Ah, breath it in.  It’s time for the Midsummer Classic when the National League and American League’s “best” players meet up for their annual contest to theoretically see which is the better league.  For the past nine contests, the A.L. has flexed their muscle and shown that they are better than their senior circuit brethren. 

Oh, wait, I forgot about that debacle of an All-Star game in 2002 when the A.L. and N.L. played to a 7-7 tie, going 11 innnings.  How embarassing was that for baseball.  BUT, we’re not here to dwell on the past and certainly the N.L. doesn’t want to, last winning the All-Star game in 1996, 6-0 with Mike Piazza (then with the Los Angeles Dodgers) taking home the MVP hardware.

So, how does tonight’s matchup look?  Here’s the batting order and since the game is taking place in Pittsburgh’s beautiful and basically new, PNC Park, there is no designated hitter (and unfortunately, no deserving Travis Hafner!) and pitchers will bat:

American League
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
Derek Jeter, Yankees, SS
David Ortiz, Red Sox, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, 3B
Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, LF
Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers, C
Vernon Wells, Blue Jays, CF
Mark Loretta, Red Sox, 2B
Kenny Rogers, Tigers, P

National League
Alfonso Soriano, Nationals, LF
Carlos Beltran, Mets, CF
Albert Pujols, Cardinals, 1B
Jason Bay, Pirates, RF
Edgar Renteria, Braves, SS
David Wright, Mets, 3B
Chase Utley, Phillies, 2B
Paul Lo Duca, Mets, C
Brad Penny, Dodgers, P

My prediction?  The American League continues its dominance over the National League, beating the senior circuit 5-3 with David Ortiz taking the MVP going 2-2 with two dingers and four RBI.  Now if only Pronk could have played, I’m sure he would have hit a grand slam to take the MVP award… I mean, the guy does have five already in half a season!  Sorry, no more Hafner propaganda.

Enjoy the game! (Pronk, you were robbed!)