Sports
 

New blood pumps All-Star game

Moyer, Williams get first cracks at mid-season classic

Mendoza Line

Ed De La Garza

It didn't end in a tie, so baseball commissioner Bud Selig must consider the American League's 7-6 win over the National League on Tuesday a success. Of course, few ever remember the outcome of an All-Star Game as much as they do the "moments."

You get to see Cal Ripken Jr. hit a home run in his final All-Star Game; John Kruk turn his at-bat against Randy Johnson into a comedy routine; and Houston's Junction Jack win the mascot's home run derby.

Roger Clemens just sneaked onto the roster because of Barry Zito's phantom injury (and nearly missed making it to Chicago because of Hurricane Claudette). Dusty Baker did the right thing by replacing the injured Kevin Brown with Dontrelle Willis. Cougar fans could delight in seeing former UH-standout and current St. Louis pitcher Woody Williams make it to the game for the first time in his career. If Houston had gone after Williams in the off-season, it could have had two representatives in the game.

People who deserved to be on the roster were on it. Despite a recent run, Sammy Sosa wasn't playing like an All-Star. Neither was Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Greg Maddux or Frank Thomas. Instead, fans got to see a changing of the guard. They may be back next year, but at least for once, it was nice to see some new blood -- and some old. He's not overpowering and he's not likely to make any "greatest of all-time" lists, but Seattle's Jamie Moyer (12-5, 3.02 ERA) made his All-Star debut at age 40.

Maybe next year, Major League Baseball can add even more intrigue to the All-Star Game by letting the mascots decide who gets home field advantage in the World Series with a home run derby. Maybe the winning team can also get crack at Milwaukee's sausage mascots. Next year, let's really make it count. 

At the break

Now that the second half of the season has officially begun, which division leaders are likely to make it to the playoffs? Which ones will make noise in the postseason? Who's going to win the World Series? Why are there so many questions in this paragraph? Is it the mark of a hack or a literary genius? Why don't we read on? 

NL Central -- Now that the Cubs have made their annual swoon, the division can get back to being a two-horse race as usual. The Astros have plenty of offense and relief pitchers Brad Lidge, Octavio Dotel and Billy Wagner are the best in the division. Getting them the ball is the problem. St. Louis has more firepower (Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria are better than Jeff Kent, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman and Richard Hidalgo). Until Roy Oswalt proves he can stay healthy, the Cardinals have the advantage. A proven starting pitcher could help. Pick: St. Louis.

NL East -- Atlanta has an 8.5 game lead on Philadelphia. While the Phillies are one of the frontrunners for the wild card spot, they're clearly not going to challenge the Braves for the division title. Mike Hampton and Maddux aren't pitching like aces, but this season the Braves are scoring enough runs to make that a non-factor. Pick: Atlanta.

NL West -- A month ago, San Francisco's sole threat was Los Angeles. Now that the Dodgers are sputtering and have turned to a 44-year-old baserunner and overpaid outfielder for help, the only thing that could wreck the Giants' chances of returning to the World Series is a healthy Randy Johnson. Johnson should return to the Diamondbacks by the end of the month. Arizona looked deader than the Tigers earlier in the season, but the Big Unit's return could be enough to get it into a race with San Francisco. Still, it's a pretty big mountain to climb. Pick: San Francisco.

NL Wild Card -- The wild card team's not coming out of the Central, which leaves just Philadelphia, Arizona, Montreal and the Dodgers with a shot at the postseason. Florida's playing well, but the Marlins won't contend for anything other than pride. Pick: Arizona.

NL Championship Series -- Atlanta versus San Francisco. It would be nice to see Barry Bonds get another chance at a ring, but we may be in for another long postseason run by the Braves. Shane Reynolds will finally play in the Series. NL Champion Pick: Atlanta.

Next week -- The junior varsity.

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