While the All-Star game “counts” now, many players will not be participating in the 2011 edition of the event. A record 84 All-Stars were named this year and since players who are at the game and not playing are still announced, introductions may feel like the length of the Home Run Derby.

Several pitchers are unavailable for the game because they took the mound over the weekend while another group of players are on the Disabled List or simply opting not to play.

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who recently recorded his 3,000th hit, is taking some criticism for bowing out of the line-up despite being healthy and playing for his team in the days leading up to the All-Star break.  Jeter did recently come off the DL but after going 5-for-5 in a career day on Saturday, seems healthy enough to play in the game.

With all the players (equivalent to half of one teams roster) missing the game, it’s starting to feel less like anything that matters and more like the NFL Pro Bowl.

With the NFL game now before the Super Bowl, the best players are often unable to play. Even players not in the Super Bowl typically opt out due to small injuries.

While being named to the All-Star game is undoubtedly an honor, the game itself seems to be becoming less important with each passing year. With players switching leagues all the time, there is hardly a connection between many players and the league they suit up for.

While losing Jeter costs the game star power, losing the group of talented pitchers (including Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander, Cole Hamels and Matt Cain) who pitched over the weekend hurts the game itself.

Besides Jeter, a few other game staples including Chipper Jones and Jose Reyes are not expected to play while they recover from injuries.

Without the best players playing, the ASG is beginning to feel like a gimmicky exhibition much like the NFL Pro Bowl than something that decides home field advantage for the World Series.

Used with permission of the author.

Along with contributing to Sports Climax, Brett Kettyle is the Atlanta Braves Community Leader on Bleacher Report and maintains a Braves column for MTR Media. Follow Brett on Twitter.

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