Cardinals manager Tony La Russa voiced approval Wednesday over four rules changes to the All-Star Game beginning this year in Anaheim. That comes as no surprise, of course, because he’s one of the people who got them implemented. La Russa is a member of Commissioner Bud Selig’s Special Committee for On-Field Matters that suggested, discussed and had the changes made during a series of meetings this offseason and in spring training. As part of the changes, the designated hitter will now be used by both teams, regardless of whether the All-Star Game is played in an American League or National League stadium. In the past, rules were tailored to the league of the home team. The DH for the NL will now be selected by the NL manager while the DH for the AL will continue to be selected by fan voting. “I think that’s a great idea,” La Russa said. “You go through a lot of needless scorecard work if you’re the manager. I was in San Francisco a couple of years, last year it was here. It’s unnecessary.” An extra position player was added to the roster as well, bringing the total to 34 players per team, 21 position players and 13 pitchers. In hopes of not running out of players, each manager will also have the opportunity to choose one position player who will be eligible to return to the game in the event that the last position player at any position is injured. The most noteworthy rule change affects starting pitchers, who will now be ineligible to participate in the All-Star Game if they start on the Sunday immediately before the All-Star break. In the past, pitchers would take up a roster spot but likely not be able to appear in the game on one day’s rest, leaving managers short-handed. http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/apr/29/cardinals-notebook-la-russa-endorses-all-star-game/
