BASEBALL: The 77th Annual MLB All-Star Game

This time it counts! The outcome may decide who gets an extra home game in the World Series, but the highlight of the All-Star game often proves to be player introductions. However, baseball's version is still pro-sports most compelling. And it's otherwise a slow sports day, so I'm making tonight's game the one to watch.

The AL has dominated these games recently. They've won 8 of the past 9 and the only game they failed to win was actually declared a tie by Bud Selig in 2002. However, I think the NL has a good chance to steal this one. While the AL has all the one-name stars like Ichiro, Vlad, Pudge, and A-Rod, the NL's lineup is infused with young hitting talent. Guys like Jason Bay, David Wright, Chase Utley, and Brian McCann are new to the game and should be hungrier.

The NL's best chance to win is to score early and often against AL starter Kenny Rogers. The Gambler is having another solid season, but he was chosen to start merely for having the freshest arm. And Rogers is known to be anything but clutch. In fact, he hates the spotlight and belongs to the Cameraman Ass Kicking Club with fellow pitcher Randy Johnson and two-bit actor Alec Baldwin.

My pick: National League. A victory will put game 7 of the World Series in Turner Dolphins Shea Stadium ....come to think of it, there probably won't be a game 7. The NL hasn't won a single World Series game since 2003. And the only champs it has produced in a decade have been a couple of expansion teams. I'll stop now before I change my mind about this pick.



So that's what I'll be watching. Who will you be watching? Derek Jeter? Or American Idol country babe, Carrie Underwood, who'll be singing the National Anthem?