MLB

Isn't it amazing how sports shape our perceptions of people?

Remember just two years ago when Barry Bonds was chasing the all-time home run record? Who gave him the most grief on the road?

Dodger fans.

The same Dodger fans who have turned their head to the fact that their guy actually was caught for PEDs. The same Dodger fans who doesn't believe that Bonds could have taken steroids unknowingly doesn't think or doesn't care what Manny Ramirez does, because he's their guy now.

If the fans of Philadelphia expect a repeat this fall, or for that matter a solid playoff run, the starting pitching must be addressed. 

The struggles of Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez being on the DL, inconsistent hitting across the board, home ballpark struggles, championship hangover, or any other excuse you want to chalk up, all are minuscule in comparison to the conspicuous truth—the Phillies need another starting pitcher.  

Let's discuss starting pitching first. 

Why a picture of Pedroia? Because he's one of two starters (the other being Hamilton) that doesn't deserve a trip to St. Louis.

It's ridiculous to see some of the players that got in (Hamilton, Granderson) and that others didn't.

Here is the list of people who should have gotten in from the American League. They have put up stellar numbers, but I guess not good enough...

Just a note -- there's no catcher snub.

Outlandish? Do you agree or disagree?

Never in my history of watching sports have I been as frustrated as I have been with the 2009 version of the Atlanta Braves.

I have watched as they hit great in spurts of three games, and then perform terribly in five. I've watched a dominant pitching staff throw quality innings night-in and night-out for Atlanta, only to see the pitcher rewarded with a loss in a 1-0 game.

Other games, we've watched Atlanta hold a lead for the majority of the game, only to have the relief staff blow the game to pieces.

While playing a three game series against the Washington Nationals this weekend, the Braves faced three left-handed pitchers.

In the second and third games of the series, the Braves left Jeff Francoeur on the bench while starting Matt Diaz in right field and Garret Anderson in left field.

Despite the fact that Diaz hits much better against lefties than righties, the Braves should be using Diaz as an everyday right fielder as long as the only other option is Jeff Francoeur.

BY DOUG RUSH

For the last two years, we have heard the $64 million dollar question: Where does Joba Chamberlain belong in the Yankee pitching staff?

This is his first season as a full-time starter. He has already made 16 starts and lets see where Joba is at:

In 16 starts, 84.2 innings—which averages out to 5.2 innings per start, 74 strikeouts, 41 walks and has four wins.

So with the major league season about half way through, Joba has only won 1-4 of his starts and he also hasn't given the Yankees any major length in his starts.

While the Texas Rangers were regaining the top spot in the American League West, Rays manager Joe Madden wasn't paying much attention. Ian Kinsler, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz, Kevin Millwood, and Elvis Andrus are a big part of why the Rangers are in first place. None of the five players made the All-Star team in 2009.

July is a telling month in the world of baseball. With the trade deadline coming at the end of the month, contending teams seek to shore up any potential weaknesses by dealing prospects for (usually) short-term solutions.

Every season at this time, baseball fans everywhere are frustrated with the All-Star selections. This is an annual part of the season that never changes, but snubbing Kevin Millwood is inexcusable.

Pitching in a stadium that doubles as a launching pad and an oven, Millwood has been more than good in the first half. He’s been dominating for a team that isn’t exactly used to dominating pitchers.

1. Tim Lincecum

He is the best pitcher the Giants have had since Jason Schmidt. Lincecum is 9-2 with a 2.23 ERA this season.

This Cy Young winner is on track to start the All Star Game in St. Louis. Fans love watching him strike out batter after batter and he makes all the Filipino fans in the Bay Area proud of him.