All-Star Game

I thought it was one of the better recent All Star games.  The best thing about the evening, concerning Derek Jeter, was that there really wasn't a scripted on-field tribute, everything seemed spontaneous - just a heartfelt sense of appreciation for the man and player.  Mike Trout was/is fantastic - really nothing more exciting to see than Trout kicking it into high gear rounding the bases on another EBH, although I would have been fine with Jeter getting the MVP nod.

Yes, there really, really should have been a tribute to Tony Gwynn - people messed that one up, big time.  I enjoyed that Kurt Suzuki and Perkins got to close it out as battery-mates in front of the home crowd.  It didn't break my heart to see Yasiel Puig wear the sombrero.  For the most part, the pitching was tremendous, with just enough offense to keep it lively.

It seems to me that we're in a really rich period right now for MLB baseball in terms of talent.  There are just a ton of great players right now - look at the ERAs this season, and how many starters are over the 10-win point at the break (yes I know, wins are considered a meaningless stat for pitchers....)

Unless there's something I don't know about - no mention of Tony Gwynn was a MAJOR screwup.  Just amazing.

Huge Yankee fan, but even I'm sick of all the Jeter stuff. There is something about the way he interviews that I just don't love. Unapproachable comes to mind. Still a half season of mediocre baseball to go.

And I couldn't agree more, no mention of Gwynn is just plain wrong.

Birdman - I'm glad you said it and not me.  I think Jeter had a great career, and revolutionized the position even more than some of his predecessors.  He is a very talented player and certainly HOF worthy.  I also think Jeter got lucky with this career timing, and alot of credit thrown his way unnecessarily.  I think his unapproachable-ness is a strong desire to keep a personal life in one of the highest profile positions on the highest profile team in sports.  Frankly, I don't blame him for that.  I really wish the media circus would end on this Jeter thing too   Hopefully the media will find something else to focus on...World Cup 2018 in Russia......anyone?.