PREVENTING ALL STAR GAME DISASTERS.

PREVENTING ALL STAR GAME DISASTERS. In 2002, the All Star game had to be declared a tie after 15 innings when the teams ran out of pitchers. There was much criticism of the tie, and major league baseball responded by declaring that henceforth the All Star game would never end in a tie. However, baseball did nothing to prevent the same situation developing again. And so it did. The 2008 All Star game went to 15 innings and both teams ran out of pitchers. David Wright, the Met third baseman, and J.D. Drew, the Red Sox outfielder, were preparing to pitch if the game continued long enough. In the meantime, Scott Kazmir was going to be asked to pitch additional innings on inadequate rest. There is a solution. Reserves should be added, with the understanding that, as in any area of endeavor, if reserves are used, they cease to be reserves. Each team should add one or two pitchers who will not be used—unless there is an emergency. They should be designated as such. There should also be a utility player to be used only in case of injury. I am sure that players will be happy to be named as All Stars even if not used. Examples: Tim Wakefield, the distinguished knuckleballer, who can pitch long innings if needed, and Brandon Inge, who can play any position superbly.