All-Star Rule Works!

In 1970, Pete Rose tried to prove the All-Star game means something. In 2007, Jim Leyland proved it, and he didn't have to flatten a catcher (Ray Fosse) in the process.

Did you see Leyland fidget and fuss in the dugout last night? It was great. That's why I like the rule giving World Series home field advantage to the winning league. I am in the minority of baseball fans and media that like the rule. I've liked it from the beginning because, well, it works.

With two-outs, and the American League leading 5-4 in the 9th inning, Leyland faced a dilemma. Under the old rule, he might have been tempted to stay with relief pitcher J.J. Putz-- even after Putz put the game-tying run on base. Why embarrass Putz by making a trip to the mound? Leave him in, Leyland may have thought, and perhaps Putz will get the last out. Either way, it's all forgotten by next week.

But last night, Leyland would have none of it. When push came to shove, and Putz walked the potential game-tying run to first base, Leyland wasted no time. He pulled the plug. He changed pitchers. He had to. A loss might have cost his own team (Detroit) a shot at home field advantage in the World Series. Francisco Rodriguez came on in relief, and after a few agonizing minutes, he preserved an American League win and home field advantage for that league in the Fall Classic.

You can argue whether home field really is an advantage in the World Series (the Tigers had it last year, and lost). And yes, last night's game was watchable even without the rule. But please, don't call it a gimmick. Last night proves it works.

Postscript:

Rose gets bashed for his play on Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game. Some believe the hit shortened Fosse's career. But in reality, he went on to play another nine-years in major league baseball. Fosse never had another all-star season, but he remained a productive player and won two World Series titles.