Tonight is the 2014 MLB All-Star Game where the winner of the game enables home field advantage for the respective league championship series winner in the World Series.
Tonight’s chosen match-up: National League All-Stars vs American League All-Stars
The 2014 MLB All-Star Game takes place this evening at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The National League is headlined by Dodgers right fielder Yusiel Puig starting and making his first all-star appearance. Puig is penciled in in the 2nd spot in the batting lineup. Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen is batting lead off as he makes his 4th all-star game appearance. Phillies 2nd baseman Chase Utley will be batting 7th as he leads all National all-stars with his 6th appearance. The National League has 14 players on their roster making their all-star game debuts. The starting pitcher for the NL is Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals. Wainwright comes in to the game with a 12-4 record and a 1.83 era. The American League is headlined by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter making his 14th and final all-star game. Jeter gets the honor of leading off tonight. Angels left fielder Mike Trout is in the 2nd spot in the batting order. Trout is making his 3rd all-star game appearance and comes in with a .310 batting average and 22 homers and 73 rbi’s. There will be a spotlight on one of the reserves for the American League as White Sox 1st baseman rookie Jose Abreau makes his debut in the all-star game leading the majors with 29 home runs. The A’s lead the majors with the most all-star selections with 6 players. The starting pitcher for the AL is Felix Hernandez of the Mariners. Hernandez comes in to the game with an 11-2 record and 2.12 era with 154 k’s.
The American League broke a 3 game losing streak versus the National League with a 3-0 victory last year. Despite the previous losing streak the AL has won 13 of the last 17 meetings.
National League vs American League Prediction
I believe a lot of the focus in the beginning (and end) of the game will be on Derek Jeter. In the middle though I expect Jose Abreau (when he’s brought in) to have a breakout performance and lead the AL to a victory. Not only is home field in the World Series at stake but the AL will play inspired for Jeter.
Take the American League All-Stars -110 (Bovada.lv)
Tagged With : All Star Game • American League All-Stars • National League All-Stars