Must-See MLB All-Star Game Story Lines

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This time of year there is no shortage of discussion surrounding the merits of the MLB All-Star Game.

Should the game count? How much should the fan vote matter? Which players were snubbed? How can we make the game better? Does anyone even watch the game?

Speaking personally, I always tune in to the game to watch the greatest players on the planet all assembled on the same field on one night. My only real qualms with the All-Star game is that I have to go nearly a whole week in the middle of the summer without any major league baseball on television.

Some of my most vivid memories as a child come from the Summer Classic. John Kruk vs. Randy Johnson in 1993, Alex Rodriguez moving shortstop to third base in favor of Cal Ripken Jr. in 2001, and the ovation for Ted Williams in Boston prior to the 1999 game are just a few of my favorite moments.

This year beautiful San Diego, California will be the epicenter of the baseball universe as baseball stars and celebrities alike descend on the city for All-Star festivities. I’ll leave it to others to discuss the Pro’s and Con’s of the game. Instead, let’s examine a few exciting story lines for this year’s Mid-Summer Classic.

Next: Strasburg and Hamels Head Home

Jul 3, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws to the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego has long been a hotbed of baseball talent and this year two of the games premier players will have the opportunity to pitch in front of family and friends. Cole Hamels and Stephen Strasburg both hail from San Diego and Tuesday’s game will surely rank quite high on their most memorable baseball moments.

Hamels was a prep star at Rancho Bernardo High School before being drafted in the 1^st round (17^th) of the 2002 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels collected a World Series ring and MVP with Philadelphia before being traded to the Texas Rangers last year. The 10 year-veteran, now in his second season in Texas, will be making his first All-Star appearance as an American League player after collecting three with Philadelphia.

Strasburg attended high school at West Hills High School in San Diego County before achieving star status at San Diego St. University. While at San Diego St., his 100 mph fastball made him the lock no. 1 overall selection by the Washington Nationals in 2009. Despite all of his accolades, Strasburg has been slowed by injuries and will be making just his second All-Star game appearance, and first since 2012.

Next: Harper vs. Fun Police

Jul 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) rounds third base after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Matt Garza (not pictured) during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryce Harper has become one of the most talented and polarizing players in the game. While his talent is undeniable, his antics have worn thin on some of the “baseball purists”. Love him or hate him, there is no denying when he steps into the batters box it is must see TV. He relishes the attention and will surely want to put on a show for a national audience.

Harper, still just 23 year’s-old, will be making his fourth All-Star Game appearance. Some detractors may say that Harper’s stats do not make him worthy of being a starter in the game, but he still boasts an on-base percentage of .400, and has clubbed 19 home runs.

The flash bulbs will be in full effect while Harper is in the game. Chances are he will be met with a mixed reaction of boos and cheers when he steps to the plate at Petco Park. Whether it’s his offensive power, prodigious outfield arm, flashy cleats and haircut, Harper is sure to make a splash at this year’s game.

Next: Cubs vs. Red Sox

Jul 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist (18), shortstop Addison Russell (27), center fielder Dexter Fowler (24), third baseman Kris Bryant (17), starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49), starting pitcher Jon Lester (34), and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) are honored before the game against the Atlanta Braves with their All-Star jerseys at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

This year two of the most prominent franchises in baseball will be very well represented in the All-Star Game. The Chicago Cubs will have seven players in San Diego while the Boston Red Sox will have six representatives. While they are two of the most popular team’s, each team is deserving of the lofty accolades as they have been among the best team’s in baseball this year as well.

Cubs fans are riding the wave of their most successful team in well over a decade and they have voted in five starters to the Mid-Summer Classic. Specifically, the entire Cubs infield composed of Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, and Kris Bryant, were all fan selections. Mix in Dexter Fowler, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester and the Cubs will be sporting quite an impressive group in San Diego.

Red Sox fans were not stingy with their voting either as they voted Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley and David Ortiz as All-Star game starters. Sox pitchers Stephen Wright and Craig Kimbrel will also be making the strip west to join the festivities.

While you can split hairs on a couple of players (Russell, Kimbrel), there is no denying both of these teams deserve to have a large contingency represented in San Diego.

Next: Cy Young vs. MVP

Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after tripping while rounding second base during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

You will not want to tune in late to the game on Tuesday and risk missing out on possibly the best one on one matchup the game will offer. In all likelihood the top of the first inning will feature Mike Trout in the batters box against Jake Arrieta. Watching arguably the two best players at their positions face off is exactly what makes the All-Star Game great.

Both players are on top of their game again this year heading into the break. Trout is putting up his typical eye-popping numbers as he is batting over .320, with 64 runs, 18 home runs, 56 RBI’s and 15 SB. Arrieta. on the other hand, has 12 wins, to go along with a 2.33 era and 115 K’s in 108 innings.

National League manager Terry Collins will have a tough choice as to who will be the NL starter, but given the strong Cubs presence in the game, he will be hard pressed to pass on Arrieta. As far as Trout is concerned, he has been selected to his fifth consecutive All-Star game, and will be batting at the top of the order for American League manager Ned Yost. Count me among-the-many hoping for an Arrieta vs. Trout battle.

Next: Big Papi's Farewell

Jun 27, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) on deck to bat during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

David Ortiz will be making his 10^th and final All-Star Game appearance as he caps off an amazing 20-year career. It’s hard to fathom that Ortiz played six years in Minnesota and never made an All-Star appearance.

Since coming to Boston as a 28-year old in 2004, he has made all 10 of his All-Star appearances, won three World Series titles and two World Series MVP’s. His time in Beantown has earned him a sure-fire ticket to Cooperstown, and he has become one of baseball’s most iconic players.

Rest assured this All-Star selection was not just a token pick for the old vet as he rides off into the sunset. Ortiz has certainly earned his place in San Diego as he has put up incredible first half numbers. He is among the AL leaders in batting average at .327 while smashing 20 homers, and driving in 69 runs. Lest we not forget his two stolen bases either!

Next: Who Should Start for the AL?

Ortiz will surely receive a standing ovation every time he steps to the plate, and with a big hit could bring home MVP honors as well. Don’t miss out on the last time to see Big Papi on one of baseball’s biggest stages. I know I wont.

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