Marshmallowmilkshake

Well, that was the NL's best chance.

Well, nice at-bat against Merrifield!

Walker gets an inning!

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Because they play their home games in Buffalo? Makes as much sense as anything else having to do with these uniforms. Game is falling out of reach for the NL. Again.

So the Blue Jays players are wearing the Canadian flag on the front of the jersey under the Nike ad and the American flag on the sleeve. Why not just wear the Canadian flag on the sleeve?

=G-Fafif post_id=71309 time=1626222289 user_id=55] =Marshmallowmilkshake post_id=71306 time=1626220587 user_id=119] There are two Pirates and two Reds in the NL starting lineup....Yikes.

There are two Pirates and two Reds in the NL starting lineup....Yikes.

Boos for Cole and Chapman!

Watching the pre-game. Didn't realize the AL would be wearing blue pants, too. Good interview with Kris Bryant. I remember in 2003 when Armando Benitiz went to the All-Star Game as a Met, came back from the break as a Yankee and three weeks later was a Mariner. I'll take Bryant during the break.

Edgy MD wrote: Watching the Home Run Derby. Pete put on a record-breaking performance, goes to the next round. Number 8 seed Juan Soto beats Number 1 seed Ohtani, and the ESPN announcers are distraught. Jessica Mendoza actually said, "We can go home now." ESPN seemed focused on making this all about Ohtani, who understandably is an incredible story. Not sure if Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous comments were planned to stir the pot and play to the storyline, or whether he really is that stupid. Drew Margery https://defector.com/this-is-what-happens-when-espn-only-has-one-pundit/looks at the foot-shooting process behind Stephen A. Smith's awful hot take. I think the Four-Letter Network has reached the point where it has decided that the network itself is the news. That's slightly different from the previous practice, where each show existed to promote all of its other shows. It seems like there are themes or narratives that get selected and focused on. This is the month-long period where it can pay closer attention to baseball, with LeBron injured and the NFL camps not starting for a while. I get that Smith's role is to be the lightening rod, and who knows whether he actually believes half of what he says, or whether it is just what he is supposed to do. I don't know if a producer actually says to him, "Say something stupid about Otani -- stupid enough so it gets some buzz, and you can extend the cycle by a day with an apology - but not so stupid where you get fired." He might just know that's what he's supposed to do, and know where the line is that he shouldn't cross it. Kind of like Don Cherry, until he became too over the top and crossed the line.

Bears Repeating is brilliant, and I'd say a slam dunk winner for the contest -- except I'm hoping for a selection of World Champs! covers come fall.

Lefty Specialist wrote: I'm glad Pete won, but he was kind of a dick about the whole thing. The head-bobbing, the waves to the crowd, taking his time when he knew he had it in the bag. Pete, I love ya, but...... Boy, I don't know. If he was doing that in a game, I think I could see that point. But to be an entertainer in a made-for-TV skills show? I think I'm OK with having a little fun.

Turns out I was accidentally watching it on ESPN 2 instead of ESPN, and wondering why Jessica Mendoza was getting this plumb assignment. I suspect I didn't miss much. Buster Olney might have been subdued without any of his beloved Yankees in this.

Good for Pete!

Wow, that bling is, wow.

CHAMP!!

Edgy MD wrote: Pete wearing 44. I think they all are as a tribute to Aaron -- a really cool idea! Pete trying to close the deal!

OK, Pete! Give us 23 an a win!

Mancini is looking really good. And those jerseys look so much better!

Pete is in a groove!! He's going to the finals!

Watching the Home Run Derby. Pete put on a record-breaking performance, goes to the next round. Number 8 seed Juan Soto beats Number 1 seed Ohtani, and the ESPN announcers are distraught. Jessica Mendoza actually said, "We can go home now." ESPN seemed focused on making this all about Ohtani, who understandably is an incredible story. Not sure if Stephen A. Smith's ridiculous comments were planned to stir the pot and play to the storyline, or whether he really is that stupid.

=smg58 post_id=71162 time=1626120939 user_id=62] Given all the injuries, the disappointing hitting, and the duct tape holding the back end of the rotation together, I'm thrilled. The most likely team in the NL East to get hot in the second half is the Mets, and we're already in first. The key is if we get Carrasco and Syndergaard back in time for October. That, and the lineup hitting like they're capable of hitting, would give us a shot against anybody. I haven't been this bullish about the team in a while.

I've always loved the All-Star Game, and collect programs, banner, pennants and other items associated with it. I've never been to one, but have been to a number of the FanFests -- they are great! -- and the Home Run Derby before it became insane. This year's game is disappointing for a lot of reasons. Would love to see the NL pull out of win here.

Braves lose Ronald Acuna Jr. for the rest of the year with a complete tear of his ACL. I'm glad we don't have to face him, but that's bad for baseball to lose such a star. He's also this year's Hallmark ornament, and I swear there is a curse attached to that thing!

Good win!