All Star Game

I personally can not wait for the upcoming All Star game. I think it will be a low scoring game that will come down to pitching and defense in the end. The NL has a strong staff featuring, Ubaldo Jimenez, Roy Halladay, Josh Johnson,and Tim Lincecum to name a couple. They also have plenty of power of the bench, including 3 first baseman,( Votto, Howard, Gonzalez) not to mention Albert Pujols as the starter.

On the AL side, the starters are solid all through the field. Jeter might actually hit last!( Hows that for an all star game lineup?) And keep a look out for the AL's big 4 lefty pitchers. Cliff Lee,( who will still represent the Mariners) Jon Lester, young ace David Price, and South Sider Matt Thornton.

Some snubs i thought were deserving:

• 2 South Siders- Alex Rios ( .305 14 HR 47 RBI) Paul Konerko ( .299 20 HR 63 RBI)
• LAA-Jered Weaver ( 8-4 2.97 ERA)
• SD- Matt Latos (10-2 2.45 ERA0
• Det- Brennan Boesch ( .345 .605 SLG0

One last note, I am glad to see more middle relief pitchers head to Anaheim. They deserve more respect and attenttion for the role they play for their teams. 3 were chosen this year, Arthur Rhodes(Cin) Matt Thornton (CWS) Evan Meek (PIT)

Leave comments or your snubs

Free Agency

Now that the Free Agency frenzy is pretty much over, lets go over some of the highlights.

• Obviously, the big winner was the Miami Heat. Adding 3 major superstars to your team makes you an instant Championship contender. People should stop talking about of how it won't work, like who should take the last shot or run the team. All 3 are professionals and will do what it takes to win. Give the last shot to the hottest hand during that game and/or whoever has the mismatch. Give the Heat another solid guard( have been linked to Mike Miller and Derek Fisher) and some big bodies to defend the paint, and a championship can be within reach in Year One.
• The Bulls did not come out with any of the top free agents, but i do feel they improved immensely. Boozer will be solid next to Noah, and they added shooters to go along with Rose at the point. What I also like is that they still have enough money left over to offer a max contract to someone next year. Do I smell Carmelo here?
• My winners of free agency besides the Heat are the Knicks and Suns. The Knicks grabbed a superstar in Amare and got a solid player in Raymond Felton at point. Plus, look for them to be aggressive next year during free agency. I felt the Suns replaced Stodemire fine by reataining Channing Frye and signing Hakim Warrick form the Bulls. Look for them to compete again in the West.