Manny's All-Star aligning
Every four years, the American populace is charged with the responsibility of selecting the leader of the free world. Once a year, baseball fans are asked to select the starting lineup of MLB's Mid-Summer Classic. And more often than not, the ability for people to pick who patrols left field is questioned more than people's ability to pick who patrols the White House.
And this year's no different. As of Friday night, Manny Ramirez, the guy who'll be coming off a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy on July 3, ranks as the fourth outfielder in the latest voting totals.
Since the game is July 14, Ramirez would be eligible for the game, yet there is dissention among some in the baseball ranks, including Manny's own manager, Joe Torre, who believe Manny shouldn't participate.
The prevailing logic seems to be that MLB doesn't and shouldn't want a drug policy violator showcased in a game that's suppose to be about the best and purest talent baseball has to offer, emphasizing "purest."
I think there are a number of different angles to this story that would suggest the contrary in terms of what's in MLB's best interest. The All-Star game belongs to the fans. Whether or not this game should be filled with ballplayers who are having great first halves doesn't matter. The reality is that fans put in guys they want to see - and for better or worse, the eccentric Manny fits that description.
Because of the competitive implications, I'm surprised by Torre's reaction. The All-Star game determines home field advantage in the World Series. With Torre's Dodgers leading the NL West and sights on a World Series, it would be to their benefit to have Man-Ram in the All-Star lineup to increase their chances of having game one of the World Series in the City of Angels.
I'm also surprised at the perception that MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig hate the idea of Manny making the team. While he would never admit it, Selig needs Ramirez in the game. Above all else, Selig wants people to watch this game (which is why he introduced the home field advantage rule). Having the controversial, dreadlocked Dodger stepping into the batter's box would certainly inject some life into what's generally regarded as a snoozer.
What do you think? Does Manny deserve to be in the lineup? Should fans still get to vote for All-Stars? Should MLB and Selig want Manny to play?
