Opinion

The 2010 Home Run Derby competitors are gradually being unveiled, and it should all lead up nicely to the typical, power-packed slugfest.

Thus far, the participants include Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, David Ortiz, Vernon Wells, Corey Hart, and Matt Holliday.

These six certainly represent a great variety of home run hitters but the lineup could stand to take on a little pizazz.

Prior to June 12, 1997, the concept of a National League team playing an American league team during baseballs regular season was merely an idea or something that some people thought they could only dream about.

Then it happened. Interleague play became a reality and has been a staple on the Major League Baseball schedule since.

When the idea became reality, it was a grand and glorious spectacle. Stadium attendances skyrocketed and television ratings were the highest they had been in years. The sports world was abuzz with baseballs crowning new achievement.

The year 2010 has been the year of rookies and farewells.

Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward make their mark, while Key Griffey, Jr. and Chipper Jones make their final path around the bases. Likewise, the steroid era finally seems past us as home run totals are shrinking and pitching is making a comeback.

When it comes to the Home Run Derby, this makes it harder to expect pure dominance.

As the All-Star Game approaches, let's take an updated look at Ben Sheets' season.

Last night, Sheets had his longest outing of the season, going 7.1 innings in a tough 3-1 loss against the mighty Yankees. This was his second-best outing of the year and his best one in a month, as he faced a very deep lineup.

The game displayed the ups and downs of his season. Sheets pitched a great game, except the home run that he gave up to Mark Teixeira, but still lost.

On Monday, in Anaheim, California, Major League Baseball begins its yearly ceremonial celebration for the regular season's halfway point with the 81st All-Star Game.

However, last night officially split the 162-game campaign as teams have played between 81-83 games.

It’s finally July. This marks the midpoint of the baseball season and with that the All-Star Game.

There’s been endless talk of who got snubbed and as always, the debate of how voting should work is in the air. Along with it comes the debate over the rule of mandating at least one All-Star rep for each team.

Some say it’s tradition that every team is represented. Others say it needs to go.

The Yankees have been forced to shuffle around their roster due to injuries this season. Their bullpen and designated hitter spot in their lineup.  Players like Al Aceves, Sergio Mitre, Nick Johnson and Marcus Thames, who, while not bona fide stars, all do play a particular role on the 2010 Yankees.

The Yankees have had to make do with parts from other team's scrap heap as well as from their own farm system. Players like Kevin Russo, Chad Huffman, Colin Curtis and Chad Gaudin have all come in some capacity to fill the voids.

It was reported yesterday that the Twins made a concrete offer of 22-year-old catcher Wilson Ramos and 20-year-old outfielder Aaron Hicks for the Mariners’ Cliff Lee. If true, it’s a good starting place for negotiations. The Twins will likely have to offer at least one more prospect to get Lee.

Finding the right words to describe the importance of the Philadelphia Phillies first half-ending home stand against the NL East leading Atlanta Braves and the NL West leading Cincinnati Reds is vexing.  

Facing off against two of the top teams in the National League right before the All-Star Break is obviously important, but how important?