Baseball

There is always a good deal of popularity factors in All-Star voting. That doesn't mean we have to like it. Knowing how something happens doesn't make it better. 

Derek Jeter is loved. What's more, he's loved by a fan base that dwarfs most, that of the New York Yankees. So this is the answer to the question, "Why is Derek Jeter 100,000 points ahead of Marco Scutaro in the All-Star balloting?" Here's why that answer doesn't cut the mustard.

"I believe baseball is a beautiful and exciting game, loved by millions—I among them—and I believe baseball is an important, enduring American institution. It must assert and aspire to the highest principles—of integrity, of professionalism of performance, of fair play within its rules.

It will come as no surprise that like any institution composed of human beings, this institution will not always fulfill its highest aspirations.

"I believe baseball is a beautiful and exciting game, loved by millions--I among them--and I believe baseball an important, enduring American institution. It must assert and aspire to the highest principles--of integrity, of professionalism of performance, of fair play within its rules. It will come as no surprise that like any institution composed of human beings, this institution will not always fulfill its highest aspirations.

Time once again for an update on the National League all-star race.

As expected Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have held on to the top spots for the second base and outfield positions. Utley did give up the overall lead for votes to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols however.

In an exclusive series to How Bout Them Mets we will look back at some of the transactions made by the New York Mets in their 47 year history. I would like to focus on those acquisitions which on the surface sent Mets fans into a frenzy.

What could be a better starter then the man (actually one of the men) who was traded for “The Franchise”, Tom Seaver. When this trade became known to the public it was known in New York as the “Midnight Massacre.”

This is a question that Mariners fans have been asking themselves and each other all season. So far, there really hasn't been a clear cut answer, but it's starting to look more and more like a yes.

As of now, the Seattle Mariners are sitting at 35-34, two-and-a-half games behind Texas and two behind LA.  On top of that, this upcoming series with San Diego presents an opportunity to gain even more ground, as our division rivals are facing much more challenging opponents.

I am a die-hard A's fan.

I also think like a general manager.

Balancing the two can be awfully difficult. As much as I don't want to fold at this point, the chances of the A's rallying against all odds and winning their division this year are  as likely as me becoming the next baseball commisioner. Yes, I know the A's have a history over having great second-half seasons, but this I just don't see that happening this year.

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