Is there any downside to having time off at the All-Star break? Nope.
What could be the downside to getting time off? It isn't long enough to get out of shape, you don't miss your teammates and you absolutely don't miss your coaches.
Don't misunderstand me -- it isn't as if players can't stand each other. You spend tons of time together, and you love these guys like they're your brothers. But you're with them every day, on road trips, in team meetings and at practices. So after four months, you're ready for a break.
But when you get back, you're glad to see each other. You talk about what you did during the All-Star break. It's almost like returning from Christmas vacation when you're in college. After some time away, you're ready to go back and see your friends.
So there's a new energy after the All-Star break -- especially if you head into the break on a winning streak. If you're winning, you still want the time off, but you're probably thinking, "Just let us keep rolling till we lose one, and then we'll take the break."