Hey Now, You’re An All Star

Of all of the farcical All Star games going, the MLB’s is probably the least stupid, given that the winnign conference gets homefield advantage in the World Series. But the naming of the All Stars is always a big deal. It’s reward for the best and brightest and, let’s be honest, the most popular. This year’s crop is highlighted by a final appearance by Derek Jeter, even though he by no means deserves it on the basis of this season. But, dammit, this is JETER we’re talking about!

Here are the rosters:

AL Starters

C Matt Wieters, Orioles
1B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B Robinson Cano, Mariners
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B Josh Donaldson, Athletics
DH Nelson Cruz, Orioles
OF Jose Bautista, Blue Jays (leading vote-getter overall)
OF Mike Trout, Angels
OF Adam Jones, Orioles

NL Starters

C Yadier Molina, Cardinals
1B Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
2B Chase Utley, Phillies
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
3B Aramis Ramirez, Brewers
OF Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
OF Carlos Gomez, Brewers
OF Yasiel Puig, Dodgers

AL Pitchers

RHP Yu Darvish, Rangers
RHP Max Scherzer, Tigers
RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners
RHP Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees
LHP Jon Lester, Red Sox
LHP David Price, Rays
LHP Scott Kazmir, Athletics
LHP Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays
LHP Sean Doolittle, Athletics
RHP Greg Holland, Royals
LHP Glen Perkins, Twins
RHP Dellin Betances, Yankees

NL Pitchers

RHP Johnny Cueto, Reds
LHP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
RHP Zack Greinke, Dodgers
LHP Madison Bumgarner, Giants
RHP Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
RHP Tyson Ross, Padres
RHP Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
RHP Julio Teheran, Braves
RHP Craig Kimbrel, Braves
LHP Aroldis Chapman, Reds
RHP Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers
LHP Tony Watson, Pirates
RHP Pat Neshek, Cardinals

Biggest 2014 MLB All Star Snubs:

• Kyle Seager (Seattle Mariners) - .274 BA / 13 HR / 59 RBI
• Alfredo Simon (Cincinnati Reds) – 11-3 W-L / 2.78 ERA / 67-26 K-BB
• Henderson Alvarez (Miami Marlins) – 6-3 W-L / 2.27 ERA / 3 SHO / 70-22 K-BB
• Ian Kinsler (Detroit Tigers) - .302 BA / 11 HR / 60 R / 45 RBI
• Billy Hamilton (Cincinnati Reds) - .272 BA / 41 R / 53 SB

Update on Melo & LeBron’s Free Agency

Still waiting…

Interesting Weekly Trend

Money on the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the upcoming NBA season is flying in according the Vegas, as rumours swirl that perhaps LeBron James is leaning towards a return to his hometown team. His agent has supposedly told him to seriously consider it…

VOTE FOR THE ESPY’S!

http://espn.go.com/espys/2014/

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First Block of Joel Embiid's NBA Career

Good Week:

• Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles) – The O’s are on a tear right now, winning 7 of their last 10 which has rocketed them into first in the AL East. A huge part of that has been outfielder Jones, who’s just had a 10 game hit streak snapped.

• Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) – He’s completed his Duncan-esque promise and signed a nice franchise friendly deal that’ll keep Mavs fans happy for another few years. What a top bloke. Plus he’s German, and it’s been a nice week for Germans.

Bad Week:

• Texas Rangers – No team in baseball is more out of form than the Rangers. With a historic level of injuries, a season that looked like another contender has fast turned sour. At least they still have a pair of all stars in Adrian Beltre and Yu Darvish. The Rangers are 1-9 in their past 10 and with a 0.1% chance of making the playoffs.
• This Guy – Who fell asleep at a ball game and tried to sue ESPN for US$10m for showing him in his somnolent state. Americans, eh?

Player of the Week:

LeBron James (Free Agent) – He holds ALL THE POWER! The NBA world, perhaps even the entire (non-football) sporting world stands idly by awaiting his decision.

Upcoming Dates (NZ Time):

July 16 - MLB All Star Game

August 4 - NFL Preseason Begins

September 5 - NFL Regular Season Begins