After reading yet another article defending David Bell’s imminent presence on the American League All-Star squad and, more fundamentally, the fans’ right to make hair-brained choices in determining who should play in the mid-season contest, I’d originally intended to dedicate this space to a rant about the entire All-Star voting process. But after thinking about it a bit, and realizing that such a rant wouldn’t be at all effective or even entertaining, I decided to change course.

So instead of talking about possible solutions to the problem of “fans” choosing someone like Bell to represent the AL team as the best third baseman in the league, I’m going to advocate something radically different and yet elegant in its simplicity: Don’t watch the game.

I’m not being facetious, nor am I suggesting that everyone should follow this course of action. If you don’t have a problem with a .247/.293/.385 starting at the hot corner in an All-Star Game, then ignore my recommendation. The game is, after all, simply an exhibition. Yes, it’s supposed to feature the best players in the big leagues, and it would be nice if it did, but in the end, it’s a game that doesn’t count in the standings or anywhere else that actually matters. If you can accept the All-Star Game at face value and don’t mind the fact that it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of bringing together only the best players, then sit back, relax, and enjoy. I mean, is having David Bell (and I have no problem with him per se — the guy’s just doing his job the best he can; it’s certainly not his fault the fans have voted him into the game) really any worse than forcing every team to have a representative in the game? And even if it is, who cares? The integrity, such as it may be, of Major League Baseball is not at stake here. We’re not talking about reinstating Pete Rose and allowing him into the Hall of Fame (don’t get me started); this is a simple game that counts for nothing.

On the other hand, if you’re like me and want to see only the best players, then maybe the All-Star Game isn’t for you. The game is for the fans, and the fans want Bell to start at third. God bless ‘em. Me, I think I’ll skip the festivities and watch the more interesting Futures Game, which features many of the best prospects in baseball. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get to see the next David Bell…