Major League Baseball All-Star Game Preview
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is finally here. The city of Anaheim is flooded with baseball talent as the best players in the world are ready to duke it out. With that in mind, it’s time for the MLB All-Star Game 2010 preview. It’s been 15 years since the National League defeated the American League to win the Midsummer Classic. But the National plan to end that losing skid tonight in Anaheim at Angel Stadium for the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.
The National League is headlined by its incredibly talented pitching staff, led by starter Ubaldo Jimenez. While Jimenez has had his share of disappointments leading up to this week, he still enters this game with an unbelievable 15-1 record and 2.20 ERA. Joining him are Roy Halladay (10-7, 2.19 ERA) who has already thrown a perfect game this season, Josh Johnson (9-3, 1.70 ERA) from the Marlins, a pitcher trying to silence his critics, Tim Lincecum (9-4, 3.16 ERA) and Adam Wainwright (13-5, 2.11 ERA).
It is easy to see why the National League has a little more swagger this year compared previous seasons heading into the 81st MLB All-Star Game. Their bullpen is loaded with rocket arms.
Phillies and NL manager Charlie Manuel spoke to ESPN about his decision to choose Jimenez over Florida's Josh Johnson. “He is one of the great talents, and he's a treat to watch pitch,” said Manuel referring to Jimenez. “He's 15-1. His record speaks for itself. I said Jimenez from the beginning…He was my pick."
Jimenez was flattered to be named the starting pitcher and acknowledged what this accomplishment means to him. "Any little thing is going to be huge for your career," Jimenez said on MLB.com "It's just a huge honour for me to be out here. Hopefully we can put everything together and break the losing streak."
His opposition will be looking to continue its success against the National League and keep the series a one-sided affair. Leading the American League is arguably one of the best hitters in the game right now, Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers' first baseman leads the American League in both batting average (.346) and RBI (77), and 22 home runs. Outfielder Josh Hamilton also enters this game with identical stats as Cabrera aside from his RBI. Both players are a dominating force in the MLB and their impressive stats prove just that.
This game will feature strength versus strength as the American League’s roster is stacked with heavy hitters. Vlad Guerrero has 20 home runs and 75 RBI. Add Robinson Cano (.336 batting average) and Evan Longoria (.300, 13 home runs), to that list and you have the game’s best hitters in the line-up. As good as they are, they will surely be tested in tonight’s game.
Guerrero, who signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers back in January, is not only reintroducing himself in an All-Star Game, but he is also coming back to Anaheim, a place he called home for six years.
The American League’s pitching staff features Tampa Bay’s David Price, who got the nod of approval from his coaching staff to start the game. He enters this game with a solid 12-4 record and 2.42 ERA. Jon Lester of Boston (11-3, 2.78 ERA) and Cliff Lee, will split the workload with Price.
With the advantage clearly swinging in favour on the American League, due to their power hitters, they are favourites to win. But don’t tell that to the National League. They are a confident bunch and rightfully so. Tonight’s game will determine whether it is better to have solid pitching or be armed with sluggers looking to give fans souvenirs by sending pitches out of the ball park.
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