MLB First-Year Player Draft, All-Star Break Should Be Held During Same Week

The 2012 MLB draft was a great success for Major League Baseball, but the timing of it was far from ideal.

Coordinating future drafts with the annual All-Star break would have all sorts of benefits.

My proposition is to move the Home Run Derby and Midsummer Classic into the first week of July, near the season's actual halfway point. They would take place on a Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Then, the first round and supplemental compensation round of the draft would be held that Thursday night. The regular season would resume with a full slate of games on Friday.

Delaying the process like this is in the best interest of MLB teams.

In recent years, it has been scheduled for early June, while the college baseball playoffs are ongoing. As a result, teams don't have the opportunity to schedule private workouts with top prospects from championship-caliber programs. Using high draft picks on mysterious players can really set a franchise back.

But by early July, all spring competition is over. Front offices would have ample time to see their potential picks up close and make educated decisions.

Even with the draft at this later date, selections would be able to squeeze in brief trials with minor-league affiliates before the winter. Rookie League and Class-A seasons generally last until the end of August or early September.

This re-scheduling would certainly entice larger online and television audiences to follow the draft. The league could promote it during its All-Star festivities to raise awareness. Though fans can be easily distracted, they wouldn't forget to tune in if a reminder was announced just a few days prior.

The MLB draft was up against formidable, prime-time competition in 2012. Viewership was lost to NBA and NHL games (and the season premiere of Hell's Kitchen).

However, no such challengers would threaten ratings in July. America's other mainstream sports have their offseasons, and summer programs are already in full swing.

Also, several MLB games conflicted with the broadcast.

What an embarrassment!

All 30 teams must be idle on that Thursday night. After all, why should the general public respect the amateur draft if it isn't even in the MLB limelight?

This event impacts the future of the sport. I want it to garner the attention it deserves.

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