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Major League Baseball's All-Star Game has always been an event entirely devoted to pleasing the fans. Well, I take that back, the 2002 game that ended in a tie was not about the fans, that was about Bud Selig being a dope. Anyways, with every starter being voted in by the fans, I've also believed that the home team should be represented in the Home Run Derby. For the second straight year, that's not going to happen. Just like Barry Bonds a year ago, Alex Rodriguez has chosen the "messes with my swing" excuse to avoid the humiliation of potentially not winning. Besides, I thought the only thing that messed with A-Rod's swing was postseason pitchers and Yankee fans breathing down his neck.
A-Rod belongs in the Derby for many reasons. For starters, he's the games best and most popular player. He's capable of putting on a show that would be fitting for this final sendoff to Yankee Stadium, arguably the game's most historic landmark. And if for no other reason, until we find any evidence, Alex Rodriguez represents what the home run should be about: all natural power.
As our remaining hope to remove Barry Bonds* from the all-time home run title, how about sending a few shots into Monument Park, a simple ode to those who made this game a national past time.
Hey, it's not just chicks that dig the long ball. Come on, A-Rod, swing your bat to the fences instead of at Madonna.
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