If Major League Baseball is getting ready to showcase an All Star Game, why aren't the best players on the roster?

Frankly, both teams are loaded with firepower at the plate and superb pitching. But some of the omissions really bother me. It's taken a while for me to gather my thoughts, but there are some omissions that really influence the integrity of an "all star" game. For example:
The San Diego Padres are in first place in the National League West as I write this. They are there because of superb starting pitching and a stellar bullpen. Mat Latos is an all star. Period. Heath Bell is an all star. Luke Gregerson is an all star. I have looked over and over and over at the roster for the National League. I can't find any of those three names.

I do find the name of Omar Infante. I know, I know. Different position. I get it. But it isn't right.

Fausto Carmona? Fausto Carmona mind you! Ty Wigginton? No, I won't go over the numbers here. I'm just saying that something is very wrong with this system. Very wrong. Unless the fans vote him in, Joey Votto will watch the game on television like us. And Kevin Youkilis. And Heath Bell and on and on.

Is there a solution? Yes, several and thank you for asking.

First. The manager should not get to select any players. None. Zero. Not a one. The players should select the alternates with the starters being selected by the fans. Players know who deserves to be on the all star team. How can a manager turn down his own player in favor of another of similar or even greater value? He can't. He won't. I give you...Omar Infante. And I love Charlie.

Yes. Strasburg is an all star if the National League wants to win. I've been all over that and I won't get into it more here. I mention it just so you know I still believe he belongs on the team. I would take the best. The best hitters and the best pitchers. He's among the best. You want home field advantage for the World Series? Take your best players. Win.

Another solution---dump the notion that every team must be represented. Believe me, if a team is that bad and their representative is marginal, the television ratings "bump" from having that team's player on the roster has to be minimal at best. Do you think they'll tune in in Cleveland just to see Fausto Carmona? Maybe. But I doubt it. Ty Wigginton isn't going to tip the rating scales in...Baltimore, right? He is an Oriole, right? People in Atlanta certainly won't put off a trip to the john if they know that Omar Infante is waiting in the on-deck circle. (They're already watching because of Martin Prado.) It's pure folly that every team has to be represented on the all star team. Pick the best players. Pick the all stars.

OK. I feel better. My rant is over. I'll be watching. I'll be rooting for Fausto.

Ok-one more thing. Every year there are people left off the team. I get that. But not players the quality of Joey Votto and Heath Bell and Mat Latos while Ty and Omar are on the roster. And Fausto. I hope it's different next year. But it won't be.

Ok-one more one more thing. The Futures Game is where it's at anyway.

I'm out. Have a great all star break.