All-Star Party: The Break MLB Needed
In the last few days, MLB held its prospect game, draft, home run contest and all-star game.
The two big attractions for the public (competition and match) were great. The competition gave rise to good times and the Match of the stars was also rich in emotions.
And when you take the time to think about it with hindsight, the break was good.
Yes, everyone likes to follow their team daily. That said, to see the fun the guys had last night and get out of the competitive setting for one evening, it changes the atmosphere a bit. And this, as much for the players as for the fans.
I don’t know about you, but watching the All-Star Game yesterday in my living room, I was more relaxed than during a game involving the Eastern rivals of the American. The fact of not having a stake allowed everyone to decompress.
To see the guys having fun and not taking themselves too seriously was great.
I’m thinking here of David Ortiz who went to Dusty Baker to give him the chance to strike. I think of the smiles on guys’ faces when they had just landed a good shot – or a bad shot.
I think of players like Alek Manoah, who had the chance to let loose and show his true personality with his microphone. That was candy.
I named Manoah, but it could have been Liam Hendriks, Jose Trevino or any guy who was lucky enough to be himself for one night.
This sequence there between Big Papi and the pitcher of the Jays was worth gold in particular.
The last few days have also reminded us how important Albert Pujols, who is not having a big season this year, is for baseball.
It recalibrated us with the pleasure of the ball, in my opinion. Although the two worst pitchers of the game (Shane McClanahan and Tony Gonsolin) are two of the favorites for the Cy Young, they had fun. Moreover, Gonsolin finally suffered his first defeat of the season!
Both for fans of bad teams (who have had a break) and those of good clubs, the All-Star Game creates a clear demarcation before big moments. After all, the long summer months are coming, the trade deadline is upon us and the race for the playoffs has already begun.
I don’t know about you, but I feel ready to attack the rest of the season.
- Jacob deGrom is not 100%.
- The Rays stadium is still talking.
- Aaron Judge has been talked about with an answer that does not clearly indicate his desire to remain in New York.
- Julio Rodriguez hurt all over after the contest. Imagine Albert Pujols…
