All Star rankings

Yes, it's a rant, and it will probably ramble a bit as well, but this is a sports blog where I can give my opinions.
Today, there are two all star games, one in the NHL, the other being in the NFL. Plus, there are other All Star formats in other sports, with the NBA going Eastern Conference versus Western Conference, MLB going American League versus National, MLS features something rather unique in taking their own all stars forming together a team, and playing an exhibition versus a team from the English Premier League. Then, NASCAR just features another race, but not for points. I'm going to rank all the All-Star Games in order of where I think they rank as a whole. Some factors include competitiveness, the skills competition or exhibition prior to the game itself, and how unique it is.

#1: NHL

The reason why I think this game is the best is because the players know it's an exhibition, and seem to have the most fun in the game itself. The game may not have defense, but, most people who aren't true hockey fans would rather see more goals rather than less. Another thing which the NHL has going for it is the pick 'em street style picking of teams, which was introduced last year. It brings out something incredibly unique in not knowing who you're going to play against, plus, there is a chance you can play against your teammates, which I'm sure is probably fun for the players. Take as an example this year's game, in which Marian Gaborik of the Rangers scored against his Rangers teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Finally, the skills competition here cannot be beaten. As the two teams compete against one another in the NHL's version of the slam dunk competition where players who aren't really known for heir flair and showmanship get to break out of their shells a little bit. Plus, there is the hardest shot, where Zdeno Chara blasted a shot up to 108.8 MPH, which is ridiculously fast. Some of the best stuff, so hence why I rank it up there as number one.

#2 NBA

Although this is personally, one of my least favorite sports, it's fun to watch, with all of the alley oops and running up and down the court with such ease. Plus, scores are regularly over a combined 300 points, which gives you the feeling of being on the edge of your seat wondering who will score last and who will win. All-Star Saturday night with the NBA, with the shooting stars competition, which has a "legend" from each team, a player from their WNBA team as well as a current player taking part in seeing which city can knock down the designated shots on the floor. Plus, the skills challenge, which isn't as spectacular as the NHL's version, but still pretty cool to see what the players do. Then, there is the two premier events of the night: the three point shootout, and slam dunk competition, which continuously amazes.

#3 MLS

Yes, this is number three, solely based on the fact that the best players in the MLS get to play a team from the English Premier League, the best soccer league around. The past two years has featured Manchester United, perhaps the best and most well known team in the EPL. The one thing the MLS does not have, that I think would improve their product would be to get a skills competition.

#4 MLB

Baseball has a fantastic position within the calendar year for its All-Star Game, in the middle of July, when NFL training camps have yet to start, and nothing else is happening. Everything involving the entire time is fantastic. First, minor league players get to show their skills in the futures game which has the USA versus the World format, where players who were born here play against players who were born outside of the USA, and it's a good chance to see how these players perform against their peers and get a glimpse of what the player may look like in the Majors. The day before the All-Star Game, is the Home Run Derby, which to me, has gotten a little bit stale, as there is only so many times you can see players jack a home run. While exciting, it's not quite up to the standards of the NHL or NBA. I'd like to see some kind of skills competition. Or, to see who can throw the fastest. Something along those lines. Then, the All-Star Game itself is normally pretty neat to see players you don't normally see. Plus, these players actually play defense and will try and make plays, which is neat.

#5 NASCAR

Only reason why NASCAR ranks 5th instead of last is because the winner of this race receives a million bucks. Then, it's also nice to have the pit crews in a competition. I'd like to see the all-star race rotate to different racetracks though, then a racetrack can have three races a year, or maybe even take this race to exclusive Nationwide series tracks, then those places can see other racers that they may not normally see.

#6 NFL

These players don't even try. The rules are very much relaxed, and I'd rather see a skills competition rather than what these players are trying to play. These players are in Hawaii for a vacation, and while these players are very glad to be there, cause well, it's Hawaii, they don't try. This game is a violent game, and the pro bowl game is just an awful exhibition.

Friday night at the latest, please expect a comprehensive Super Bowl preview, and a pick!