Opinion

While the Chicago Cubs fans are disappointed with the team performance so far this year, they finally have one thing to cheer about. CF Marlon Byrd, the Cubs’ only representative in this year’s Midsummer Classic, proved that he belonged to the All-Star team. 

Twitter is such an interesting place to spark ideas and have conversation. I was talking to Rob_Sports over there tonight when they mentioned an interesting scenario for when Luis Castillo returns.

@TylerFlushingBB I’d like to see Tejada get a chance to start full time with Castillo there to take over if he struggles.

https://twitter.com/rob_sports/status/18569163935

The Atlanta Braves had to move to the top of the list of teams that are racing towards the National League crown with their move today to bring in SS Alex Gonzalez.

The Braves traded once heralded players, SS Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes, to the Toronto Blue Jays for SS Alex Gonzalez and two minor league players.

The move is sure to bolster the middle of the lineup that has been struggling in the power department (Chipper Jones 6 HR, McCann 10 HR, Glaus 14 HR, Hinske 6 HR, and Escobar 0 HR).

Let's continue with summing up the wild first-half of the MLB season, by looking at the National League.

One thing is for sure, the NL is no longer “the other” league in baseball. The NL is providing plenty of drama and talent to compete with their AL counterparts.

If this is what he truly believes, then it's no wonder that former Cubs broadcaster and current Sox color man Steve Stone was never hired as a GM.

I understand that Zambrano has not fared well in recent years as a pitcher—starter or reliever.

I also know that Big Z has not lived up to his humongous contract.

But to seriously suggest that the Cubs try and make their former ace a first baseman is about as stupid of an idea as I've ever heard.

I am now officially in love with Joey Votto...well, if he were a she. 

The main headline on the Yahoo splash page runs Votto through the ringer for not hugging and slapping the rear end of Marlon Byrd.

Says Votto, "I don't like the Cubs. And I'm not going to pat anybody with a Cubs uniform on the back. But because he made that really cool play, it turned out to be a really cool experience. I'm really glad we got the win today."

Yeah baby, that's the spirit! 

I've been on record as saying that I'm a Yunel sympathizer.

I've lauded his talent and said that his occasional lapses are just part of an incredible, high-upside, (overall) well-rounded Major League shortstop.

But you know what?

When I got this text from my friend: "Did you see that trade?", and shimmied my way over to MLB Trade Rumors to be greeted by "Blue Jays Acquire Yunel Escobar..." I wasn't nearly as torn up and angry as I would I have anticipated myself being when I started bracing for this news about a month ago.

George Steinbreners greatest impact was on the fans of the New York Yankees.

On the day that "The Boss" passed away after a massive heart attack I had the the opportunity to chat with numerous fans who came out to pay their respects at "the house that George built." After talking to fans of the Bronx Bombers it was evident that Steinbrenner would be in their hearts and minds forever.

The San Francisco Giants need a big bat to make a big run at a National League playoff berth.

Guess what?

They don't need to trade starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez (whose still got a 75 percent chance of being a productive big league winner) to get outfielder Corey Hart (who'd come with 50-50 odds that his offensive numbers would diminish in the move from Milwaukee's cavernous Miller Park to San Francisco's cavernous AT&T Park).

At the end of the season, legend Bobby Cox will finally retire and hand the Braves over to another manager. The Braves would love to send him off with another World Series Title.

Last night in the All-Star game, Braves catcher Brian McCann could have helped them in a very crucial way.

As we all know, the game decides home field advantage in the World Series, and that’s what it is: an advantage.