I’m really not worried about any of the other three major sports ASG’s as I haven’t watched any of them in years. They are someone else’s problems.

I also recognize some fans love, love, love the ASG and all of the surrounding events. But like much of watching sports, being on-site is far different than watching on television or some other device. For years, the broadcast was divvied up between the major sports networks ESPN, FOX and whomever else.

For what seemed like forever, if you watched the HR Derby on Monday, you had to listen to Chris Berman. It was the longest 6 hours crammed into a 3-hour telecast. If you like the HR Derby, take a break and return when I discuss the guts of the game.

I would eliminate the HR derby and the “faux-celebrity softball game” and mic’ing up any players watching either event. The events drag on and could use pitch clocks.

The most intriguing player in 2023 is Shohei Ohtani and not just because of what he’s accomplishing on the mound and at the plate. He’s set to be a free agent at the end of the season and the bidding should be exciting. Unfortunately for the hometown fans, nobody on the Mariners is playing that well.

Since Shohei is that exciting and integral to the sport’s success, I suggest that the AL put whatever players at the 8 positions on the field, but only have him bat. Treat the AL side of things like a B squad spring training game. Let him bat 9 times with different players serving as designated runners. This solved the derby issue. Currently he leads all of MLB with 30 homers-most of which aren’t cheapies.

Other than the Rangers, Luis Robert Jr and a few Orioles, are there any other AL position players that are that interesting and likely to club a homer (this season)?

I personally think the NL could give Shohei a good game.