Wiz's Predicted All Star Game Winner

[mickey]

All Star- NL vs. AL

Roy Halladay will start the game for the AL as a candidate to be traded by the end of the month. Many will be watching has he starts the game against a very solid lineup with Hanley Ramirez as the lead off hitter. If Halladay can get throught he NL lineup and the AL can get the early lead they have a distinct advantage with their bullpen that consists of Rivera, Papplebon, and Nathan.

If the National League has ever had a better chance to win this game it is this year. Keep in mind the NL has not won the All Star game in more than 11 years. With a fearsome three of Ramirez, Utley, and Pujols along with Lincecum on the mound I think they have a good chance to do this if they get some runs early.

After the first three the lineup does begin to fade despite Ryan Braun who is a very nice clean up hitter and Raul Ibanez behind him who is having a great season. Wright backs up Ibanez having a solid season with the bat spreading his hits, but his power numbers have disappeared. After Wright the N.L. comes with Victorino and Molina who are in the lineup more for their defense than their offense. So the N.L. must take advantage early if they are going to have a shot to win this game.

Advantage early also goes to the NL in terms of starting pitching in my opinion. I’ll take Lincecum over Halladay the way each pitcher is pitching right now. I’ll also take Danny Haren who is next in line for the National League over Zack Greinke who has been a shadow of what he did earlier this season to get him to pitch here. I believe this is where the National League could take advantage.

American League Reserves:

The Al Reserves are highlighted by pitchers Zack Greinke, Josh Becket, and Felix Hernandez for SP. While the hitters are highlighted by Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia.



National league Reservevs:

The NL Reserves are highlighted by pitchers Danny Haren, Johan Santanna, and Matt Cain. While the hitters are highlighted by Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder.



Advantage:

Starting Pitching Reserves: National League
Hitter Reserves: American League

Now when the game gets late you have arguably the best closer of all time in Mariano Rivera with two studs backing him up in Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papplebon. Obviously the NL’s closers are no slouches with K-Rod, Francisco Cordero, Heath Bell, and Ryan Franklin, but K-Rod is the lonely household name.

In the end I think you will see a very defensive game where the pitchers hold the advantage. My final prediction is:

National League

I seen where there ia a prop play being under/over 29.5 total runs/hits/errors.If there is a play i would jump on that "under".

[Victor]

Good luck mickey!