How long as it been since the National League won the All Star Game? Let me put it into perspective. Bill Clinton had yet to meet an intern named Monica Lewinsky. Derek Jeter had 0 that’s right ZERO World Series titles. Oh yeah and the same can be said about Tiger Woods who was 9 months away from winning his first major title.
That could all change with the National League starting 15 game winner Ubaldo Jimenez. Jimenez has been nearly unflappable in the first half already pitching a no hitter with an ungodly 15-1 mark with 2.20 ERA. The American League will counter with young phenom David Price. However, I believe the nerves of such a young player starting in his first All Star game could prove to be a factor.
The NL bullpen is also very deep with arguably the hottest pitcher in all of baseball in Florida Marlins starter Josh Johnson as well as Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum.
Expect the motivation to be with the National League. “This should be the year we end this drought,” Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard said. “I’m getting tired of hearing about the American League winning and how long they’ve won, every year for the last 13 years or what not.”
NL Manager Charlie Manuel also knows how crucial the All Star game can be. He has been involved with the last two World Series so he knows the importance of home field advantage in the October Classic. Don’t be surprised if that NL drought ends tonight in Anaheim.
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