Monday Trends and Indexes 7/13 (MLB ALL-STAR GAME, Misc.)

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Trends and Indexes

Monday, July 13

Good Luck on day #194 of 2009!

At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the MLB, WNBA and CFL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted here.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, July 13

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Major League Baseball begins its All-Star festivities Monday night, with sluggers from each circuit competing in the Derby.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The National League will send four first basemen to the plate on Monday night as they try to capture the Home Run Derby for the first time since 2006. Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Howard will represent the Senior Circuit against the Junior Circuit's Joe Mauer, Brandon Inge, Nelson Cruz, and Carlos Pena.Justin Morneau led the American League to a convincing 66-39 win in last year's Home Run Derby, beating Josh Hamilton 5-3 in the final round.

None of this year's Derby participants were a part of the event last season. Back in 2007 at San Francisco's AT&T Park each of Pujols, Fielder, and Howard were swinging for the fences; Pujols made it to the second round before being eliminated, while Fielder and Howard were both bounced in the first round. Howard, though, was the Derby champion at Pittsburgh's PNC Park back in '06.

Odds and matchups for the Home Run Derby weren't available at press time; check your favorite sportsbook later on Monday for those lines. The American League's sluggers have won the Home Run Derby in three of the past five years.

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2009 All-Star Game Rosters

American League

Catcher
Joe Mauer, Twins
Victor Martinez, Indians

Infield
1B Mark Teixeira, Yankees
1B Justin Morneau, Twins
1B Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
2B Aaron Hill, Blue Jays
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
SS Jason Bartlett, Rays
3B Evan Longoria, Rays
3B Michael Young, Rangers
3B Brandon Inge, Tigers (Final Vote winner)

Outfield
Jason Bay, Red Sox
Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
Carl Crawford, Rays
Curtis Granderson, Tigers
Torii Hunter, Angels
Adam Jones, Orioles
Ben Zobrist, Rays

Pitcher
Andrew Bailey, Athletics
Josh Beckett, Red Sox
Mark Buehrle, White Sox
Brian Fuentes, Angels
Zach Greinke, Royals
Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
Felix Hernandez, Mariners
Edwin Jackson, Tigers
Joe Nathan, Twins
Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
Mariano Rivera, Yankees
Justin Verlander, Tigers
Tim Wakefield, Red Sox

National League

Catcher
Yadier Molina, Cardinals
Brian McCann, Braves

Infield
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals ²
1B Prince Fielder, Brewers ²
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Padres ²
1B Ryan Howard, Phillies ²
2B Chase Utley, Phillies
2B Orlando Hudson, Dodgers
2B Freddy Sanchez, Pirates
SS Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
SS Miguel Tejada, Astros
3B David Wright, Mets
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals

Outfield
Ryan Braun, Brewers
Raul Ibanez, Phillies
Carlos Beltran, Mets ¹
Brad Hawpe, Rockies
Hunter Pence, Astros
Justin Upton, Diamondbacks
Shane Victorino, Phillies (Final Vote Winner)
Jayson Werth, Phillies (Replaces Beltran)

Pitcher
Heath Bell, Padres
Chad Billingsley, Dodgers
Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
Matt Cain, Giants
Francisco Cordero, Reds
Ryan Franklin, Cardinals
Dan Haren, Diamondbacks
Josh Johnson, Marlins
Ted Lilly, Cubs
Tim Lincecum, Giants
Jason Marquis, Rockies
Francisco Rodriguez, Mets
Johan Santana, Mets

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2009 All-Star Vote Tallies

American League

First Basemen
1 Mark Teixeira, Yankees 3,309,050
2 Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 3,069,906
3 Justin Morneau, Twins 2,186,567
4 Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 1,447,125
5 Chris Davis, Rangers 1,145,037
6 Carlos Pena, Rays 1,083,447
7 Russell Branyan, Mariners 586,020
8 Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays 473,248

Second Basemen
1 Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 3,404,384
2 Ian Kinsler, Rangers 3,331,298
3 Robinson Cano, Yankees 2,115,056
4 Aaron Hill, Blue Jays 1,233,710
5 Placido Polanco, Tigers 1,032,428
6 Brian Roberts, Orioles 779,159
7 Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians 511,542
8 Akinori Iwamura, Rays 474,552

Shortstops
1 Derek Jeter, Yankees 4,851,889
2 Jason Bartlett, Rays 2,098,422
3 Elvis Andrus, Rangers 1,586,224
4 Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays 1,064,344
5 Jed Lowrie, Red Sox 933,876
6 Adam Everett, Tigers 603,488
7 Alexei Ramirez, White Sox 602,329
8 Nick Punto, Twins 566,629

Third Basemen
1 Evan Longoria, Rays 4,315,210
2 Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 2,350,496
3 Mike Lowell, Red Sox 1,759,195
4 Michael Young, Rangers 1,741,982
5 Brandon Inge, Tigers 891,112
6 Scott Rolen, Blue Jays 850,033
7 Joe Crede, Twins 646,915
8 Chone Figgins, Angels 542,797

Outfielders
1 Jason Bay, Red Sox 4,087,450
2 Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 2,846,069
3 Josh Hamilton, Rangers 2,412,359
4 Torii Hunter, Angels 2,363,481
5 Carl Crawford, Rays 2,253,397
6 Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox 2,250,799
7 Johnny Damon, Yankees 2,012,368
8 J.D. Drew, Red Sox 1,735,703
9 Nelson Cruz, Rangers 1,715,709
10 Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners 1,669,135
11 Adam Jones, Orioles 1,247,826
12 David Murphy, Rangers 1,101,818
13 B.J. Upton, Rays 1,080,662
14 Curtis Granderson, Tigers 1,068,626
15 Nick Markakis, Orioles 1,049,331
16 Brett Gardner, Yankees 1,033,1031
17 Bobby Abreu, Angels 1,024,786
18 Vladimir Guerrero, Angels 916,404
19 Grady Sizemore, Indians 908,434
20 Magglio Ordonez, Tigers 745,379
21 Michael Cuddyer, Twins 717,940
22 Matt Holliday, Athletics 689,018
23 Pat Burrell, Rays 678,426
24 Jermaine Dye, White Sox 656,536

Catchers
1 Joe Mauer, Twins 4,335,739
2 Jason Varitek, Red Sox 2,225,630
3 Jorge Posada, Yankees 1,916,436
4 Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers 1,497,588
5 Victor Martinez, Indians 1,087,761
6 Dioner Navarro, Rays 569,785
7 Rod Barajas, Blue Jays 545,735
8 Gerald Laird, Tigers 527,388

National League

First Basemen
1 Albert Pujols, Cardinals 5,397,734
2 Prince Fielder, Brewers 2,118,947
3 Ryan Howard, Phillies 2,059,760
4 Adrian Gonzalez, Padres 1,504,979
5 Lance Berkman, Astros 922,870
6 James Loney, Dodgers 622,482
7 Carlos Delgado, Mets 567,956
8 Derrek Lee, Cubs 542,371

Second Basemen
1 Chase Utley, Phillies 5,027,029
2 Orlando Hudson, Dodgers 1,703,710
3 Rickie Weeks, Brewers 1,355,204
4 Skip Schumaker, Cardinals 1,191,954
5 Dan Uggla, Marlins 893,916
6 Luis Castillo, Mets 729,780
7 David Eckstein, Padres 727,585
8 Kazuo Matsui, Astros 658,523

Shortstops
1 Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 3,218,917
2 Jimmy Rollins, Phillies 2,246,792
3 J.J. Hardy, Brewers 1,857,288
4 Miguel Tejada, Astros 1,415,539
5 Jose Reyes, Mets 1,114,295
6 Khalil Greene, Cardinals 819,412
7 Rafael Furcal, Dodgers 811,340
8 Ryan Theriot, Cubs 718,058

Third Basemen
1 David Wright, Mets 3,100,863
2 Chipper Jones, Braves 2,035,936
3 Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 1,681,239
4 Bill Hall, Brewers 1,403,589
5 Pedro Feliz, Phillies 1,380,058
6 Casey Blake, Dodgers 972,763
7 Aramis Ramirez, Cubs 878,993
8 Pablo Sandoval, Giants 758,334

Outfielders
1 Ryan Braun, Brewers 4,138,559
2 Raul Ibanez, Phillies 4,053,355
3 Carlos Beltran, Mets 2,812,295
4 Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 2,692,994
5 Shane Victorino, Phillies 2,123,079
6 Mike Cameron, Brewers 2,018,879
7 Manny Ramirez, Dodgers 1,739,736
8 Corey Hart, Brewers 1,683,452
9 Rick Ankiel, Cardinals 1,632,113
10 Jayson Werth, Phillies 1,542,347
11 Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals 1,427,898
12 Justin Upton, Diamondbacks 1,282,501
13 Adam Dunn, Nationals 1,220,758
14 Matt Kemp, Dodgers 1,145,428
15 Andre Ethier, Dodgers 1,133,863
16 Carlos Lee, Astros 989,889
17 Chris Duncan, Cardinals 886,223
18 Brad Hawpe, Rockies 868,980
19 Hunter Pence, Astros 857,223
20 Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs 828,796
21 Nate McLouth, Pirates/Braves 777,613
22 Garret Anderson, Braves 723,537
23 Milton Bradley, Cubs 695,729
24 Jeff Francoeur, Braves 635,818

Catchers
1 Yadier Molina, Cardinals 2,641,467
2 Brian McCann, Braves 2,375,808
3 Ivan Rodriguez, Astros 1,810,308
4 Jason Kendall, Brewers 1,752,062
5 Bengie Molina, Giants 1,729,471
6 Carlos Ruiz, Phillies 1,417,906
7 Russell Martin, Dodgers 1,172,618
8 Geovany Soto, Cubs 756,900

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All-Star Game Results and MVPS

Year, Result, Site, MVP, Team

2008 AL 4-3, 15 inn. Yankee Stadium, New York J.D. Drew, Red Sox

2007 AL 5- 4 AT&T Park, San Francisco Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

2006 AL 3-2 PNC Park, Pittsburgh Michael Young, Texas

2005 AL, 7-5 Comerica Park, Detroit Miguel Tejada, Baltimore

2004 AL, 9-4 Minute Maid Park, Houston Alfonso Soriano, Texas

2003 AL, 7-6 U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago Garrett Anderson, Anaheim

2002 Tie, 7-7, 11 inn. Miller Park, Milwaukee None

2001 AL, 4-1 Safeco Field, Seattle Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore

2000 AL, 6-3 Turner Field, Atlanta Derek Jeter, N.Y. Yankees

1999 AL, 4-1 Fenway Park, Boston Pedro Martinez, Boston

1998 AL, 13-8 Coors Field, Colorado Roberto Alomar, Baltimore

1997 AL, 3-1 Jacobs Field, Cleveland Sandy Alomar Jr., Cleveland

1996 NL, 6-0 Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia Mike Piazza, Los Angeles

1995 NL, 3-2 The Ballpark at Arlington, Texas Jeff Conine, Florida

1994 NL, 8-7, 10 inn. Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh Fred McGriff, Atlanta

1993 AL, 9-3 Camden Yards, Baltimore Kirby Puckett, Minnesota

1992 AL, 13-6 Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle

1991 AL, 4-2 SkyDome, Toronto Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore

1990 AL, 2-0 Wrigley Field, Chicago Julio Franco, Texas

1989 AL, 5-3 Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim Bo Jackson, Kansas City

1988 AL, 2-1 Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati Terry Steinbach, Oakland

1987 NL, 2-0, 13 inn. Oakland Coliseum, Oakland Tim Raines, Montreal

1986 AL, 3-2 Astrodome, Houston Roger Clemens, Boston

1985 NL, 6-1 Metrodome, Minneapolis LaMarr Hoyt, San Diego

1984 NL, 3-1 Candlestick Park, San Francisco Gary Carter, Montreal

1983 AL, 13-3 Comiskey Park, Chicago Fred Lynn, California

1982 NL, 4-1 Olympic Stadium, Montreal Dave Concepcion, Cincinnati

1981 NL, 5-4 Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland Gary Carter, Montreal

1980 NL, 4-2 Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Ken Griffey, Cincinnati

1979 NL, 7-6 Kingdome, Seattle Dave Parker, Pittsburgh

1978 NL, 7-3 San Diego Stadium, San Diego Steve Garvey, Los Angeles

1977 NL, 7-5 Yankee Stadium, New York Don Sutton, Los Angeles

1976 NL, 7-1 Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia George Foster, Cincinnati

1975 NL, 6-3 County Stadium, Milwaukee Bill Madlock, Chi. Cubs
Jon Matlack, N.Y. Mets

1974 NL, 7-2 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh Steve Garvey, Los Angeles

1973 NL, 7-1 Royals Stadium, Kansas City Bobby Bonds, San Francisco

1972 NL, 4-3, 10 inn. Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta Joe Morgan, Cincinnati

1971 AL, 6-4 Tiger Stadium, Detroit Frank Robinson, Baltimore

1970 NL, 5-4, 12 inn. Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati Carl Yastrzemski, Boston

1969 NL, 9-3 RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington Willie McCovey, San Francisco

1968 NL, 1-0 Astrodome, Houston Willie Mays, San Francisco

1967 NL, 2-1, 15 inn. Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim Tony Perez, Cincinnati

1966 NL, 2-1, 10 inn. Busch Stadium, St. Louis Brooks Robinson, Baltimore

1965 NL, 6-5 Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington Juan Marichal, San Francisco

1964 NL, 7-4 Shea Stadium, New York Johnny Callison, Philadelphia

1963 NL, 5-3 Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland Willie Mays, San Francisco

1962 AL, 9-4 Wrigley Field, Chicago Leon Wagner, Los Angeles

1962 NL, 3-1 District of Columbia Stadium, Washington Maury Wills, Los Angeles

1961 Tie, 1-1 Fenway Park, Boston None

1961 NL, 5-4, 10 inn. Candlestick Park, San Francisco None

1960 NL, 6-0 Yankee Stadium, New York None

1960 NL, 5-3 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City None

1959 AL, 5-3 Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles None

1959 NL, 5-4 Forbes Field, Pittsburgh None

1958 AL, 4-3 Memorial Stadium, Baltimore None

1957 AL, 6-5 Busch Stadium, St. Louis None

1956 NL, 7-3 Griffith Stadium, Washington None

1955 NL, 6-5, 12 inn. County Stadium, Milwaukee None

1954 AL, 11-9 Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland None

1953 NL, 5-1 Crosley Field, Cincinnati None

1952 NL, 3-2, 5 inn. Shibe Park, Philadelphia None

1951 NL, 8-3 Briggs Stadium, Detroit None

1950 NL, 4-3, 14 inn. Comiskey Park, Chicago None

1949 AL, 11-7 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn None

1948 AL, 5-2 Sportsman Park, St. Louis None

1947 AL, 2-1 Wrigley Field, Chicago None

1946 AL, 12-0 Fenway Park, Boston None

1945 Game canceled due to World War II

1944 NL, 7-1 Forbes Field, Pittsburgh None

1943 AL, 5-3 Shibe Park, Philadelphia None

1942 AL, 3-1 Polo Grounds, New York None

1941 AL, 7-5 Briggs Stadium, Detroit None

1940 NL, 4-0 Sportsman's Park, St. Louis None

1939 AL, 3-1 Yankee Stadium, New York None

1938 NL, 4-1 Crosley Field, Cincinnati None

1937 AL, 8-3 Griffith Stadium, Washington None

1936 NL, 4-3 Braves Field, Boston None

1935 AL, 4-1 Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland None

1934 AL, 9-7 Polo Grounds, New York None

1933 AL, 4-2 Comiskey Park, Chicago None

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Memorable moments from the Midsummer Classic

2007: Ichiro's Inside-the-park Homer
On a fifth-inning drive, Ichiro Suzuki hit the ball to the right-field wall for the first inside-the-park homer in All-Star Game history. Certainly deserving of the MVP honors, Ichiro finished the night going 3-for-3 in his 7th All-Star Game.

2003: Hammerin' Hank Delivers Homefield
Hank Blalock's pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning off Eric Gagne, one of baseball's top relievers, sent the American League to a 7-6 victory and ensured home-field advantage in the World Series. Blalock, 1-for-7 with a double as a pinch-hitter in previous attempts, hit a 3-1 pitch from Gagne for a two-run homer and sent the AL dugout into a frenzy. The Rangers third baseman became the 12th player in All-Star history to homer in his first at-bat.

2001: Cal Goes Out In Style
Baseball's all-time ironman, Cal Ripken Jr., homered in his final All-Star at-bat to earn Most Valuable Player honors. Ripken's third-inning homer, a solo shot, snapped a scoreless tie. The 40-year-old became the oldest player Midsummer Classic. Ripken's second All-Star homer ('91) helped him become the fifth player to be named the game's MVP more than once.

1999: MVP Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez became the first All-Star Game starting pitcher to strike out the side in the first inning. He wound up with the victory and the game's MVP award. Mark McGwire's strikeout was the fourth consecutive after Martinez sent Barry Larkin, Larry Walker and Sammy Sosa back to the dugout in the first inning.

1997: Hometown Heroics
Has Cleveland ever been any louder? Doubtful. Catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. made the most of his first All-Star Game appearance in five seasons and only at-bat of the contest. The Indians slugger belted a game-deciding homer off Shawn Estes in the seventh inning in front of a thrilled home crowd. Alomar was named the game MVP as well, at the first Midsummer Classic at Jacobs Field. American League pitchers did their part too, limiting the National League lineup to three hits. In the end, it was American League 3, National League 1.

1996: Piazza Delivery
Dodgers' catcher Mike Piazza, who grew up in nearby Norristown, Penn., enjoyed quite a homecoming at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. Piazza nailed a 445-foot home run off Cleveland's Charles Nagy his first time up, then doubled home the National League's fourth run off Chuck Finley in his second at-bat to go 2-for-3 and earn the game's MVP award. In the first All-Star Game ever in which neither pitching staff issues a walk, the National League shuts out the American League, 6-0.

1995: All-World Star
Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo was the center of the attention at The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Nomo who went on to win 1995 Rookie of the Year honors, became the first Japanese player to appear in the Midsummer Classic and the first rookie to start an All-Star Game since Fernando Valenzuela took the mound for the National League in 1981. Nomo allowed just one hit in two innings and struck out three batters in a hard fought, 3-2 win by the National League.

1993: The Curious At-Bat
It was one of the most memorable at-bats in the history of the Midsummer Classic. John Kruk, the member of the Phillies least likely to finish the game in a clean uniform, stepped into the batter's box. At the first-ever All-Star Game to be held at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Kruk faced American League starter Randy Johnson, the 6-foot, 10-inch fireballer from Seattle, whose pitches sailed over and around the pear-shaped first baseman.

1989: Old, But Good
Not to be outdone by 40-year-old National League starter Rick Reuschel, 42-year-old Texas Ranger Nolan Ryan fired his patented fastballs at Anaheim Stadium, where he pitched for eight seasons with the Angels. Ryan, the oldest player on either side, tossed two shutout innings and helped his cause in becoming the oldest pitcher to win a Midsummer Classic. Also, in a back-to-back All-Star first, Bo Jackson led off the bottom of the first inning with a monstrous home run, followed by Wade Boggs with his own moon shot, en route to a 5-3 American League triumph.

1984: Smokin'!
On the 50th anniversary of Carl Hubbell's five consecutive All-Star Game strikeouts, the Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela and the Mets' Dwight Gooden combine for six straight at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. In the top of the fourth, Valenzuela sets down three Hall of Fame hitters: Dave Winfield, Reggie Jackson, and George Brett. An inning later, Gooden, who at 19 became the youngest player in All-Star Game history, takes care Lance Parrish, Chet Lemon, and Alvin Davis. Thanks in part to Valenzuela and Gooden, the National League goes on to win the game 3-1.

1983: The 50-Year Itch
As hard as it may be to believe, not one grand slam was hit in the first half-century of All-Star Game play. But on the 50th anniversary of the Midsummer Classic, in the place where it all started in 1933 -- -Comiskey Park -- -California's Fred Lynn ended the drought. With the bases loaded in the third, Lynn sent a shot into the stands for his fourth All-Star Game home run. The American League sets All-Star Game records for runs (7) and hits (6) in one inning and goes on to blast the National League, 13-3.

1971: Mr. July
What happens when the wind is blowing out at an All-Star Game? Exactly what happened at Detroit's Tiger Stadium. Six Future Hall of Famers -- Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Frank Robinson, Harmon Killebrew and Roberto Clemente -- registered home runs in the game to account for every run scored by both teams. Jackson's blasts, however, were especially memorable. With one on in the bottom of the third, the A's slugger ripped a Dock Ellis pitch into a light tower on the roof of Tigers Stadium -- 520 feet from home plate.

1970: A Crushing Blow
Thanks to Brook Robinson's two-run triple, the American League took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth. But on the strength of Dick Dietz's solo home run, three more singles and a sacrifice fly, the National League put up three runs and forced extra innings. That set the stage for one of the most memorable and controversial plays in All-Star Game history. After getting a base hit in front of the home crowd in Cincinnati and moving to second on Billy Grabarewitz's single, the Reds' Pete Rose races home on yet another hit by Jim Hickman. Without slowing down, Rose barreled into Indians catcher Ray Fosse, knocked the ball loose and gave the National League a 5-4 win.

1955: Stan The Man
In the greatest comeback in All-Star Game history, St. Louis' Stan Musial, who would go on to appear in an amazing 20 consecutive Midsummer Classics, hits a home run in the bottom of the 12th inning off Frank Sullivan of the Red Sox to give the National League a thrilling 6-5 victory at Milwaukee County Stadium. All Detroit outfielder Al Kaline could do was watch Musial's ball sail into a crowd of excited fans.

1950: Ted's Miserable Adventure
Playing in the eighth of his 16 All-Star Games, Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams crashed into the scoreboard at Comiskey Park in Chicago in the first inning of the 1950 Midsummer Classic. Williams, who had just snared a line drive off the bat of Pittsburgh's Ralph Kiner, broke his left elbow in the mishap and would end up playing only 89 games that year. The 1950 game was also notable because it was the first extra-innings affair in All-Star Game history, with the National League capturing a 4-3 win in 14 innings.

1949: The Barrier Is Broken
Two years after Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby broke into the Major Leagues, African-Americans make their All-Star Game debut with Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Robinson and Doby in the lineup. The American League wins the game 11-7.

1934: A Real Fan Fest
National League starter Carl Hubbell shows that pitching can steal the show when he strikes out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin in order in the first two innings. The National League is unable to hold the lead once Hubbell leaves the game, however, and eventually loses the game, 9-7.

1933: The First Home Run
The baseball gods could not have planned it any better. With one man on in the bottom of the third at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Babe Ruth hits the first home run in All-Star Game history. Ruth, who at 38 was just two years away from retirement, also robbed Cincinnati's Chick Hafey of a hit with a spectacular catch in the eighth inning. Ruth's Yankee teammate, Lefty Gomez, started the game for the American League and became the All-Star Game's first winning pitcher in the 4-2 American League victory.

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[pm530]

Pre All-Star Notes

Big price drop for All-Star tickets

ST. LOUIS (AP) -All-Star tickets are a bargain at Busch Stadium, at least in comparison with prices for last year's game at the original Yankee Stadium.

Tickets for Tuesday night's All-Star game are priced at $100-$360, down from $150-$725 in New York last year. Monday's workout and Home Run Derby goes for $75-$335, a drop from $100-$650, and Sunday's Futures game cost $25-$175, a decrease from $50-$225.

At AT&T Park in San Francisco two years ago, tickets were $75-$285 for the All-Star game, $50-$225 for the Home Run Derby and $22.50-$125 for the Futures game.

About 1,340 tickets for Tuesday night were available on StubHub.com Sunday afternoon, with asking prices of $475-$11,999. FanSnap.com, an Internet search engine that finds tickets on resale sites, said 2,452 tickets were available starting at $471, the inventory leaving room for prices to drop leading up to the game.

Prices usually are announced about three months ahead of time. Next year's game is at Anaheim and 2011 is in Phoenix. After that, the likely hosts are Kansas City in 2012, New York's Citi Field in 2013 and Minneapolis in 2014. Boston would like to host in 2012 for the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

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STAR CATCHER: Cardinals star Albert Pujols will catch the ceremonial first pitch from President Barack Obama before Tuesday night's game.

Obama will be greeted by six living Cardinals Hall of Famers: Stan Musial, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Red Schoendienst, Bruce Sutter and Ozzie Smith.

Obama will use a special glove manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods with "Obama 44'' in script and an American flag. The glove will go to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

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WET WEATHER: Sunday's Futures game had a 4-hour, 9-minute rain delay in the middle of the first inning. When play resumed, the first three rows of seats in the first section on the plate side of the first-base dugout were empty.

The National Weather Service has forecast highs Monday in the mid-80s and lows in the upper 60s with east winds of 10 mph.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday, with the probability growing from 30 percent during the day to 40 percent at night. Highs are forecast in the 90s with lows in the lower 70s. Southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph also are predicted.

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MOW 'EM DOWN: Huge outlines of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse have been mowed into the grass at Busch Stadium ahead of the All-Star game.

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UNVEILING: Outgoing players' association head Donald Fehr and his designated successor, union general counsel Michael Weiner, are to hold a briefing at Busch Stadium on Monday before the Home Run Derby.

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The Line:

80th ALL-STAR GAME
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO. 8:20PM ET

945 American League -115
946 National League -105

Over/Under 9 ½

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[pm530]

MLB
Baseball Today


SCOREBOARD

Monday, July 13

No games scheduled. The All-Star game is Tuesday.

STARS

Sunday

-Josh Beckett, Red Sox, threw a three-hitter for his 100th career victory as Boston beat Kansas City 6-0.

-Clete Thomas, Tigers, finished a double short of the cycle and drove in five runs in Detroit's 10-1 rout of Cleveland.

-Pedro Feliz, Phillies, hit a first-inning grand slam in Philadelphia's 5-2 win over Pittsburgh.

-Carlos Gomez, Twins, finished a triple shy of the cycle, drove in a career-high five runs and scored three times in Minnesota's 13-6 win over the Chicago White Sox.

-Brad Hawpe, Rockies, homered and drove in the winning run with a double in the ninth inning of Colorado's 8-7 victory over Atlanta.

-John Lackey, Angels, allowed six hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out six in Anaheim's 6-4 win over the New York Yankees.

-Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres, went 4 for 5 with a homer and three RBIs in San Diego's 10-4 win over San Francisco.

-Josh Johnson, Marlins, allowed one earned run and struck out seven pitching into the seventh inning of Florida's 8-1 win over Arizona.

WE ARE THE WORLD

Rene Tosoni and Dayan Viciedo hit consecutive RBI doubles to cap a four-run comeback that carried the World team past the United States 7-5 in a Futures Game delayed more than 4 hours in the first inning by a heavy storm. The game, an annual showcase for top minor league talent, was shortened to seven innings because of the delay.

ROTTEN APPLE

Even the Mets' iconic home run apple wasn't prepared for their power surge. Fernando Tatis' home run came too quickly after Brian Schneider's shot in a 9-7 win over Cincinnati, so the apple didn't have the required 2 1/2 minutes it needs to reset before popping out of a hole in the outfield wall again. Fans chanted "Apple! Apple!'' until it rose after the inning was finished.

HAPPY CENTURY MARK

Josh Beckett's 100th career victory may have been his best, a three-hitter that allowed him to join teammate Tim Wakefield as the only 11-game winners in the AL after Boston's 6-0 win over the Royals. Beckett retired the first nine batters, five on strikeouts, in his second shutout and complete game of the season. He beat Atlanta 3-0 on June 20.

CATCHING THE FIRST FAN

Cardinals star Albert Pujols will catch the ceremonial first pitch from President Barack Obama before Tuesday night's All-Star game in St. Louis. Obama will use a special glove manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods with "Obama 44'' in script and an American flag. The glove will go to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

ALL-STAR BOUND

Milwaukee closer Trevor Hoffman, Pittsburgh starter Zach Duke and Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena are headed to the All-Star game. They were picked Sunday to replace players unable to participate in Tuesday night's game. Hoffman is 1-1 with 20 saves and a 2.05 ERA, Duke is 8-8 with a 3.29 ERA and three complete games, and Pena leads the AL with 24 homers.

TAKING THE PULSE

An Associated Press-Knowledge Networks poll released Sunday showed that, by a margin of 56 percent to 42 percent, fans don't believe the All-Star game should be used to determine which league's champion gets to open the World Series at home. Among the other results, more than half the fans said every team shouldn't have a guaranteed roster spot; and 82 percent said players penalized under MLB's drug policy shouldn't be allowed in the All-Star game during the year they are punished, such as if Manny Ramirez would have been voted onto the team.

NUMBERS GAME

The Yankees are 5-15 this season against four teams in first at the break: Boston, Detroit, Anaheim and Philadelphia. ... Jim Thome hit his 555th career homer in the White Sox's 13-7 loss to the Twins. ... Oakland (37-49) last went into the break with a sub .500 record during the 1999 season (43-44).

SPEAKING

"I was going to go home and sit on my butt for a few days, but that won't happen now. I'm excited. It's such an unexpected honor for me. I wasn't counting on it, but I'll enjoy every moment. I'll immerse myself in it.'' - Pirates starter Zach Duke on getting picked to replace the Giants' Matt Cain in the All-Star game.

SEASONS

July 13

1934 - Babe Ruth hit his 700th home run in a 4-2 victory over Tommy Bridges and the Detroit Tigers. Lou Gehrig left in the first with a severe case of lumbago, the most serious threat to his streak. He returned for one at-bat the next day.

1943 - The first night game in All-Star history, at Philadelphia's Shibe Park, went to the AL, 5-3, despite a single, triple and home run by NL center fielder Vince DiMaggio of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The big blow was a three-run homer by Bobby Doerr of the Boston Red Sox, which gave the AL the lead for good.

1954 - Pitcher Dean Stone did not retire a batter but received credit for the AL's 11-9 All-Star victory at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. Red Schoendienst tried to steal a run for the NL after Stone was summoned in the eighth inning, but the pitcher's throw to the plate nailed the runner for the third out.

1963 - Early Wynn, at 43, registered his 300th and last victory, pitching the first five innings of Cleveland's 7-4 triumph over the Kansas City A's.

1965 - The NL took the lead over the AL for the first time since the All-Star series began, winning 6-5 at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minn.

1971 - Reggie Jackson's mammoth home run off the power generator on the right-field roof at Tiger Stadium highlighted a barrage of six homers - three by each team - as the AL beat the NL 6-4 in the All-Star game.

1982 - The NL registered its 11th consecutive All-Star victory over the AL with a 4-1 victory at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, the first All-Star game played outside the United States. Dave Concepcion's two-run homer off Dennis Eckersley in the second inning was the deciding hit.

1993 - Minnesota's Kirby Puckett homered and doubled to win the MVP award in the AL's 9-3 victory in the All-Star game at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

1999 - Boston's Pedro Martinez pitched himself into the All-Star game record book, becoming the first to strike out the first four hitters in an All-Star game, fanning Barry Larkin, Larry Walker and Sammy Sosa in the first inning, and Mark McGwire to start the second. Martinez struck out five in the first two innings - tying an American League record - to lead the AL to a 4-1 victory over the National League.

2006 - Mark Teixeira hit three homers and drove in seven runs to lead Texas over Baltimore 15-1.

Today's birthdays: Yadier Molina 27; Shin-Soo Choo 27; Ryan Ludwick 31.

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[pm530]

MLB
This Day in Baseball


On July 13 in Baseball History...

1934 - Babe Ruth hit his 700th home run in a 4-2 victory over Tommy Bridges and the Detroit Tigers. Lou Gehrig left in the first with a severe case of lumbago, the most serious threat to his streak. He returned for one at-bat the next day.

1943 - The first night game in All-Star history, at Philadelphia's Shibe Park, went to the American League, 5-3, despite a single, triple and home run by National League center fielder Vince DiMaggio of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The big blow was a three-run homer by Bobby Doerr of the Boston Red Sox, which gave the American League the lead for good.

1954 - Pitcher Dean Stone did not retire a batter and received credit for the American League's 11-9 All-Star victory at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. Red Schoendienst tried to steal a run for the Natioinal League after Stone was summoned into the game in the eighth inning, but the pitcher's throw to the plate nailed the runner for the third out.

1963 - Early Wynn, at 43, registered his 300th and last victory, pitching the first five innings of Cleveland's 7-4 triumph over the Kansas City A's.

1965 - The National League took the lead over the American League for the first time since the All-Star series began, winning 6-5 at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota.

1971 - Reggie Jackson's mammoth home run off the power generator on the right-field roof at Tiger Stadium highlighted a barrage of six homers - three by each team as American League beat the National League 6-4 in the All-Star Game.

1982 - The National League registered its eleventh consecutive All-Star victory over the American League with a 4-1 victory at Montreal's Olympic Stadium in the first game played outside the United States. Dave Concepcion's two-run homer off Dennis Eckersley in the second inning was the deciding hit.

1993 - Minnesota's Kirby Puckett homered and doubled to win the MVP award in the American League's 9-3 victory in the All-Star Game at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

1999 - Boston's Pedro Martinez pitched himself into the All-Star Game record book, becoming the first to strike out the first four hitters in an All-Star Game, fanning Barry Larkin, Larry Walker and Sammy Sosa in the first inning, and Mark McGwire to start the second. Martinez struck out five in the first two innings - tying an American League record - to lead the American League to a 4-1 victory over the National League.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Monday

If the major league playoffs started tomorrow, these would be playoff teams....of course, the playoffs start in October, but you knew that...

NL East-- Phillies 48-38-- Lead by four despite their extended slump.

NL Central-- Cardinals 49-42-- Nationals fired Manny Acta Sunday night, like it was his fault. They probably did him a favor anyway.

NL West-- Dodgers 56-32-- Giants are pushing them a little bit now.

NL Wild Card-- Giants-- 49-39-- Everyone holding their breath after Cain took line drive off his right elbow Saturday night.

AL East-- Red Sox 54-34-- Will they go shopping for 1B/3B type if they think Lowell won't be coming back 100% this season?

AL Central-- Tigers 48-39-- Allowed 3rd-least runs in the AL.

AL West-- Angels 49-37-- Mike Scioscia, AL Manager of the Year.

AL Wild Card-- Bronx 51-37-- How does a team with their payroll not have an outfielder who can throw a runner out?

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Monday's List of 13: Random stuff on my summer vacation.....

13) I've got this week off from work, so I plan to relax, go shopping at the outlets, take in some minor league baseball and sleep an awful lot, which doesn't happen enough the other 51 weeks of the year. October is my Vegas trip, so this is going to be the restful week of the year......

12) Took in a minor league doubleheader at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy Sunday night; what a great evening, perfect 74-degree weather and a pair of 7-inning ballgames (minor league teams play 7-inning games when it is a doubleheader). Throw in some burgers and soda, and its a nice night.

11) Too bad the home team, an Astros' farm club, got shut out in both of the games. Ever since Gerry Hunsicker went to Tampa Bay to work in their front office, the Astros' farm clubs have been terrible, and the 2009 Valley Cats don't look to be much better, but its still a fun night out.

10) Where else can you see a guy in a rabbit outfit driving a motorized mini-car and throwing t-shirts in the stands? Two innings later, the same guy is on top of the dugout wearing an Elvis Presley costume. Lot of it is hokey, but there are hundreds of kids there, and they're loving it.

9) Kid named Michael Rockett on Oneonta Tigers is hitting .368-- in the first two innings of Game 1, he made two diving catches. From from that baseball hotbed, Texas-San Antonio, looks like a real keeper.

8) Tuesday night, Ben Zobrist and Hunter Pence will play in the major league All-Star Game- they both got their start as Valley Cats, so if you watch carefully, you might be watching a future big league star. Plus, the hamburgers aren't bad either. And it only cost $6 to get in.

7) Day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field drew a total of 81,945 fans to the Friendly Confines Sunday. Lou Piniella actually put a reliever in left field for one batter so he could make a lefty/righty pitching change. When he put the reliever back on the mound, the second leftfielder made a diving catch to end the inning. Interesting piece of strategy.

6) Ryan Ludwick was 9-14 with nine RBI over weekend in Chicago, as the great Pujols continues to create opportunities for those around him.

5) Adam Wainwright has pitched 6+ innings in his last 17 starts.

4) Manny Ramirez' on-base percentage is freakin' .487.

3) Matt Holliday hasn't homered since June 5, as the dual nightmare (I'm an A's fan and he's on my fantasy team) continues. Is it too late to crawl back to the Rockies and ask for forgiveness? Or just trade him to Philly?

2) The last time the All-Star Game was in St Louis was in 1966-- it was a day game, it was 105 degrees on the field, the game went 10 innings, and the NL outfield of Mays-Aaron-Clemente played the whole game.

1) One last thing about the minor league game-- I really, really miss the instant replays after each batter that we get used to on TV. Going to the games in person is super, but you do get used to some of the amenities.

From: Armadillo
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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five


Monday, July 13

Len's Top 5 is back!

Happy Monday everyone, here's my return from vacation Top 5 for July 13, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

We've reached the All Star break in baseball. The game will be played tomorrow night in St. Louis. Tonight is the annual Home Run Derby.

The Dodgers and Red Sox have the best records in baseball.

23-year old Eun Hee Ji of South Korea wins the U.S. Women's Open. Only 3 American golfers finished in the top 12.

Lance Armstrong remained in third place after the weekend at the Tour de France. He is 8 seconds off the lead.

Brazilian police have accused the wife of 37-year old former boxing champ Arturo Gatti of his murder this weekend.

2. The First Half

So here we are at the All Star Break. What a first half, hilted by A-Rod and Manny the steroid twins and lots of bitching about ticket prices. But you know what? The game's the thing. So if the Red Sox and Yankees meet in the playoffs all that other stuff will be forgotten. And then it will be brought right back up again should the Yankees meet Joe Torre's Dodgers in the World Series. A-Rod vs. Manny. Certainly a "juicy" matchup.

3. Twisted Logic

First Jason Kidd turned down an offer from the Knicks. And then Grant Hill said, no thanks. And to show you how sad the Knicks are, you can't say "it's the money." It's always the money in sports, but not this time. Grant Hill took a whole lot less to play for Phoenix. When it comes to the Knicks everything gets twisted, "why join em', if you can beat 'em."

4. The Emperor's Clothes

LeBron James is the king and don't you ever forget it. At his Skills Academy a college kid dunked over LeBron. Pretty cool huh? It never happened. Nope, the video was confiscated by Nike. They had apparently first discussed the matter with James. It doesn't make James look good. First he blew off handshakes after he lost in the playoffs and now this. I would think showing video of a kid dunking over LeBron would make him look human. But I guess kings aren't allowed to be embarrassed by the riff raff.

5. Somewhere Woody Hayes is Smiling

In a soccer game between Mexico and Panama, as a Panamanian player neared the sideline, the Mexican coach kicked him. All hell broke loose including ejections and fights in the stands. Of course the coach utilized his leg as a weapon. In soccer you're not allowed to use your hands.

Happy Birthday: Basketball great David "Skywalker" Thompson. 55.
Bonus Birthday: Actor Harrison Ford. 67.

Today in Sports: Reggie Jackson hit a home run to right field during the All Star Game at Tiger Stadium that hasn't landed yet. 1971.
Bonus Event: A young singer makes his recording debut with the Harry James Band. His name is Frank Sinatra. 1939.

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[Udog]

Reach to go deep: Capping the Home Run Derby



There is a subplot that is emerging for this year’s Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

It would only be fitting if the final round matchup came down to a meeting of a native son of St. Louis and a current fan favorite of the Redbirds faithful.

Can any of the American League’s longshots pull an upset or will the National League smashers square off in a final showdown for the title?

Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals): +200

It’s hard to believe in this era of home runs that Pujols has never reached the 50-homer plateau in a season. That should change in 2009. Through Saturday, Pujols is on track to club 59 homers this year.

In his career at the current incarnation of Busch Stadium, Pujols has hit 71 of his 150 four-baggers at home. This will be his third appearance in Home Run Derby. He was the runner-up in 2003 and reached the semi-finals in 2007.

Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies): +350

The 2006 Derby champ will be eager to put on a power show in his hometown. With 153 homers and a pair of MLB home run leading campaigns from 2006-08, Howard is capable of giving the fans a huge performance on Monday. He is on pace to hit only 42 homers in 2009 after hitting 47 or more over each of the last three seasons.

Howard has clubbed seven home runs in 63 career at-bats at Busch Stadium.

Prince Fielder (Milwaukee Brewers): +500

At 25, Fielder is still evolving as a hitter after blasting onto the scene with a 50-homer season in 2007. He slipped to 34 homers a year ago but is on track to blast 40+ bombs in 2009. Fielder was knocked out of the first round in his previous Derby appearance in 2007.

The Cardinals pitching staff has been able to contain Fielder in his visits to Busch. Fielder has just five home runs at St. Louis in 101 career at-bats.

Adrian Gonzalez (San Diego Padres): +500

Gonzalez will welcome the neutral dimensions of Busch in contrast to the home run graveyard of Petco Park in San Diego. It’s amazing that Gonzalez has swatted 24 homers in 2009. He gets no help from his spacious home park or any protection in a weak Padres lineup.

Gonzalez has just one homer in 37 career at-bats at Busch. He is slumping heading into the Derby with just a pair of homers since early June.

Carlos Pena (Tampa Bay Rays): +600

Pena appears to be the biggest AL threat to steal the thunder away from the more accomplished NL sluggers. After bouncing around with four clubs early in his career, he has found a home in Tampa.

Pena has smashed 101 homers in his two and a half seasons with the Rays. He leads the junior circuit in homers this year with 24.

Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins): +800

Mauer already has a career high 15 homers heading into the All-Star break. He will try to match last year’s champion and current teammate, Justin Morneau.

Since beginning his first complete year in the majors in 2005, Mauer has averaged less than 10 homers per season. The .324 career hitter is only 26, so he could continue to evolve his power stroke in the years to come.

Brandon Inge (Detroit Tigers): +1200

Inge has grinded his way to the Derby after getting to the All-Star classic on the final day of voting. The 32-year-old has gained little fanfare in his nine-year major league career.

He is on track for his second 20+ homer season in 2009. With 19 homers heading into the break, he should be able to zoom past his career-high of 27 bombs in 2006.

Nelson Cruz (Texas Rangers): +600

Like Inge, Cruz is a relative unknown compared to some of the other mashers. He entered the 2009 season with a total of just 22 career homers since breaking into the majors with the Brewers in 2005.

In a deep Texas lineup, Cruz has pounded out 21 home runs as the break approaches.

[Udog]

Make or break: Four teams to watch in the second half


We look at four MLB teams that have make or break second half schedules.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins will enter the break right around .500 and still be in contention in the American League Central. That's the good news.

After the break, 40 of their remaining 73 games are on the road. Minnesota finished the first half with a 17-24 record on the road and it will come out of the gates with 10 straight road games beginning July 17th.

If that wasn’t tough enough, the Twins close the season with a brutal September that features 16 of their 27 games coming away from home.

With both Detroit and Chicago playing the majority of their games at home in the second half, it will be a challenge for the Twins to win their division.

New York Yankees

After a typical slow start, the Yankees are catching fire. New York will have more second half games at home (39) than on the road (35), but the schedule overall looks very tough.

The Yankees have difficult non-division series against Detroit, Chicago (two series), Seattle (two series), Texas and Los Angeles, all clubs still fighting for the postseason as well.

The real issue for New York lies within the division. It has played 32 games in the American League East, going a disappointing 15-17 and it has 40 remaining including 19 on the road. Obviously the Yankees have to improve upon their 0-8 record against Boston.

Philadelphia Phillies

The defending World Series champions have a nice cushion entering the second half of the season.

Philadelphia went 48-33 at home last season but is just 21-23 this year. That should help going forward. The Phillies won't win 48 games on their home field this season but it's a safe bet they'll finish above .500.

Philadelphia has the best divisional record but it has already played 13 against the Washington Nationals. The Phils are fared well outside their division (19-11) and they'll need to continue that success to claim the NL East title once again.

San Francisco Giants

While many have crowned the Dodgers the National League West champions, The Giants are not going away without a fight. They are six games back of in the West own a three-game lead in the Wild Card standings.

San Francisco is 31-14 at home, which is the best home record in all of baseball. It has played the second most home games within the division and the fourth most in the National League, so it will have to pick up its play on the road to remain a playoff contender.

The Giants have seven remaining road series outside of the division that come against teams currently under .500. That will be beneficial knowing that their record on the road is currently 18-24.