In every major sport, the All-Star game brings fun and excitement to the fans. Like most of you, I am a sports fanatic who enjoys all sports. But unlike the NBA, NHL, and NFL versions of this event, which are full of offense, have tons of scoring, and no defense whatsoever, in the MLB mid-season contest, the players come not just to play, but to win.
Sports, like politics or religion, is one of the few subjects everyone can look at and have a different opinion. But one thing almost every writer, columnist, handicapper, and fan would agree on is, traditionally, the National League is known for their pitching while the American League is better known for their hitting.
Below is a list of the last 21 All-Star Game Finals:
| 2017 AL 2-1 |
| 2016 AL 4-2 |
| 2015 AL 6-3 |
| 2014 AL 5-3 |
| 2013 AL 3-0 |
| 2012 NL 8-0 |
| 2011 NL 5-1 |
| 2010 NL 3-1 |
| 2009 AL 4-3 |
| 2008 AL 4-3 |
| 2007 AL 5-4 |
| 2006 AL 3-2 |
| 2005 AL 7-5 |
| 2004 AL 9-4 |
| 2003 AL 7-6 |
| 2002 TIE 7-7 |
| 2001 AL 4-1 |
| 2000 AL 6-3 |
| 1999 AL 4-1 |
| 1998 AL 13-8 |
| 1997 AL 3-1 |
AL roster
Starters: C, Salvador Perez, Royals; 1B, Jose Abreu, White Sox; 2B, Jose Altuve, Astros; 3B, Jose Ramirez, Indians; SS, Manny Machado, Orioles; OF, Mookie Betts, Red Sox, Mike Trout, Angels, Aaron Judge, Yankees; DH, J.D. Martinez, Red Sox.
Reserves: C, Yan Gomes, Indians and Wilson Ramos, Rays; 1B, Mitch Moreland, Red Sox; 2B, Gleyber Torres, Yankees and Jed Lowrie, Athletics; 3B, Alex Bregman, Astros; SS, Francisco Lindor, Indians; OF, Michael Brantley, Indians. Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers, Mitch Haniger, Mariners, George Springer, Astros, Nelson Cruz, Mariners.
Pitchers: Trevor Bauer, Indians, Jose Berrios, Twins, Aroldis Chapman, Yankees, Gerrit Cole, Astros, Edwin Diaz, Mariners, J.A. Happ, Blue Jays, Joe Jimenez, Tigers, Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox, Corey Kluber, Indians, Charlie Morton, Astros, Chris Sale, Red Sox, Luis Severino, Yankees, Blake Snell, Rays, Blake Treinen, Athletics, Justin Verlander, Astros.
Final Vote winner: SS, Jean Segura, Mariners.
NL roster
Starters: C, Willson Contreras, Cubs; 1B, Freddie Freeman, Braves; 2B, Javier Baez, Cubs; 3B, Nolan Arenado, Rockies; SS, Brandon Crawford, Giants; OF, Nick Markakis, Braves, Matt Kemp, Dodgers, Bryce Harper, Nationals.
Reserves: C, Yadier Molina, Cardinals, Buster Posey, Giants, J.T. Realmuto, Marlins; 1B, Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs, Joey Votto, Reds; 2B, Ozzie Albies, Braves, Scooter Gennett, Reds; 3B, Eugenio Suarez, Reds; SS, Trevor Story, Rockies; OF, Charlie Blackmon, Rockies, Lorenzo Cain, Brewers, Christian Yelich, Brewers.
Pitchers: Patrick Corbin, D-backs, Jacob deGrom, Mets, Sean Doolittle, Nationals, Mike Foltynewicz, Braves, Zack Greinke, D-backs, Josh Hader, Brewers, Brad Hand, Padres, Kenley Jansen, Dodgers, Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers, LHP: Jon Lester, Cubs, Miles Mikolas, Cardinals, Aaron Nola, Phillies, Max Scherzer, Nationals, Ross Stripling, Dodgers, LHP: Felipe Vazquez, Pirates.
Final Vote winner: 1B, Jesus Aguilar, Brewers.
Current line: AL -125, O/U 7
In 2016, the AL was 165-135 in interleague play. In 2017, the AL was 160-140. This season, it’s the NL up 102-85.
If you look at both leagues here they have the best pitchers in the game today and are about equal. So, it comes down to hitting. The NL does have a great slate from top to bottom, but the AL has a monstrous slew of batters, certainly one of the best I can recall in years. I don’t normally play the All-Star Game, but I favor the Americans to continue its dominance. AL
Manny Machado watch: Sources in the MLB and my personal contacts are all in agreement that there are five teams in the race for the Orioles All-Star SS.
The Dodgers, Phillies, and Brewers are leading the hunt, while the Yankees and Indians are bringing up the rear. Obviously he would add to any of these already top-tier teams, but Milwaukee certainly has the most-immediate and dire need for him. Time will tell.
My GT picks swept the board last week going 2-0 for the sixth straight column to bring my season record up to 23-6.
Good luck and have a winning day.