I am the pressure. I am the sport.

2012 MLB All-Star game. Please don’t let a Giant get injured. Please! (Photo Credit: mlb.com)

In a few hours, the 83rd annual MLB All-Star game will begin in Kansas City.  The big question surrounding the game is who cares?  Seriously, does anybody care anymore.  When I was a kid, in the 80’s, there was some excitement to the game.  Adulthood has taken a little off of the luster of the game but so has the state of the modern game.  Previously, the only time you would get to see some players was in the All-Star game.  Now, with the internet and modern broadcasting, you can watch any team, any time.  There was also the added treat of watching players compete against each other who would otherwise not.  Interleague play has taken that away from us.

Aside from a complete and utter lack of excitement or meaning, there is the injury worry.  I’m a San Francisco Giants fan and my worst nightmare came true.  They named Matt Cain as the starter for the game.  The starting pitcher is the only pitcher who will generally go for more than an inning.  Even if he comes out of the game unscathed, I’d rather have him not pitch 3 innings on his day off.  There’s really no way for them to go half speed, and each inning on the mound increases the risk.  It’s rare for it to happen, but ask Ray Fosse (see below) what can happen. Continue reading →