Cubs Clinch Home Field To World Series

After a 5-1 hang-over win against the Cards yesterday using the bench players, the Cubs go to New York and beat up on the Mets 9-5. This win puts them at the 95-60 mark but more importantly accomplishes step two of the five steps for the 2008 season I outlined the other day; winning home field advantage to the World Series.

I would love there to be another step in this season's goals but, in 2003, commissioner Bud Selig in all his infinite wisdom decided that the winner of the All Star game should determine home field advantage in the World Series.

I understand that Selig was trying to create a carrot by which the players could be motivated to win a game that had become a pageant of sorts. Once upon a time this carrot wasn't need since each league had its' own President and a form of separation was there to create bragging rights. But to take something as important as home field advantage in the World Series and use it as the motivating factor in a game that is nothing more than an exhibition circus could be the dumbest rule since the D.H.

Let's take this year for the example; you have a player from the Marlins, Dan Uggla commit a record breaking three errors in the All Star game, and although he did not directly cost the game my point can still be made. What if a player from a team that is not in the playoffs (the Fish are 2 games away from being eliminated) directly cost a league the game and consequently home field advantage? Considering the fact that 58% of the teams with home field advantage have won the World Series, it doesn't seem right.

In fact, let's remove this ridiculous rule and review the situation brewing in the MLB this year. The Angles are 96-59, The Cubs are 95-60. Without this All Star rule these teams along with Tampa Bay at 93-62 would be playing for something very important; home field advantage in the World Series. As it is the Cubs have clinched everything they can in their league and their destiny, if they get to the World Series, has been determined by a cast of others.

I don't know Bud, if you ask me, let the All Star game be the talent showcase, home run hitting contest, pop and circumstance, exhibition game that it is and let the players and the teams that have a stake in the World Series determine their own fate.

Oh...that's right, nobody asked me.