2015 All Star Break Thread

[WaitTilNextYear]

I read this article about the new format of the HR Derby and I absolutely hate the new format. That motivated me to create this thread. I don't like them timing it (just give fewer outs if you want to make it shorter) and I don't like the convoluted rules about getting extra time if hitting certain HRs far enough...it's way more complicated than it needs to be. Way, way, way too complicated for this event. It's awful.

That said, I do like the idea of going to head-to-head matchups instead of doing an entire round 1 with everyone because more guys will know how many HRs they have to hit to advance.

Aside from thoughts on the Derby, we can use this thread to talk about ASG stuff, snubs, the fact that this game still determines home field in the World Series, the fact that the rosters are too large/too small etc...

[redsox4evur]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

I read this article about the new format of the HR Derby and I absolutely hate the new format. That motivated me to create this thread. I don't like them timing it (just give fewer outs if you want to make it shorter) and I don't like the convoluted rules about getting extra time if hitting certain HRs far enough...it's way more complicated than it needs to be. Way, way, way too complicated for this event. It's awful.

That said, I do like the idea of going to head-to-head matchups instead of doing an entire round 1 with everyone because more guys will know how many HRs they have to hit to advance.

Aside from thoughts on the Derby, we can use this thread to talk about ASG stuff, snubs, the fact that this game still determines home field in the World Series, the fact that the rosters are too large/too small etc...

Snubs Kershaw, Bogaerts, A-Rod.

Also hate Brock Holt not even close to an AS. Like that it determines home field. Makes the game actually matter. Roster size is fine for me. And hate the new derby format as well.

[Master Live 013]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

• Rosters should be shorter.
• Game shouldn't determine home field.
• It shouldn't be a requirement that every team be represented.
• Don't care for the Home Run derby and I'm just glad that no Yankee is participating (not that any single one of them is particularly suited for the event.)
• Commissioner should walk in during introductions and announce that Pete Rose is banned from baseball (hence ineligible for the HOF) 'till the Universe succumbs upon itself and drop the mic.

[Jr.]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

My big concern about the HR Derby being timed is you're changing the way guys hit. In a game, and really any time a player swings, they're on their own schedule. They don't go in and take swing after swing repeatedly for any length of time.

I fear that introducing a time limit and having guys swing hard with less time between swings could cause injury due to fatigue and breakdown of the swing mechanics.

I originally liked the idea, but now I'm not so sure.

[HozAndMoose]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

Its better than the thing taking 3-4 hours. Boring to sit and watch someone take 5 balls, swing, then take 5 more.

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

Its better than the thing taking 3-4 hours. Boring to sit and watch someone take 5 balls, swing, then take 5 more.

I get that it being too long is an issue for some people, but there are better solutions than a shot clock. Fewer outs, a limit on how many pitches can be taken...call each take a strike...3 strikes you're out. Puts the onus on the BP pitcher to do it right.

Timing it not only makes risk of injuries go up, but I'd imagine the new format will throw more swings out of whack than it already does. It'll also fatigue the hitter and probably make the last 2-3 minutes boring anyway with the batter huffing and puffing whereas in an untimed version the hitter can go at a more sustainable pace.

Here's another solution...have the most interesting players participate and make it worth their while to do so. Who wanted Stanton to stop hitting last year?

There are a lot of things they can do to spice up the Derby, but a timer is awful. Is a tri-color moneyball next? Is Mike Trout gonna try to hit a homer over Dwight Howard or try to balance a cupcake on the bat throughout the swing? Don't answer that...

[kehlis]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

Yea this new timed format is going to suck. I won't even watch.

Love the new bracket but that's it. I don't think this will last longer than a year.

[redsox4evur]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

What is your top ASG moment of all time?

Mine has to be Pedro in '99. He struck out 5 of the 6 batters he faced. The guys he faced were Larkin, Walker, Sosa, McGwire, Williams and Bagwell. The only guy surprisingly not to K was Matt Williams.

[Master Live 013]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

Torii Hunter robbing Bonds of a homer and then Bonds picking him up. (Out of those which I remember watching).

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

What is your top ASG moment of all time?

Mine has to be Pedro in '99. He struck out 5 of the 6 batters he faced. The guys he faced were Larkin, Walker, Sosa, McGwire, Williams and Bagwell. The only guy surprisingly not to K was Matt Williams.

This is probably mine, too. Pedro at the height of his powers was unreal. He was basically a glitch in the game. I am convinced that we saw the highest peak of the best pitcher ever in our lifetimes...that being near-Y2K Pedro.

The time Larry Walker went up against the Unit with his batting helmet on backward and mailed it in was also funny.

[Jr.]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

That '99 All-Star Break was incredible all around. McGwire's show in the HR Derby. Ted Williams on the mound pre-game, then Pedro's performance.

The most memorable break and game for me as well.

[Chip Douglass]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

1999 Pedro was so ridiculously awesome that I actually look at his FanGraphs page every once in a while just to gawk in amazement.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

That Torii-Bonds thing was my favorite moment as well.

However, that is also the last ASG I actually watched through the entire game. That was the one where they decided it would be a tie. I just laughed and said "never again".

[Chip Douglass]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

I still think it's hilarious that the '02 All Star Game ended in a tie.

That would probably be my favorite ASG moment, since I was generally against everything Bug Selig did/represented in the commissioner's office and enjoyed watching him declare a tie game in his home city.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: 2015 All Star Break Thread

I still think it's hilarious that the '02 All Star Game ended in a tie.

That would probably be my favorite ASG moment, since I was generally against everything Bug Selig did/represented in the commissioner's office and enjoyed watching him declare a tie game in his home city.

And then Wisconsin didn't disappoint by showering the field with beer bottles.