series. The players are really not playing for that. The managers maybe, the chances that it makes a bit of difference to the all-stars is slim.

Jane

July 24. 2008 19:36

Pathetic is all I can say. Baseball should go back to the "every other year" system. One year National League the other American League. Baseball's All Star game is just another "exhibition ' staged for national TV to sell commercials. The game itself has no meaning. My goodness the home run contest is sure a better show than the game. Why not just have a swinging tire from a tree and see what pitcher can throw as many balls through the tire? Who every wins get's home field advantage. Both teams totally ran out of pitchers this year. Duuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!! Would that ever happen in a regular season, playoff or world series game? I think not.

None of the 4 major All Star games mean anything except high ticket prices and TV ratings.

Ronald

July 24. 2008 19:36

Wouldn't it make the most sense to simply rotate the advantage from league to league? That's the only equitable thing to do.

Ronna

July 28. 2008 13:35

Clearly, the fact that the all-star game counts for home advantage at the world series has added some zip to the game that had been lacking. It is a positive development.

Ken

July 29. 2008 14:45

I think it's been a positive for the game. It makes the game more meaningful and exciting!

Sharon

July 29. 2008 14:53

Sharon, the more i think about it, the more i agree with you. In the past, everybody forgot about the All-Star Game by the time the World Series rolled around. NOW they don't forget!

--Charles

Charles

August 1. 2008 11:21

I personally think I like the old way much better. An all-star game is just that.. A chance for the best of the best to showcase their talents. It should not have anything to do with home field advantage for the world series.

Depending on how each team does throughout the whole season is a much better way of deciding home field advantage because that team has shown by hard work that they have a stronger team and not because of what maybe 1 or 2 of their players in an all-star game have done. One thing has absolutely nothing to do with the other!!

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!

LET'S GO YANKEES!!!

Deborah