Roche: All-Star Game Cash

BOSTON (CBS) - There has been much criticism over the years about the winner of MLB's All-Star game gaining home field advantage for the World Series. I understand the theory that Bud Selig has going here in making the game mean something.

However, I have a different plan of attack: money.

Find a major sponsor(or two or three) and pay one million dollars to every member of the winning team of the Mid-Summer Classic. Simple. Manager, coaches, staff, and players.....a million bucks if you win. And the losing team gets zero. Just expenses paid and lifetime memories of being selected an All-Star.

Read: More From Dan Roche

Now I understand that the purists will argue that one shouldn't have to be paid to play in this game. That it's an honor, etc. And, it is. However, in today's world, money talks and motivates.

Watch how serious these guys would take the game. Watch who would be standing on the top step of the dugout in the 9th inning of a close game. Watch how few "no shows" there would be.

I also feel that this game deserves to be played with passion. It means something. I always point to the plaques at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY where the first line most always reads "Name... 10-time All-Star..." or "12-time All-Star...."

It matters, when it's all is said and done, that these guys were on that level.

So, let's make it count -- on the field and in their wallets. It would be fun.

Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.