A quick MLB All-Star game thought

Seriously should we even care about the MLB All Star game.  Jeter and Rivera don't.  I guess MLB doesn't except for the income it brings in.  Players who don't play due to "exhaustion" should be well... put on the disabled list.  What is the point of fans voting?  Obviously, it doesn't matter cause they can simply say, "thanks but no thanks".

I consider this a problem when players can decide they just don't want to come.  A fine or a loss of paycheck doesn't matter to most of these guys when they have millions upon millions of dollars already in their contract set-up.  When I was a kid, it was a proud moment if you were selected for an all-star game or traveling team.  You felt a sense of pride and accomplishement and usually cost you some expense money from the parents to go and play.  No one declined because they were tired.  If your injured, go on the Disabled List.  If your healthy enough to play after the all-star game, you shouldn't get to, because you failed to show-up to a game you were supposed to be at.  Instead, MLB punishes the fans by adding replacements instead of the original fans votes. 

MLB once was trying to figure out how to get the ratings up at the All Star game.  Well, again, why should fans or people in general care when the players or MLB seem not to.  It's unfortunate to see a National Pastime that once hosted players like Ruth, Mantle, Brock, Banks, and many many others become an after-thought to these players now.  Hey Mr. Jeter, people in the past played in their All-Star game and still won a championship.  To me, your 3000 hits just became a joke in what originally was thought as an outstanding accomplishment.  Don't get me wrong, it is a great feat... but you as a player that is too "tired" is what makes it a joke.  A person that doesn't appreciate the meaning of the All-Star game and acknowledge that the fans voted you in and you fail to show up is a lack of leadership and fan-appreciation on your part.  Your not the greatest Yankee because of 3000 hits, and your not the fan-favorite player, because your lack of showing up. 

Sorry Yankees fans... but its the truth... and I get it.