TDA Bullpen - Our Writers' Blog

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

A DAY FOR REFLECTION

Major League Baseball's day after the All Star Game, when MLB goes dark, affords its teams and its fans to take a collective deep breath, and spots us some time to reflect on the season and what we have thus far witnessed. No other professional sport, which has an All Star break, attaches to it as much meaning as does Major League Baseball's, as it is not just a mark of demarcation for half of the season's completion, but a celebratory time as well. It is essentially a second chance Opening Day. Unlike other sports, where baseball teams play nearly everyday for a period of six months, it requires that players stop dead in their tracks, and for those on hot streaks it can end great momentum for a team or a player's individual stats, adding to the drama.

On the other hand, given the close races of many teams in all of its divisions it can be a new awakening or renewed hope for teams which were supposed to be out of it by now but are still in the fray in competing for the post season. There will be new energy joining the spectators this season's half as well, as the less than avid fan starts paying attention to baseball's stakes, perhaps gaining their interest from watching the All Star Game. In the NBA, NHL, and NFL, their All Star games are usually viewed by very few, whereas Major League Baseball relies on its game to give a grand send off for its second half. It's purpose is to renew excitement again for its regular fans and to give a shot in the arm to newcomers of the game.

Today is also a day to turn off the "noise" surrounding baseball such as trade rumors, steroid accusations, player angst, team infighting, displeasure with umpires and inequities in voting for All Stars (or getting apoplectic about that stupid cartoon Fox TV called Scooter, to explain pitching to viewers which is even juvenile for the average six year old). However, even though it has been an above average season this year in terms of playing quality and competition, there are still many issues which need to be addressed by the Commissioner' Office and/or the Players Association by year's end. These questions need to be answered for MLB to continue building its fan base again, which has been growing steadily since last year's post season contests, after being in a lull for a few years.

On Commissioner Bud Selig's menu of items to address is not only the relocation of the Montreal Expos, but its sale to a viable buyer, to get it off the books of the collective teams of MLB which continue to own the club and also gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. There is no incentive in the meantime for the proper management of the Expos until it becomes an entity on its own. Secondly, as he promised in April, Mr. Selig needs to go back to the Players Association to come up with an agreement as regards the illegal substance testing procedures and administration. Both parties verbally agreed to revisit the provisions as they presently read in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and to perhaps let the World Doping Agency preside over players' future drug testing instead of MLB handling its outsourcing. Additionally, the future of allowing the winning team of the All Star Game decide home field advantage in the World Series needs to be ratified by the Players Association for its renewal. The Commissioner believes it will be, but I'm not so sure.

But, for one day, let's lay off the peanut and cracker jacks, so like the players, those of us who love and follow baseball can come back refreshed, ready to root our tails off for our teams as they come down the stretch. This is the best part of the season and our chance as fans to relish what's left to come. As Yogi said, "It's deja vu all over again!"

posted by Diane M. Grassi 5:35 PM