I’m just a fat dude with no knowledge of anything. For all I know, the Mets already know that they are hosting the 2013 All Star Game as previously rumored. When the Yankees hosted I recall the announcement was made in January the year before, so it’s quite possible that MLB will grant the Mets the game and announce it in January.
After all, Bud Selig has previously said, ”I’d say their chances look pretty good” and the document from yesterday did mention something about All Star tickets. Yet, my brain keeps coming back to this one.
In July 2010 I posted an article where I looked at the possibilities for the ’13 game and I thought the Mets would get the game.
However, things change…
Assuming the AL/NL pattern continues as it has since 2007 (and that may be a stupid assumption)..
Miami. They have never had the game. New stadium. A currently sexy team. South Beach is a fun place to party and you can draw celebrities. Downside? None.
Washington. The Nationals have never had the game, and the ASG hasn’t been in Washington in 40 years. Baltimore hosted in 1993.
Cincinnati. They haven’t held it at this new park of theirs. They haven’t had the game since 1988.
Los Angeles. Anaheim just had the game, but so did New York, so that’s a wash between these two. Might an All Star game be a carrot for new owners? Tell the new guys that if they bail this team out they can have the game….which brings us to…
The Mets. The All Star Game is supposed to be a celebration. What do you suppose the story-line around a Wilpon hosted All Star Game might be? And if the Wilpons (and Katz) can’t hold on, maybe “and you can have the 2015 All Star Game” makes a nice carrot for the new owners. Can Bud afford to give the game to this franchise right now, or does he have to tell his friend that he just can’t right now? Again pure speculation and I may be talking out my cap.
Padres had it in 1992. If you’re going to Southern California, Dodger Stadium seems a better place. Especially while Vin Scully is still active.
If it’s me, and I want my event to be a fun celebration of baseball, not a distraction, I give it to Miami in 2013, an AL city (Minnesota? New park and last game in 1985) in 2014 and the Mets or Dodgers in 2015, and maybe the A’s new park in 2016 (last hosted 1987).
Yes that sucks. However Miami 2013 seems “safe” as opposed to the potential of a financial story with the Mets in 2013 and an imaginary 2015 Traditional Fire Sale story in Miami. Get Miami off the list while the getting is good, no?
Sorry Mets. I hope I’m dead wrong and you guys are just sitting on a mid-January announcement.