I was listening to an interesting argument on ESPN radio the other day about the All-Star game. An interesting angle on the pitching assignment was to have Mo start the game, and I have to say I was both intrigued by the idea and in agreement with the reasoning.
1) The guy has been perennially world class and deserves a spotlight role in the game.
2) It's only one game and there's no guarantee that a closer will be needed.
3) It's a grand finale of sorts for Yankee Stadium, at least one Yankee should be allowed to play a prominent role.
With WS home field advantage riding on the game, I'd like to see the AL jump out to an early lead. One way to do that is score runs, the other is to prevent them. Chances are very good he will pitch a scoreless inning, so why not let him start, recognize the Yankee history with the stadium, and give the AL it's best chance to get ahead early in the game?