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The MLB All-Star Game is a little over a week away, and after the conclusion of popular voting, as well as additional selections, and pitcher announcements, the final rosters for the American and National League All-Star teams have been determined. On July 13, the best of the best, or at least the most well-loved, players will take the field to determine... well, nothing. Since the game is no longer for home-field advantage in the World Series, it’s really just a great way to showcase the game to potential new fans, and for all fans to have some fun.
This season’s All-Star Game is historic for one major reason, and that’s Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar becomes the first player in MLB history to be selected to the ASG roster as both a position player and a pitcher. It’s an incredible milestone for Ohtani, who many believe is the player to beat for this year’s AL MVP.
Read more about the All-Star Game in these featured stories:
- Joseph Salvador looks at the rosters, and Ohtani’s historical selection.
- David Schoenfield assesses the selections, as well as the most notable snubs.
- MLB.com has the complete list of rosters, reserves, and pitchers.
- Sarah Langs, Tom Harrigan, Manny Randhawa go a bit deeper with a team-by-team overview.
- Anthony Castrovince takes a look at the rosters specifically.
Now on to the rest of today’s links!
- Sam Blum spotlights why it is that Ohtani is more than an All-Star, he’s a superstar. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- David DeBolt shares the newest terms for Oakland’s Howard Terminal ballpark.
- RJ McDaniel goes through five specific strikeouts in Yu Darvish’s incredible career.
- ESPN has the mid-season power rankings, looking at who leads the way ahead of the ASG.
- MLB continues to lean into stupid trends, and this one just feels... weird. It’s great that the money goes to ALS research, but selling an iconic moment just feels icky.
Own a piece of history. A 1-of-1 NFT commemorating Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech.
— MLB (@MLB) July 4, 2021
All proceeds will support ALS charities: https://t.co/cYFNhqeI0y pic.twitter.com/W92wYWVVeg
- On the note of ALS, Tisha Thompson and Zachary Budman have the story of Stephen Piscotty and an A’s fan with ALS.
- Owen McGrattan takes a long at the ageless wonder that is Yuli Gurriel.
- Is Josh Donaldson what the Mets need to make a postseason push? Nick Selbe suggests the hot New York club might be circling.
- Zach Meisel brings us the story of a veteran who found his calling as an umpire. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Is Sergio Romo the first person to get a sponsorship deal out of Stickygate?
An underwear company sent Sergio Romo a whole shipment after he pulled his pants down during his foreign substance check, and they also paid his fine
— MLB Foreign Substance Checks (@StickyCheck) July 2, 2021
pic.twitter.com/3nW5WHQIot
- Devan Fink explores the reinvention of Garrett Richards.
- In a disturbing story that continues to develop, MLB has placed Trevor Bauer on administrative leave pending further investigation into his assault charges. Story by Michael Shapiro. Josh dug into this a bit in Friday’s OTC so I won’t rehash the grim details here, but needless to say it’s important MLB takes this case seriously.
- Derek Rhoads and Rob Mains do a deep dive into pitcher injuries. (Baseball Prospectus Premium required.)
- Jerry Bembry gives us an overview of the Dodgers visit to the White House.
- Speaking of... I love this so much.
JOE KELLY IS WEARING THE MARIACHI JACKET TO THE WHITE HOUSE pic.twitter.com/a2eZgwHt3M
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) July 2, 2021
- Katie Campione explains the story behind Kelly’s stylish jacket choice.
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.