I’m extremely excited to see Jose Bautista at the all star game,and I’m incredibly happy for the number of votes he’s received. However, I think it’s a little absurd to compare vote tallies between him and previous record-holder Ken Griffey Jr.. Bautista received 7 454 753 votes. Griffey got 6 069 688. However, Bautista’s tally came in an era when voting could be done online, with up to 25 votes per email address.

Sometimes records are incomparable. It’s great to see Canada behind Jose, but emphasis on the record is just silly.

The fact that all-star voting is largely a popularity contest is also problematic. Bautista was mostly ignored last year despite his break out season. He *did* make the reserve for the game. This year, it’s been his showing on various media that let the public know what he was up to. How does the public vote in a quality player when most of the info give to them is what’s seen on tv in their local markets. And with systems of exclusive rights and blackouts, viewers seldom encounter games that aren’t the home team. Is the fact that so many New York Yankees are in the starting line up testament to their skill and level of play? Or is it more reflective of operating in a large market with a large segment of the population having access to the Internet? I should point out that all of Canada is considered the Blue Jays’ ‘home market’. In a modern internet-connected world, the idea of such geographical restrictions is increasingly absurd.

I’d rather an elected board, or perhaps just one made up of sports journalists to select the teams. Or, perhaps the newly implemented (albeit likely temporary) method employed by the NHL could work. In that game, captains for each team select players from a league-wide pool, without regard to physical location. I like the idea of a throwback to sandlot team-picking.

If the MLB all star game is going to attract a bigger audience, they need to do something more exciting. They shouldn’t wait for when the format is so mismanaged that it forces them to make changes. …kinda like when they implemented the rule that the winning side would get home field advantage in the world series after the 2002 all star game ended in a tie after both teams ran out of pitchers.

Maybe mixing up the game itself would be fun? A chance to experiment with new rules? A chance to try out new uniform technology? Bring up one minor league all star to play in the big leagues? (The MVP from the ‘Futures’ game?) Corking allowed? (ha) Everyone plays barefoot? A pitcher from your own team? Test out video technology? Mic the managers and players? Let the teams be managed by live crowdsourcing? (okay, that one might be almost serious) Cricket bats. Alligators on the field. Halftime show….during every every inning half? Ok, I’ll stop now.