Madden Monday: Pirates’ Paul Skenes starting would give All-Star Game ‘a little more meaning this year’

The Major League Baseball All-Star selection process has been successful, with Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes named to the National League team.

Now National League manager Torey Lovullo must also do the right thing and name Skenes as the starter.

That’s just my opinion, but the numbers back it up, too. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick may not have spent the entire season in the major leagues. Since his debut on May 11, Skenes ranks third in the MLB in earned run average (2.12) and strikeouts (78). Additionally, he’s fifth in strikeouts per 9.0 innings (11.83) and is 5-0 in his first 10 starts.

Not to mention he has never left a game with his team late this season.

On this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLIVE didn’t necessarily make the case for Skenes to be a starter based on his merits. But he did say the entertainment factor is what matters.

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“The All-Star Game is not about the best of the best anymore. It hasn’t been around for a long time, but it’s about entertainment. It’s about big names. (Skenes) is also part of the ‘best against the best’ club, if you want to go old school,” Madden said. “He should be in the All-Star Game. If he started, that would be awesome.”

And when it comes to “best versus best,” wouldn’t it be great to see Skenes go up against Aaron Judge? The New York Yankees slugger was voted into the American League starting lineup. The outfielder leads the American League in home runs (32) and RBIs (83) and is fourth in batting average (.308).

Just look at all the attention MLB got from Skenes’ fight against NL All-Star Shohei Ohtani when the Los Angeles Dodgers came to town earlier this season.

Paul Skenes ???? Shohei Ohtani: The Best Thing @notthefakeSVP seen today ⚾ pic.twitter.com/nourTWpJmL

— Sports Center (@Sports Center) June 6, 2024

A matchup between Skenes and Judge on the national stage at the MLB All-Star Game would be even more significant.

“Of all the potential matchups you could see in this game, Skenes versus Judge would be number one,” Madden said.

In theory, Skenes doesn’t need to start making that happen. Lovullo could wait until the AL has completed the lineup once before bringing Skenes out of the bullpen.

But why not start him? He’s the next big thing in baseball. And, as Madden pointed out, if Skenes starts in order to draw attention to the game, it would be a return to the way the All-Star Game used to operate instead of relying on oversized rosters to ensure everyone gets in the game.

“I miss the days when starters would go at least three innings, often more, and the starting pitcher would go three innings,” Madden added. “It’s all part of the process of devaluing something and trying to give it meaning at the same time. Starting Skenes would give it a little more meaning this year.”

In the podcast, Madden and I also talk about Bryan Reynolds going to the All-Star Game, Mitch Keller’s absence, and the Pirates’ inconsistent play this weekend against the Mets. We then look at some of the Penguins’ offseason moves and discuss the Steelers’ quarterback situation.