It's safe to say that baseball season is officially in full swing we can now watch those early afternoon games and see our favorite players produce at the highest level, just about whenever we want (partly because there's nothing else on). But come July, we have something even better to which we can look forward: The Midsummer Classic.
The MLB All-Star Game is basically an exhibition game between players from the National and American Leagues, who are selected by fans, coaches, and managers. Up until 2003, this game was merely a way to put on a show for the fans. But more recently, the league that wins the All-Star Game has been awarded home-field advantage for that season's World Series. Now the game is taken seriously, because it actually means something for the players and managers.
This year, the All-Star Game will be played on July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo., and the players headlining the balloting for the game are sensational. There are, of course, those veterans that simply know not to book a flight during mid-July because they'll be playing in the All-Star Game. Those players are wonderful and all, but they provide little suspense.
The wild cards and surprises are always the best players to track, for two reasons. First, they're underdogs, and everyone loves rooting for them, and second, any of them could be a total one-hit wonder a hiccup in the system and may never be seen at the All-Star Game again. Many players have come and gone after one All-Star Game, but this year, it seems the players racking up votes have what it takes to participate in multiple All-Star Games.
Last year's National League Most Valuable Player, Albert Pujols, leads all players in voting, and with good reason. Pujols is as steady as a flatline, and has led his St. Louis Cardinals to first place in the NL Central. With totals of 14 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .314 batting average, it's easy to see why Pujols is the main event this year.
Over in the American League, the Evil Empire, baseball's biggest conglomerate, the New York Yankees, have the face of their franchise, Derek Jeter, in line to take part in his 10th All-Star Game. Jeter has not been playing up to his normal standard, but his consistency has always landed him in the Summer Classic. Add the fact that much of New York votes for him, and, well, it's obvious why he is so popular.
Evan Longoria, third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays and perhaps my new favorite player, has shredded his opponents and put up eye-popping stats. He is ripping the leather off of the ball, accumulating 11 dingers and 49 RBIs while coolly batting .324. Pitchers are starting to fear the 23-year-old because of his ability to hit for both contact and power. Longoria, who has committed just four errors while playing the "hot corner," looks to become a keystone in future All-Star Games, and is executing his plan rather well. This year will mark his second appearance quite impressive for a second-year player.
Other players from the American League who will look to start in the All-Star Game are Boston's Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay; the Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton; and, last but not least, the Seattle Mariners' prodigal son, Ken Griffey, Jr., who, after playing in the National League for eight years, has returned to the Emerald City to finish his career.
The biggest surprise this year has been Kansas City Royals' pitcher Zach Greinke. He ran right out of the gate at the beginning of the season and now boasts an 8-1 record to go along with a baffling 0.84 ERA, not to mention 81 strikeouts in 75 innings pitched. He has completely wowed the league and will surely make his first All-Star appearance, on his way to perhaps even securing the AL Cy Young Award.
In the National League, players such as Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano have all put up stats that merit an All-Star appearance. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley, who has led his team's pitching staff while keeping his team focused throughout the Manny Ramirez debacle, will look to start for the National League.
In mid-July, all you will really want to do is read your collection of Stephanie Meyer books, but for one night, put those books down and watch baseball played at its highest level in the 80th All-Star Game.
