By Mike Rifkin
Next Tuesday is the MLB All-Star Game in Colorado. A game we didn’t have last year because of the pandemic and a game we may not get next year depending on MLB’S CBA set to expire after this season. They bill the game as a game for the fans to see the players you normally don’t normally watch. If this is a game for the fans I have one request.
For the first time in history a player was selected to the game as a player and a pitcher, his name is Shohei Ohtani of the Angels who leads baseball with 31 home runs and has been the Angels best starting pitcher with a record of 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 60 innings pitched. Joe Maddon the manager of the Angels said on Monday prior to his team’s game that he has spoken with Rays manager Kevin Cash who will manage the All Star Game by virtue of the Rays going to the World Series last season said they plan on having Ohtani pitch and serve as the Designated Hitter to start based on fan voting.
Ohtani should be the starting pitcher and DH if the game is for the fans and has no meaning other than an exhibition. There is not a pitcher dominating the American League like Jacob DeGrom of the Mets is doing in the National League. In the bottom of the first inning we can witness something special in matchups featuring Ohtani vs Fernando Tatis Jr, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Freddie Freeman that would be special and an All Star memory for sure.
Starting Ohtani is not just special for the fans but it would be great for the game of baseball. Let the fans witness something that has never happened in the history of baseball. By showcasing his unique skill set Ohtani can breathe some new life into the game and get people to watch the game. Ohtani also will hit in Monday’s Home Run Derby so imagine if he won the Derby and the next day was the starting pitcher for the American League in the All Star Game. So hopefully next week everybody can enjoy the Sho baseball puts on.
The Sports Insanity Network 