The All*Star Game; My Point of View

Wow! I'm not a huge fan of the whole long played out pregame ceremonies, but this one was well worth it. Forty-nine living legends being announced along with the starting line up of the 2008 All Star Game. Whoever had that idea to pull that off, give him a raise. However, the people of New York showed their sincere hatred for Boston by booing each time a Red Sock (we didn't see any Red Sox HOF being named however, weird?) was named, and it got a little annoying. Not as annoying as Kosuke Fukudome being named the starting center fielder, but what do you expect out of a big market of World Series classes wannabes. Goosebumps to the very end with all the Hall of Famers though. AND You know it's a big deal when George Steinbrenner is wheeled out to the mound sobbing with tears as he delivered the first pitch. It almost made you want to shed a tear, then came Sheryl Crow. Ugh, and you sucked your tear back into your eyeball. Was Ronan Tynan on the DL or something? As I write this, I'm hoping he's around the 7th inning to sing something more "him", if you get my drift. Anyways, I could easily write a blog about the entire pregame ceremony aand go on and on. But, who didn't think in the back of their head as they announced Bill Mazeroski; "1960, heh heh, got ya!"

Now, on the note of the starting pitchers, I feel both Francona and Clint Hurdle, both made solid choices in Cliff Lee and Ben Sheets. All of us Bucco fans know exactly what Sheets is capable of, and it's scary.

1st inning - Cliff Lee, is also scary as he strikes out two of the national league MVP candidates (Utley & Hanley Ramirez). Also, I realized that Lance Berkman and Tony Stewart must be twins, there's got to be scientific proof, there has to. The bottom half of the inning saw Ben Sheet's work his hard throwing magic while Chase Utley needs to critique his infield work, as he took a bouncer off the face. Derek Jeter got aboard and stole second as wasted vote getter Geovany Soto about threw the ball into center field and about 90 years to late. Hand it to Derek Jeter, he's a class act and deserves nothing but the best. Plus, the dude dated Mariah Carey at one point, that's enough to get you into the HOF alone. I think A-Rod's trying to pick up on that theme, although Madonna is both 60 years old and not exactly a hot theme anymore. Get out of the 80's Alex, Papa ain't preaching anymore.

2nd inning- Larry "Chipper" Jones knocks one into center for the NL's first hit of the night. Did someone remind him that the ASG doesn't count towards your batting average on the season? I'm sure he'll find out eventually. As soon as he can get that enormous wad of Skoal wintergreen unloaded from his mandible. Cliff Lee, wouldn't flinch over that as he would take his 2 inning's of All Star start to the bank. 3 K's and only 1 hit, pretty solid, especially when he had to face the Major Leagues top 3 hitter's in the game thus far (Jones, Pujols, and Berkman).

Nate McClouth Update - Man, that black and gold looks good on the bench, but it would look better in the field. Especially better than that guy from Japan or Taiwan or whever that Cub wiener is from.

Ben Sheets show's everyone in the 50 states why we are in fear of this guy as Manny Ramierez breaks his knee's trying to make contact with a curveball. He would walk Milton Bradley, the player, not the board game, right after Ramirez. Then Geovany Soto, still doesn't know how to throw down to second as Bradley takes 2nd and Matt Holiday almost had to make a play in right field on Soto's throw. Ben Sheets obviously got mad at Soto for being voted his starting catcher and throws his best 96 mph fast ball at him in disgust. Oh, and Kevin Youklis tried to catch up with it while he was up there, no cigar. Another walk to Joe Mauer (who suprisingly is a lifetime .315 hitter) and a flyout to center field by Dustin Pedroia would end Ben Sheets' stint, 2 innings, 3 K's and a good amount of walks.

3rd inning - Notice we're at the bottom of the line up for the NL and the FOX crew welcomes Yogi Berra to the booth to distract us from watching the two Chicago butt brothers at the plate. Fox Sports, thinks it would be cool to show Fukudome's name in Japanese, it's not cool at all. Then, we all witness over rated ability as he knocks the crap out of it....a dribbler to the first baseman. Geovany Soto, knew he wasn't welcomed and swung at the first pitch to end his first unwelcomed moment at the plate.

4th inning - We saw Roy Halladay come in and start off all business and a shot off the wall allowed Ichiro to show was he's an 8 time All Star as he threw out Pujols. Albert isn't exactly a jack rabbit, but it was still and impressive throw and a comparrison to Roberto Clemente by Joe Bucks color man (I chose to with hold his name for his safety) makes everyone in Pittsburgh want to puke. However, in the bottom half, the NL got to see a real Chicago Cub pitch. Carlos Zambrano made everyone scratch their heads and every other player smile when he threw a 45 mph breaking ball over Manny Ramierz's head. Also to getting top votes for nose bleed of the week - Hanley Ramirez, E6. Jack Flash could of thrown Milton Bradley out off his knees, but Bradley would soon be done like dinner. Picked off from 1st by Zambrano a pitch later, and Soto praised his 16 gods and children for not having to throw down to 2nd again and embarrass himself.

5th inning - This game is moving really, REALLY, fast. Note: Ervin Santana has a killer barbwire tattoo up his forearm. Does that coincide with Major League Baseball's rules? A 98 mph fast ball, it must help. Physics isn't on Barbwire's side though, as Matt Holiday smokes one to right field to give the NL their first lead of the night and score the first run of the game. Uh oh, Fukudome is getting one to many at bats. Pitch by pitch anaylis for Fukudome - Pitch one: 98 mph, fan on it. Pitch 2: Keep staring at a 98 mph strike. Pitches 3 & 4: Balls. Pitch 5: Pull the cord, sit down , strike 3. Uh oh, Geovany Soto's turn. 3 pitches = strike out. Pathetic for a guy who was voted the starting catcher, have fun in the 9 hole buddy, I hope you're done for the night. The bottom half of the inning comes Dan Harren and his totally illegal pitching set up. In a nut shell, this is Dan Harren's pitching analysis: Lift leg, and pause for about 4 seconds, then delivery. AKA - illegal. Good thing he doesn't do that from the stretch or else grandma's in their 90's would be stealing off of him. But, there's good news, Russel Martin is placed behind the plate and in a throw down to second to get Ian Kinsler, Martin at least gives Chase Utley a chance to make a play. No cigar. Apparently the NL starting pitchers aren't focused on the runners.

Nostradamus Prediction - 10:08 PM. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Derek Jeter is going to come up big for the AL.

Nate McClouth Update (10:10 PM) - There is absolutely no crotch room for that guy on the bench, there's barely enough room for his hair.

Nostradamus Prediction Outcome - 10:11 PM. I wasn't even close to being right.

The end of the 5th comes to an end and the NL has walked about 13 guys already and have allowed 12 stolen bases. Where's the rain? Let's call this a game and end the NL's ASG drought.

6th inning - Jason Varitek is subed in as the AL catcher. I wonder if him and A-Rod sit next to each other in the dugout? Meanwhile, the AL calls on Justin Duchscherer and he doesn't look so hot. The NL adds on another run after 2 hits and a sac fly by Tony Stewarts twin brother (Berkman).

Nate McClouth Update (10:15 PM) - A solid high five to Hanley Ramirez makes Mighty Mouse McClouth look like a stud, and the slicked back blonde hair is bomb. Another hit to Pujols would make it 3 in a row, but thats where it ends. Duchscherer get's out of the inning and only the one run is the damage to show. 2-0 National League.

Nate McClouth Update (10:27 PM) - The new center fielder for the National League and he gets to make a play on Josh Hamilton's single up the middle.

Dan Harren's illegal poise comes back for a second inning and gives up a hit, followed by Josh Hamilton stealing 2nd. Russel Martin throws it 260feet in center where McClouth makes a dynomite drop in to cover Martin's butt. After Harren struck out Sizemore, McClouth takes care of busniess on a can of corn hit by Milton Bradley. Again, the Texas Ranger, not the board game company.

7th inning - Joe Nathan's body and ridiculous ERA is subbed in as the new pitcher for the AL. Not to mention his disgusting curveball that made Ryan Braun fall to his knees. Fox decides to cut it to the dugout and interview Matt Holiday before never mentioning Nate McClouth's name. Instead we're to worried about Johnathan Papelbon warming up and everything else not pertaining to actual play on the field. Thanks Joe Buck. McClouth, though, does get a nice dugout shot of the back of his jersey after flying out to center in his first All Star Game at bat.

7th inning Stretch - Josh Groban sings God Bless America. Fox hates Ronan Tynan, jerks! Nice Chuck Taylors', Josh. You look like you just came off the set of Queer Eye. For my pleasure, if you don't know who Ronan Tyan is, please click here. I'm doing you a favor.

In the bottom half of the inning, Justin Morneau hits a single, until Corey Hart falls over his shoe laces. Good thing McClouth is there to cover his butt and hauls the ball back into 2nd before it gets worse. A ground out to short advances Morneau and Edison Volquez has to make up for Corey Hart's mistake. However, it wouldn't matter. JD Drew would Fed Ex his first All Star at bat to the right field bleachers. Note: Every player in the game from the NL Central (besides McClouth and Pujols), looks like garbage. I'm not putting McClouth in that category because unlike Soto and Fukedome, he got his pitch out of the infield at least.

8th inning - New pitcher, Johnathan Papelbon and the Yankee fans boo to their hearts content as he gives up a hit. The Yankee fans are showing about as much class as a group of Hell's Angel's in your local bar. Then, as they chant "overrated", he strikes out Dan Uggla. Silence. The NL, was obviously taking notes from the AL and send Tejada after he got on base. Then, after Rays catcher Navarro throws the ball to center field, Tejada takes 3rd with one out. Adrian Gonzalez gets himself the go ahead RBI on a sac fly to bring in Miguel.

Nate McClouth Update (11:04 PM) - Clint Hurdle has no more outfield reserves, so it looks like McClouth is finishing this game off.

Paplebon strikes out David Wright to end the inning and the Yankee fans let him hear it. For what? It wasn't his fault, you think Mariano Rivera would of ran into center field after Navarro threw that ball and gotten Miguel Tejada out himself? As John Stossel once said, "give me a break." Brian Wilson comes in to relieve for the NL, with a league leading 25 saves. Yet, has a 4.38 ERA. Scratching your head yet? Whatever. He gets an out on a fly ball to center and Joe Buck has to peer at his roster sheet to see what non Yankee or Red Sock is in center field. Note: It's Nate McClouth. AKA, stud. Wilson, continues to work the count full on Carlos Guillen and is throwing as hard as he possibly can. Topping out at 98 mph a few times. Wilson would get to face two batters and strike out Guillen, until bringing on Billy Wagner. Apparently, Clint Hurdle thinks Wilson wasn't throwing hard enough.

Billy Wagner's pitching breakdown in a nut shell: throw as hard as you effing can.

Wager gives up a hit to Grady Sizemore and then lets him walk to second on a steal. Then comes the emotional breakdown. Wagner gives up a double to Evan Longoria (no relation to Eva), Sizemore scores and it's a tie ball game. Looks like McClouth is going have to stay in for Clint Hurdle.

Nate McClouth Update (11:21 PM) - He's due up 4th in the top of the 9th. I smell heroics. 9th inning - A lead off walk by Aramis Ramirez means unless Hurdle pinch hits for McClouth, he should get an at bat. Corey Hart (the worlds ugliest man), flies out to right and Ryan Ludwick comes up to bat. Francona makes the nod to the bull pen for Mariano Rivera. Is this shaping up nicely for McClouth or what? Think he's getting nervous down there in the dugout? The more I start to think, the more I come to the reality that, there's no way Hurdle can pinch hit for Nate McClouth with Brian McCann left on the bench. I really don't think McCann could ever, in his life play in center field. He runs about as fast as Kermit the Frog and there's no one else left to put in the outfield. Unless you move Christian Guzman out there, but with home field advantage on the line, I don't think so. Note: Mariano Rivera continues to slap Jackie Robinson in the face every year by wearing #42.

Nate McClouth Update (11:31 PM) - Oh my, I'm getting nervous...and I'm not even Nate McClouth.

Nate McClouth Update (11:32 PM) - Go get your glove, the hit and run doesn't work and the NL Central's "All Stars" continue to embarrass themselves. Thanks to Ryan Ludwick.

That all comes to an end when Rivera strikes out Ludwick then they get Guzman stealing second. So much for this blog's happy ending.

Bottom half of the inning, who feels like giving this a good attempt at blowing this one? Or, should I say...who was scripted to lose this one? It seems like it, just saying. Oh Look, Ryan Dempster, fellow NL Central competitor, this can't be good. Note: What the hell is Dempster doing with his glove on his delivery? Whatev, it works on Ian Kinsler, strike 3. Then we come to find that Ryan Dempster does't have a life in the locker room and walks around doing Harry Carray impressions. And he's "good at it" says Joe Buck. Whatev, it works on Navarro, strike 3. Then comes the 3-1 count, crap. Whatev, it works on JD Drew, strike 3. Thank you red haired Ryan Dempster for not continuing to embarrass the NL Central, that was clutch.

Nate McClouth Update (11:42 PM) - This may be the longest change of innings in McClouth's life.

10th inning - McClouth is up and my nails are completely gone, he looks really uncomfortable as he fouls off pitches left and right, and one off the foot. Ugh, stare at it, strike 3. So much for my happy ending....again. A Russel Martin hit and a hit and run for Miguel Tejada gets a runner on 3rd with 1 out. Mariano Rivera, slapping Jackie Robinson and all, gets luck on his side and rolls a 4-6-3 double play from Dan Uggla. The rich, get richer.

The American League leads off with Michael Young and he gets lucky by Dan Uggla making a wasted attempt on the ball. Then Carlos Quinten smokes a ground ball to Uggla, again, and Dan forgets all basic fielding. GET YOUR GLOVE IN THE DIRT! E-4 for the 2nd consecutive play. Clint Hurdle's move, load the bases for Grady Sizemore. Note: This is not Aaron Cooke's fault. Bases juiced full of 3 different teams. Sizemore, hits a ground ball to Uggla....oh crap. Uggla, takes 3 years to make the throw to the plate. 1 out, and Russel Martin tries to get Sizemore out at first, no dice. Evan Longoria comes up with the bases juiced. Ground ball, 3rd base side to Christian Guzman, the throw home...2 outs. What is going on here? How is the NL escaping this?

PLAY OF THE GAME - Justin Morneau hits a slow bouncer to Miguel Tejada. A barehanded pick up and a diving throw onto first...in time for the 3rd out. That saved the day for the National League (and Dan Uggla for the most part) and Tejada has my vote so far for ASG MVP.

11th inning - Adrian Gonzalez, starts things off with a single off of a Kansas City Royal. No biggie there. However this Soria dude, has a disgusting 68 mph breaking ball. Then again, David Wright makes him look like a Cy Young winner by striking out on 4 pitches. Christian Guzman flies out to center and its up to the fans vote of Corey Hart, and he looks confused at the plate. Oh wait, that's just his normal face. It's 12:12 AM and there's no end in sight. Ian Kinsler starts off the bottom half with a single to center, and for a second I thought we were about to see a web gem out of Nate McClouth. Clint Hurdle, then makes a dynamite move for a pitch out on Navarro to get Kinsler trying to steal 2nd. Replay, would show that Miguel Tejada deserves an Oscar for attempting to tag the runner, but gets the call. Didn't matter, Cooke puts the winning run back on 1st by walking Navarro and then moving him into scoring by giving up a hit to JD Drew. Next, Michael Young, who owns a .357 avg. with runners in scoring position. That equals, ridiculous. The National League is staring death straight in the face. Then, rays of sunshine....Young singles to center...Nate McClouth says, "WHERE ARE YOU GOING MR. NAVARRO?!" McClouth comes up firing to nail Navarro's fat butt at home. Wow, new PLAY OF THE GAME. And what a scoop by Russel Martin! Amazing! Anyways, Carlos Quinten proceed's to ground out to Guzman to finish off the inning. Nate McClouth Update (12:24 AM) - .....I'm the man! (to himself)

12th inning - McClouth, due up 2nd. But first, we've got Ryan Ludwick, who's no slouch at the plate in St. Louis. Ludwick, walks. McClouth lays down a bunt? But, have no fear. Nate hussles down the line and beats any sort of effort to first. Runners are at 1st and 2nd. Nate McClouth could soon become the MVP. Russel Martin advances the runners to 3rd and 2nd on a bunt and Miguel Tejada is up to try to put the NL up with a sac fly. The AL says "ney" to that and walk him. Now it's time for Dan Uggla to redeem himself.

DAN UGGLA IS A HACK! Who strikes out against a Kansas City Royal? Especially named Wakeem Soria. So far, Danny has had 2 errors and 2 chances with 1 out and a runner on 3rd, to hit a fly ball....he failed.

Adrian Gonzalez could save Uggla agai-.....nope, he strikes out to. This is starting to get stupid.

The bottom half of the 12th, is already getting scary. Carlos Guillen starts things off with a double that could of went yard. Grady Sizemore, next up, hits a rocket to Dan Uggla...and I close my eyes, he knocks it down to get Sizemore out at 1st, Guillen to 3rd, one out. Aaron Cooke, then steps up to that table again and strikes out Evan Longoria to make it two outs. The NL decides to then walk Justrin Morneau to get to Ian Kinsler. At this point, any move makes your gut wrench if you're pulling for the National League. Kinsler, proceeds to ground out and keep the marathon going.

Nate McClouth Update (12:49 AM) - He could possibly miss his flight back to Pittsburgh. 13th inning - David Wright about kills someone with his maple bat shattering. He gets a hit out of it though, so good news for the NL, bad news for whoever was on the short end of the maple bat. Christain Guzman was next up and he obviously has missed the last few days of sac bunt 1-0-1 as he bunts a laser back to the pitcher and they get Wright out at 2nd.

Note: Yankee Stadium is about half empty. I know of at least 10,000 people who would of died to had those tickets you rich snobs left open after the 9th inning!

Ugliest man alive (Corey Hart)....strikes out on 3 pitches. Nice vote Milwaukee, you've lost everyones respect.

Ryan Ludwick now up, means McClouth is on deck. The count is 3-0 as I speak at 12:54 AM and Nate McClouths chances are getting better to be a hero. Too bad Ryan Ludwick is an idiot and pops out to Kinsler at second. Thanks jag off.

In the bottom half now, Navarro, still in the game mind you, starts things off with a ground out towards second. Exscuse me while I go throw up.

....

....

....Dan Uggla comes through, with a throw over to first.

Update: Brian McCann has got to be the loneliest guy on the bench, he's the only position player for the NL not to get into the game and it's now 1:00 AM.

JD Drew is up, and hits a soft bouncer to Uggla...you've got to be kidding me. Can someone remind me how this guy is an All Star? Uggla makes his 3rd error of the game and continues to look like a tee ball players first time out. JD Drew, then steals 2nd...thank god Dan Uggla kept it in the infield on Martin's throw.

Update: Madonna has been calling the dugout to see when A-Rod plans on leaving the ball park. I can't believe I've been doing this stupid blog for the last 5 hours, thank goodness for Dorito's and Vitamin Water.

Carlos Marhmol, who started the inning for the NL, get's Carlos Quinten to stike out...and it's onto the 14th we go. The pitching is running thin for the AL and all they've got is Scott Kazmir left (and he threw 104 pitches Sunday).

Nate McClouth Update (1:07 AM) - Be a hero. Be a.....hero!

14th inning - Nate McClouth, in his 4th at bat, leads things off for the NL.

All I can hear in the back of my head as the ball is hit by McClouth; "Go on ball! Get out of here!" Oh....my. He needed 330 feet. He got 329. So, close. Now it's Russel Martin's turn and he hit a bullet to right center, but luckily for the AL, JD Drew was on his horse to make the play. Tejada ends the drama with a ground out to Michael Young and that means it's up to the AL now to try and win it.

Nate McClouth Update (1:12 AM) - "Why didn't they ask me to be in the HR Derby?"

Update: I have a feeling we're going to see a tie, because we're close to having a game without any pitchers. Brandon Webb, now comes into the game for the bottom half of the inning. He threw 109 pitches Sunday and the pitch count is being watch by Clint Hurdle like a hawk.

Someone for the AL, hits a rocket to short, but Tejada makes a sick play to deny the runner. Brandon Webb, now working on Sizemore, looks like his arm is good to go another 109 pitches. We all know that isn't true, but he looks good after 1 day of rest. Then comes the knees buckling on Sizemore for the 2nd out and Webb's first strike out. Evan Longoria is up next and stikes out as Webb is making a case for Man of the Year.

15th inning - The AL makes their case for a 100 pitch starter in Scott Kazmir. His first batter, Dan Uggla. Uggla....strikes out, go figure. He's my candidate for the ASG Most UnValuable Player. Joe Buck and company are talking about how Kazmir has a certain number of pitches in Francona's mind and I'm starting to think. What position player is soon to take the mound? Whatever the case may be, Kazmir, soon gets Adrian Gonzalez to fly out to left field, followed by a 4 pitch walk to David Wright. Heh, then on the first pitch, Christian Guzman hits a rocket to first where Justin Morneau is waiting, like a hawk, and steps on the bag. Side retired.

Update: Brian McCann, now finally in the game, 5 1/2 hours later behind the plate.

Brade Lidge, the NL last pitcher in the cupboard, is now in to pitch for the 15th. He would give up a hit to the first batter, Morneau. Ian Kinsler, from the Texas Rangers, has taken two big swings at two sliders and hasn't come close yet. Then, Kinsler gets a hold of one to left and Ryan Ludwick is going to find himself on the high light reel with a diving catch. Lidge, feels like making this a heart attack sort of game by allowing Navarro a hit, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with one out, JD Drew at the plate.

Nate McClouth Update (1:34 AM) - "Just give me one more chance..."

No wonder why Philadelphia boo's everything. These guys don't make this easy to watch. (Brad Lidge is the closer for the Phillies.) Lidge, walks Drew to load the bases for Michael Young. Young, if you remember, has that ridiculous BA with runners in scoring position.

First pitch....fly ball to right. And Corey Hart makes a pathetic throw to the plate. After it bounces 9 times before reaching McCann. McCann makes a great effort to getting Monreau with the tag, but it's not in time. God's ugliest child on earth fails and the fans of Milwaukee should feel guilty for voting that noodle arm into the ASG. Game over, 15 innings of baseball comes to an end. The last ASG at Yankee Stadium couldn't of ended any better, I don't think anyone will deny that.

Nate McClouth Update (1:39 AM) - ....next year.

Bud Selig handing out the MVP Award, is not the way to end my night at 1:47 in the morning. This guy's wife, obviously does not set out his clothes each day.

ASG MVP - JD Drew (much deserving)

For the Record - The play getting some of the most credit during the game...McClouth's thow home to get Navarro. Doesn't show though, it's still an "L".