All-Star Game thoughts

Mariano Rivera is the greatest relief pitcher I have ever seen in my life time as a baseball fan.  But can someone please explain to me how he was the Most Valuable Player?  I'm sorry but I watched the entire game and I just don't get that one.  Great moment in the 8th inning with the standing ovations from both dugouts, but MVP of the game???

My favorite All-Star game memory was in 1994 in Pittsburgh.  Watching the game with my grandparents as Fred McGriff hit the game tying homerun off Baltimore's Lee Smith.  Then Tony Gwynn chugging around the bases when Moises Alou of the Expos doubled him home in extra innings to give the National League the victory.  We all hollered with a joy.  A treasured memory.

Manny Machado made a nice play at 3B and I enjoyed Brandon Phillips' barehanded double play turn. 

Grant Balfour's four pitch walk to the first batter he faced was awkward.  The announcers commented on it.  Was it nerves, discomfort, or he didn't loosen up as much as he wanted to?  He did settle down and finish the inning but for a second there looked like Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn.

If I were a left handed batter I would hate to face Chicago's Chris Sale.  His mechanics are so awkward and the way he throws across his body reminds me of Dontrelle Willis.  Let's hope Sale's career turns out much better.  Sale made Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez look very foolish on a slider out of the zone.

I like the way Jim Leyland handled the Mariano Rivera situation.  Letting him pitch the 8th inning allowed him to have his moment on the diamond all alone at the begining of the inning.  Then at the end of the 8th inning, Rivera gets the chance to come off the field and be greeted by his teammates without the game being over. 

I know there are alot of Tim McCarver haters out there but I am a fan of his.  He was been the voice of the World Series and post season my whole life.  Seeing McCarver's friendship with Joe Buck and seeing McCarver getting emotional, made me like the guy even more.  Great job by one of the best.  He will be missed after this season as he goes into retirement.  Love hearing his insight and how he connects baseball's past with baseball's present.  Very few announcers do that.