All-Stars? Really?

Baseball's All-Star game is upon us. The rosters were released yesterday. And yes, Barry Bonds will get to play in front of his hometown fans.

I am always quick to admit that I do not follow baseball too closely. I pay attention to who's hot, keep an eye on the standings, and watch the highlights. Around playoff time I really start to pay attention, but not until then. But looking over the All-Star rosters, I keep asking myself the following question:

WHO THE HELL IS THAT?

There are several players starting the All-Star game that I have NEVER heard of. The hardcore baseball fanatic will know who they are, but not me and certainly not the casual observer of the sport. And the All-Star game draws a ton of casual observers...people who tune in to see the spectacle and watch the elite players in action. Every player out there should be a household name, regardless if we have actually seen them play.

The Bonds', the Jeters, the A-Rods, the Schillings... household names, even among people who do not watch the sport. You say the name, people think BASEBALL. Thats what the All-Star game should be about.

Russell Martin? Cole Hamels? Dan Haren? JJ Putz? Who the hell are these people? Admitably, most of them are pitchers.. and baseball has way too many of those to keep track of. But still... are people going to pay big bucks to see these guys? Not the casual observer.

Thankfully the rosters are loaded with the big guns. All the usuall suspects will be there. Its still going to be a good time for all the guys out there, and that makes it a good time for all the fans watching. Because after all is said and done, its just much more enjoyable to see guys playing because they love the game and not just because its their job.