Photo: kansascity.royals.mlb.com
- Adam ParkerIt's almost that time of year again, folks.
The 2012 MLB All-Star Game is right around the corner.
The stars of Major League Baseball are ready to head to Kauffman Stadium -- home of the Kansas City Royals -- to strut their stuff in front of the fans and battle for bragging rights. Oh, and it's also worth noting that whichever league wins the All-Star game will earn its representative home-field advantage in the World Series.
The National League brought it home last year, which ultimately led to the St. Louis Cardinals playing in front of their home crowd during Game Seven of the World Series against the Texas Rangers. Needless to say, the Cardinals were victorious.
The MLB All-Star Game is probably the most important of the "Big Three" North American sports. While the NBA All-Star Game is very entertaining, it doesn't have any effect on the season and the NFL's Pro Bowl...well, it's become a joke, and that's putting it mildly.
Winning the MLB All-Star Game, pays great dividends, however. Last year marked the ninth straight time that the home team won Game Seven in the Series.
If teams like the Yankees or Rangers expect to win the World Series this year, it's probably best if they first work together to win the All-Star Game.
Let's take a look both lineups, starting with the American League, managed by Texas Rangers' skipper Ron Washington.
American League Starters:
Catcher - Mike Napoli, Rangers - 1st All-Star Selection
First Baseman - Prince Fielder, Tigers - 4th All-Star Selection (1st in AL)
Second Baseman - Robinson Cano, Yankees - 3rd All-Star Selection
Third Baseman - Adrian Beltre, Rangers - 3rd All-Star Selection
Shortstop - Derek Jeter, Yankees - 13th All-Star Selection
Outfield - Josh Hamilton, Rangers - 5th All-Star Selection
Outfield - Curtis Granderson, Yankees - 3rd All-Star Selection
Outfield - Jose Bautista, Blue Jays - 3rd All-Star Selection
Designated Hitter - David Ortiz, Red Sox - 8th All-Star Selection
Pitchers:
Ryan Cook, Athletics - 1st All-Star Selection
Matt Harrison, Rangers - 1st All-Star Selection
Felix Hernandez, Mariners - 3rd All-Star Selection
Jim Johnson, Orioles - 1st All-Star Selection
Joe Nathan, Rangers - 5th All-Star Selection
Chris Perez, Indians - 2nd All-Star Selection
David Price, Rays - 3rd All-Star Selection
Fernando Rodney, Rays - 1st All-Star Selection
CC Sabathia, Yankees - 6th All-Star Selection (Injured, will not play)
Chris Sale, White Sox - 1st All-Star Selection
Jered Weaver, Angels - 3rd All-Star Selection
C.J. Wilson, Angels - 2nd All-Star Selection
Justin Verlander, Tigers - 2nd All-Star Selection
National League Starters:
Catcher - Buster Posey, Giants - 1st All-Star Selection
First Baseman - Joey Votto, Reds - 3rd All-Star Selection
Second Baseman - Dan Uggla, Braves - 3rd All-Star Selection
Third Baseman - Pablo Sandoval, Giants - 3rd All-Star Selection
Shortstop - Rafael Furcal, Cardinals - 3rd All-Star Selection
Outfield - Matt Kemp, Dodgers - 2nd All-Star Selection (Injured, will not play)
Outfield - Carlos Beltran, Cardinals - 7th All-Star Selection
Outfield - Melky Cabrera, Giants - 1st All-Star Selection
Pitchers:
Matt Cain, Giants - 3rd All-Star Selection
Aroldis Chapman, Reds - 1st All-Star Selection
R.A. Dickey, Mets - 1st All-Star Selection
Gio Gonzalez, Nationals - 2nd All-Star Selection
Cole Hamels, Phillies - 2nd All-Star Selection
Joel Hanrahan, Pirates - 2nd All-Star Selection
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers - 2nd All-Star Selection
Craig Kimbrel, Braves - 2nd All-Star Selection
Lance Lynn, Cardinals - 1st All-Star Selection
Wade Miley, Diamondbacks - 1st All-Star Selection
Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies - 3rd All-Star Selection (First in NL)
Stephen Strasburg, Nationals - 1st All-Star Selection
Huston Street, Padres - 1st All-Star Selection
Okay, that's a lot of names. Most of them worthy, some not. However, all 30 teams must be represented, which I imagine is why teams like Padres or Royals (DH Billy Butler made it as a reserve for the AL) even have a player in this year's game.
Two glaring snuffs I don't see on the American League list (full list with reserves included can be found here) -- White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy and catcher A.J. Pierzynski. What a load of crap. We won't be among them, but don't be surprised if the conspiracy theorists are knocking down Ron Washington's door before it's all said and done with all of 'his players' that made it onto the roster.
I mean, the Rangers are good, but do they really warrant that much representation? I remember all the flack I used to take for being a Yankees fan and watching so many of our players take up spots in previous years' games. Now I know why the people nagging me felt that way.
Regardless, it's a very strong team, and should give the National League (full roster including reserves can be found here) -- led by now retired manager of the reigning World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa -- plenty of trouble. Speaking of the National League roster, is there any way we can show some dignity and get Braves' icon Chipper Jones to the game? The 2012 season is the guy's swan song, so it only makes sense (at least in my mind) to send him out right. Time to blow up Twitter, everyone. #VoteChipper
As for a winner, I'll take the American League to win this year, especially with Dodgers star Kemp not able to go for the NL.
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