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Chat Reel: MLB All-Star Game Special
Tom and Ozzie talk about a "starless" All-Star game
Posted: Wednesday July 12, 2000 09:57 AM
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Ozzie Smith thinks Jim Edmonds is one of the keys to St. Louis' success. AP |
Prior to their July 11 broadcast the MLB All-Star Game Special live from Turner Field, Ozzie Smith and Tom Verducci answered some questions from CNNSI.com users in a live chat. The transcript from that chat follows:
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's MLB All-Star Show chat with Tom Verducci and Ozzie Smith. First, we'll be joined by Tom.
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining us.
Tom Verducci: It's good to be here in HOT-lanta
From Lenny: What do you think of tonight's All-Star Game with the lack of so many All-Stars?
Tom Verducci: No question in my mind the glamour has been taken out of this game. We all want to see McGwire, Griffey, Bonds and A-Rod take their swings. But hopefully we will get a surprising hero. But the feeling is very different than last year in Boston.
From silk: What do you think about the new talented young players -- especially Jose Vidro and Vladimir Guerrero?
Tom Verducci: I think Guerrero is a guy you will see in this game year after year. He's along the lines of a Ken Griffey Jr. Vidro has the chance to be that sort of player. He is on that track, but not there yet.
From hitman: Do you think that Frank Thomas would have made the team if the game was being played in an American League city, where the DH would have been used?
Tom Verducci: He would have had a better chance, but if he had been playing first base regularly for the White Sox, he would have been here.
From BlueJ: Hi guys, who do you think will be the MVP for tonight's All-Star Game?
Tom Verducci: Hmmmmm... How about the Big Cat -- Andres Galarraga? That would be a storybook event.
I remember when Sandy Alomar won the MVP in Cleveland in front of his home fans. This would be even bigger because Galarraga has made it back from cancer.
From Dodger: Do you see anyone coming out as a surprise in this year's game?
Tom Verducci: How about Girardi
getting a big hit late in the game? This is a guy who was home barbecuing until the NL was scrambling to catch someone to replace Piazza. Now he is an All-Star. So why not complete the story with a big hit off the bench.
From Scott J. in Levelland, Texas: Will baseball come close to matching the excitement and nostalgia conjured up by the pregame ceremony in last year's All-Star Game?
Tom Verducci: No way! That was a special moment. Then Pedro made the night even more memorable with his five strikeouts. We can't top that show.
From Mark Nixon in New York: I have heard multiple references to interleague play being responsible for what some perceive to be a lessening of interest in the All-Star Game. What do you think?
Tom Verducci: That is part of it. The unique identities of the AL and NL have been watered down -- not just because of interleague play, but because of increased player movement. I think the players put more of premium now on putting on a good show, rather than trying to win it for their league.
CNNSI Host: Thanks Tom, now Ozzie will be taking your questions.
From Lowery: Ozzie, how has the game changed since you played?
Ozzie Smith: Well, we do not have a lot of prototypical shortstops now. There a lot of guys that have been able to blend power and great defense. It has been fun to watch. This is the best corps of shortstops we have seen at one time in the game.
From Yankee: Why are the Cardinals so much better than they were last year? Are there any key reasons to their success?
Ozzie Smith: They improved themselves pitching-wise. They have the best talent in the league, Jim Edmonds has protected Mark McGwire and been great both on offense and defense.
From Lowery: If there are any more injuries, is Ozzie going to suit up?
Ozzie Smith: (laughs) I might be able to play a couple of innings.
From Yankee: Ozzie, would you prefer the Cardinals to keep Busch Stadium or do you like the new idea for a stadium?
Ozzie Smith: My loyalties are with the old stadium. If the Cardinals want a new stadium, it should be privately funded and not put on the people of St. Louis.
From davejustdave: Ozzie, who do you think is the best shortstop playing right now?
Ozzie Smith: (laughs) It is tough to pick one guy. If you were going to start a team and all those guys were available, you couldn't go wrong. They are so close with their talents and abilities.
From Nomo: Do you think Erstad would be so productive if Edmonds would have stayed with the Angels?
Ozzie Smith: It is tough to say. That is what happens when guys get traded. It gives other guys the chance to step up.
From SETHisMYson: Ozzie, what do you expect of J.D. Drew for the next few years?
Ozzie Smith: There are high expectations. They took a chance with him. He seems more relaxed and has his feet planted on the ground. If he continues to do that, we should see a lot of him in the next few years.
CNNSI Host: Thanks Ozzie for joining us. We'll see you again after the show.
Ozzie Smith: Thanks. See you in about an hour. Thanks guys.
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