MLB Clubs Undermine Own Chances at Title
by Moonlight Graham
In 2003, in an attempt to regenerate fan interest just a year after a lack of available pitchers forced MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to 
declare the All Star Game a tie, Baseball’s hierarchy decreed that the Mid-Summer Classic would now determine home field advantage in the World Series. It wasn’t already bad enough that the rosters were watered down by the requirement that each team, no matter how bad, must be represented; now, a player from a second division club could have a hand in deciding the outcome of the sport’s premier event months in advance.
While the move was and is opposed by many, I never really had a problem with it. Not because I agree with the concept; it’s completely ridiculous to think I’m staying up that late to watch Garrett Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates face Kansas City Royals’ closer Joakim Soria because I’d like the Mets to have home field if they get that far. However, because the old system of alternating the privilege was also completely without merit, I figured, “Who cares?” Until I realized that the new policy actually gives mindless fans the opportunity to hurt their team’s shot at a championship; often at the prompting of it’s own front office. We’ve all been to the ballpark in the early part of the season and heard the huge pitch to vote for the hometown boys. Actually, you don’t even have to attend a game anymore, as on-line balloting has given everyone a voice. “Send Joe Blow to Los Angeles for the All Star Game”, blare the ads. “Forget the stats, vote for our guys!” On the surface, a nice marketing strategy, but one that could prove fatal to a championship run. Continue reading »
The View from the Cheap Seats: Pro Athletes Just Don't Get It
Rays’ Price Latest to Mistake His Talent for Intelligence
by Eddie Mayrose
Ya gotta love social networking. As if athletes didn’t already have enough opportunities to
reveal themselves as arrogant, insensitive and selfish, any dolt with a Twitter account can now make a fool of himself at all hours of the day and night. The latest genius to fall down the rabbit hole is Tampa Bay Rays’ lefty, David Price, who criticized Rays’ fans for not turning out to fawn over his team as they closed in on a playoff berth Monday night. “Had a chance to clinch a post season spot tonight with about 10,000 fans in the stands….embarassing” was Price’s Tweet after the contest, as the Tampa ace gave himself a mouthful of shoe leather.
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