FanPost

Pros and Cons of Cards at the All Star Game

I was pondering whether or not players like Pujols or Carp or any Cardinals being in the All-Star gave is a good thing. Is he risk of potentially injuring themselves in an essentially meaningless (I know "this time it counts" but still) game really worth it when there seems to be no real benefit to the Cardinals.  Even though I voted for all Cardinals when I filled out my ballot, I think I'd rather see everyone have a nice 3 days of rest.  I think there are both Pros and Cons to having guys at the ASG.  We'll start with the CONS.

As far as I can see the CONS of Cards playing in the All-Star game are the risk of injury, not being as well rested after the break (especially pitchers), and I think most guys have something in their contract that they get a bonus for being in the ASG, so that takes away from money we can spend on deadline acquisitions.

The PROS could potentially be that Cardinals talent is showcased on a national stage and it increases the fan base, maybe when it comes time to sign free agents they are more likely to come to a team that has a history of many players being All-Stars, or maybe for some hitters a 3 day break  isn't good and hitting in the ASG will help them keep their timing.

There are probably more Pros and Cons that I didn't think of so please post them if you think of them.  Also some (or most) of mine might be bogus, so you can rip on them if you want.  I thought this would make a good discussion though.  And maybe next year I'll vote for players other than Cards (as painful as it might be) to keep our guys home and get them rest.  Or I'll punch more ballots than ever to get our guys there.  We'll see.

P.S. I realize each team has to have one rep at the game so not everyone will get rested and it will most likely always be Pujols who is our rep if no one else makes it.  And fan voting really doesn't matter that much toward who goes and who stays.