In My Humble Opinion: All-Star Game Has Lost Luster and Sheed Helps C's

Once upon a time, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was an anticipated event during the baseball season. However, it has lost some of its panache because of three things:

1. Interleague play: Since it's inception in 1997, Interleague play has taken some of the fun of the All-Star game because players are no longer clueless on how to pitch to or hit a player from the other league, since there's a good chance they have seen that player in that particular year or in the not too distant past. Interleague play has taken the fun out of a pitcher trying to second guess the tendencies of an unfamiliar hitter, and vice versa, simply because it's too long. Natural rivalries should be the only interleague series played; that's where it's most meaningful.

2. Total domination: In the 1970's the NL dominated; nowadays, the shoe is on the other foot. It's no fun to watch the game when it's clear that one league has a clear advantage over the other in all facets of the game. The American League is on a prolonged winning streak, and is clearly the superior league with their dominance in both the game itself and interleague play in recent years. When you're pretty sure who's going to win, it's likely the ratings will suffer as well.

3. Home field advantage: Since they started playing for it in 2003, the American League has won it every year. It isn't fair to put so much emphasis on an exhibition game that is supposed to be fun. I see nothing wrong with alternating home field advantage between the leagues year after year. At the rate the NL has been going, they may have to wait another year.

Other thoughts:

• At least the Home Run Derby is fun to watch, and I really don't think there's a clear-cut favorite going in. Anyone want to help me by giving me their picks?
• Thank goodness for the mute button, the perfect antidote for Chris Berman's tired shenanigans.
• Rasheed Wallace personifies toughness, something the Celtics were severely lacking once Garnett went down. The only problem I have with him is his attitude and his penchant for technicals because of it. Nonetheless, he's a solid pickup.
  
• RIP Steve McNair, a class individual and mentor to many young quarterbacks. It's a shame his life ended the way it did.
• Speaking of death, I'm now willing to believe any angle the media tries to spin on Michael Jackson's death. For all we know, he could have been doing the moonwalk and fell down the stairs.
• If  Magic Johnson truly believes Michael Jackson made him proud to be black, he should first realize that he isn't the only one since he probably did the same thing for a lot of inner-city youth in his time. 
• Privacy is a virtue in today's NFL. Former Patriots QB Steve Grogan told The Sporting News that in his day, he could walk into a K-Mart and go virtually unrecognized. Nowadays, Tom Brady is afraid to leave his house because he'll be swarmed by photographers every time he does.
• Jim Tracy is my pick for NL manager of the year, no questions asked.
• If Junior Seau is actually serious about coming back if the Patriots want him, he is a stronger man than I thought. I admire anyone who can play a physically daunting position such as linebacker into their forties.
• Given the fact that the Padres only have one player worth paying money to see, I'm starting to regret the fact that I paid $30 for a seat at Petco Park. Please tell me it's worth visiting.
• The fifth set in this year's men's final at Wimbledon may have been the finest fifth set in the history of the game.
•  Last week's quiz answer was Moises Alou. This week's question: Where will next year's All-Star Game be held?
• The proud and baseball rich city of St. Louis should provide a grand and majestic backdrop for a midsummer's classic. I know I'll enjoy it.