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Here are 10 questions to ponder as the 79th All-Star game begins tonight:
1. What is the most intriguing story of this All-Star game?
Josh Hamilton is by far the best story. His baseball career was practically dead and buried but now a star is born. He was the first overall pick in 1999, disappearing for parts of three seasons (2004-06) from the game. He was incredible in the home run derby, finishing second overall, and has become a household name in less than two major league seasons.
What is the second most intriguing story of this All-Star game?
The Red Sox-Yankees connection. It will be everywhere. On the bench. On TV. In the stands. A Red Sox manager in the home dugout. This is a great stuff. The recent squabble about whether Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon should close out the game rather than Mariano Rivera was settled — Papelbon flip-flopped and said it should be Rivera — but it was fun while it lasted.
3. What is the best sleeper story of this All-Star game?
If not for Hamilton and the Sox-Yanks connection, it might be this one, Dustin Pedroia vs. Ian Kinsler. The two are the second basemen for the American League. But their story is a great one. Pedroia and Kinsler of the Rangers both played at Arizona State. Kinsler took Pedroia’s shortstop position moving Pedroia to second, and then Pedroia took it back as Kinsler moved to second. In the end, Kinsler transferred to the University of Missouri. You can’t make this stuff up. I’m assuming they don’t like each other.
4. Is homefield advantage a good thing for the winner?
Hell, yes. Homefield advantage in baseball doesn’t touch football or basketball, but it’s nice knowing Game 7 will be a home game if you win the All-Star game. I’m leaning toward the All-Star game result not being associated with the World Series, but as long as it is, the teams should consider it a real game.
5. Would you trade All-Star Kevin Youkilis for Atlanta’s Mark Teixiera?
No. I see why it might be worth discussing. Teixiera entering his prime, at 28, as a power hitter. He has 17 HRs and 69 RBI at the break, which comes to about 32 HRs and 130 RBI. But Youkilis is too valuable and too tough to let slip away. Unless it was for a very good, young pitcher I wouldn’t even think of it. Youk can play in Boston and thrive. That is not as common as you would think. Again, I say no.
6. Would you trade Hanley Ramirez, a future perennial All-Star shortstop, for Josh Beckett again?
Yes, but with reservation. I believe Ramirez has Hall of Fame potential if he can stay on the field for 15 years. With Beckett, I think he’s a winner and a great pitcher, but I’m not sure if he is going to be a longevity guy. That being said, Beckett is a No. 1 starter. They don’t grow on trees. I would make the deal again. But I do like Ramirez a lot.
7. Will Albert Pujols have a big game?
Absolutely. If the NL wins, he will be MVP. He was the only player on the field that could have played in last year’s All-Star game but didn’t. He never forgave Tony LaRussa, his manager, for the slight. He has been sleeping on that one in anger. I believe he treats this like a playoff game and hits at least one home run.
8. Is Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday being showcased tonight?
You bet. The Rockies have decided they can’t afford Holliday and a team like the Red Sox might need that 40-homer bat in the lineup for August and September. A big game for him, with the entire country watching, might have some meaning.
9. Who will be the MVP tonight?
In the NL, it will be Pujols. In the American League it will be, barring a two-homer night from somebody, the best NY Yankee available, possibly Mariano Rivera. The country is treating this like it’s his day after a long career. I agree.
10. Who will win?
The American League. It’s better and they want it more, especially with Terry Francona pulling the strings and expecting to be around in late October to reap the benefits of an All-Star game win.