When I saw the headline “MLB adopts four recommended rule changes to All-Star game” I had some hope that the league had finally decided to scrap its ridiculous method for selecting home field advantage in the World Series.

But alas, no matter how correct I am, not all of my ideas catch on.

I guess one of the rules the league did change makes some sense. The designated hitter will be used regardless of whether the game is being hosted in an American League or National League city. I like the strategy of National League ball but I am no more likely to tune in to watch the All-Star game because I want to see Roy Halladay or Tim Lincecum hit.

The rest seem like change for change’s sake. Increasing the roster size to 34 from 33 with 21 position players, up from 20? Why?

All-Star teams have rarely completely emptied their benches in recent years anyway, especially since the 2002 debacle in Milwaukee when the game went into extra innings and the managers ran out of pitchers (One of the events that led to the ridiculous home field rule in the first place).

I guess I don’t have any real issue with allowing All-Star managers to designate a position player who can go back in the game in the event of an injury, though with rosters expanding to 21 position players it seems ridiculously unnecessary.

The league also thought it was necessary to ban pitchers who threw the Sunday before the All-Star game from taking the mound during the exhibition game. Perhaps this change will help the National League find enough live arms to actually win a game?

I guess these changes are all fine and good. But I am still dumbfounded that Major League Baseball has failed to realize that handing out home field advantage for the playoffs based on the results of an otherwise meaningless exhibition game where every team must have a player on one of the rosters not only has failed to drive interest but also taints the game.

That a hypothetical 85 win American League team could get four home games against a hypothetical 102 win National League team because a closer from the worst team in baseball who was only on the roster because his team had to be represented couldn’t hold a lead facing the American League’s ninth best outfielder (don’t forget the players who pull out for “injury” reasons) pinch hitting in the ninth inning … it’s unreal.

Baseball is a great game. But this gimmick is one of the worst sports decisions ever and it needs to be rectified.