AT ISSUE
Midsummer Classic needs to make critical adjustments
What: The Bronx Zoo almost became a carnival Tuesday night. The American League and National League couldn’t break up or apart, engaging in a lovelorn 15-inning, nearly five-hour relationship. It was wonderful drama, save for the fact both teams were within one inning of running out of pitchers. Had the game gone into the 17th, which appeared a real possibility, Mets third baseman David Wright and Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew were in line to pitch.
When: This needs to be fixed now. It wouldn’t require a state assembly or a taxpayer-approved referendum or ugly negotiations with the players union.
Renck’s take: There are simple solutions based on arms and schedules. The first is less dramatic. If a pitcher throws on the last day before the all-star break, he’s ineligible for the game. As such, they can call themselves all-stars, travel to the event, get free swag and watch from the bench as they are replaced by pitchers who can go. Just go down the players’ vote list and pick them off from there. But there must be 12 available pitchers. Not 12 pitchers — that’s what led to Phillies closer Brad Lidge getting warm six times Tuesday. Second, move the game to Wednesday and have baseball go completely dark on Thursday. There were only four games this season on Thursday, and besides, according to Team USA Olympic general manager Bob Watson, there’s talk of baseball taking a week off for the all-star break to help get major-leaguers into future Olympics. If the game were scheduled for Wednesday, guys who throw Sunday would be back in play. That would eliminate the indigestion of future All-Star Game pitching coaches. Said Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca, “Once they told us that we had to play the game to a conclusion, it was an uncomfortable feeling. We would have been out of pitching soon.”
THREE UP
1. Mets: Pitcher Mike Pelfrey hasn’t lost since May 26.
2. Red Sox: J.D. Who? Make that J.D. Drew, All-Star Game MVP.
3. Cubs: Lead the National League in on-base percentage and walks.
THREE DOWN
1. Rays: A seven-game skid into the break has some questioning if team is for real.
2. Nationals: The Gnats aren’t bugging anyone; Luis Ayala a huge disappointment.
3. Giants: When pitcher Barry Zito starts, the team is a staggering 5-14.
