The lineups are set. The pitchers are chosen. And tonight the game will be played at Target Field in Minnesota. Tune into FOX tomorrow night @ 7:30/6:30c for coverage of the All-Star Game.
AL Starting Lineup 1. Derek Jeter, SS, New York Yankees 2. Mike Trout, LF, Los Angeles Angels 3. Robinson Cano, 2B, Seattle Mariners 4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers 5. Jose Bautista, RF, Toronto Blue Jays 6. Nelson Cruz, DH, Baltimore Orioles 7. Adam Jones, CF, Baltimore Orioles 8. Josh Donaldson, 3B, Oakland Athletics 9. Salvador Perez, C, Kansas City Royals SP Felix Hernandez | NL Starting Lineup 1. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates 2. Yasiel Puig, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers 3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies 4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks 5. Giancarlo Stanton, DH, Miami Marlins 6. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers 7. Chase Utley 2B, Philadelphia Phillies 8. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Milwaukee Brewers 9. Carlos Gomez, LF, Milwaukee Brewers SP Adam Wainwright |
The only questionable decision for starters on both sides is Adam Wainwright starting for the NL. Kershaw is the better pitcher. When asked to defend his decision, manager Mike Matheny said it was based on leadership and execution. It is a curious decision at best, and one I don't agree with. If the lineup gets down to Cabrera while Waino is still in, watch that AB. Cabrera is 2-5 with a homer off Wainwright, so maybe Cabrera will take advantage.
Looking at both lineups, it seems like the NL side is a bit stronger and deeper. Pretty hard to claim that when you have the best players from the other league on the opposing side, but the only slightly weak part in the NL lineup is Carlos Gomez, who is batting 9th.
Someone to watch is Derek Jeter, who is playing in his last All-Star game. He is sure to get a few at-bats, but it will be interesting to see how he gets taken out of the game. I would expect something similar to what happened with Mariano Rivera last year. Another player to watch, and this is from a play perspective, is Jose Abreu. I have a feeling he could be the MVP of this affair.
It is close, but the AL pitching staff just edges out the NL this year. Look for this to be a lower scoring game. The one pitcher that is most likely to give up the game for the AL is Fernando Rodney. He is quite erratic, so keep on eye on him if he comes into the game. This will definitely be a game that comes down to which pitcher will implode first, and Rodney is the number 1 candidate for that.
This game looks to be a close one. The AL has the deeper bench and just slightly better pitching. If Derek Jeter contributes to a win at all, look for him to snag the MVP. I think it will come down to a late inning play, though. Maybe a homer by Jose Abreu to win the game. It will certainly be interesting to see what some of these new and younger stars do on one of baseball's biggest stages. In the end look for the AL to come out on top.
AL beats the NL 5-3
Jose Abreu wins the MVP
Looking at both lineups, it seems like the NL side is a bit stronger and deeper. Pretty hard to claim that when you have the best players from the other league on the opposing side, but the only slightly weak part in the NL lineup is Carlos Gomez, who is batting 9th.
Someone to watch is Derek Jeter, who is playing in his last All-Star game. He is sure to get a few at-bats, but it will be interesting to see how he gets taken out of the game. I would expect something similar to what happened with Mariano Rivera last year. Another player to watch, and this is from a play perspective, is Jose Abreu. I have a feeling he could be the MVP of this affair.
It is close, but the AL pitching staff just edges out the NL this year. Look for this to be a lower scoring game. The one pitcher that is most likely to give up the game for the AL is Fernando Rodney. He is quite erratic, so keep on eye on him if he comes into the game. This will definitely be a game that comes down to which pitcher will implode first, and Rodney is the number 1 candidate for that.
This game looks to be a close one. The AL has the deeper bench and just slightly better pitching. If Derek Jeter contributes to a win at all, look for him to snag the MVP. I think it will come down to a late inning play, though. Maybe a homer by Jose Abreu to win the game. It will certainly be interesting to see what some of these new and younger stars do on one of baseball's biggest stages. In the end look for the AL to come out on top.
AL beats the NL 5-3
Jose Abreu wins the MVP