All Star Game 2010 Preview

The All Star Game 2010 comes under a pall tonight. Although the All Star Game 2010 goes on, tonight's All Star Game isn't the big story in baseball. The memory of George Steinbrenner will hang over the game, as the sport he helped change has one of its biggest events. But although Steinbrenner will be remembered in some way, the game itself still has to proceed. At that point, a few Yankees will try to help the American League win the All Star Game 2010, and maintain dominance over the National League.

Since 1996, the National League has gone winless in the midseason classic, even after it started to count. Ever since Bud Selig made this game count for World Series home field, the American League champions have always had it. Tonight, the National League tries to get home field for the first time, for the benefit of the Braves, Padres, Reds, Phillies, Rockies and other contenders.

The All Star Game 2010 in Anaheim matches baseball's best, although the pitchers may have more star power than the batters. Although the American League may have the biggest hitters in their starting lineup, the National League could have the deepest rotation.

Ubaldo Jimenez is starting the All Star Game 2010 for the National League, with his 15-1 record. Yet there was a case for Florida's Josh Johnson to get the starting nod himself, which speaks to his own excellence. Behind them, the likes of Tim Lincecum, Roy Halladay, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and more are in the bullpen.

For the American League, their All Star Game 2010 starters include Ichiro, Derek Jeter, Miguel Cabrera, Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero. Joe Mauer, last year's MVP, is batting seventh in this order. Meanwhile, young David Price will start on the mound for the AL, with CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Cliff Lee and more behind him.

However, the starters will only go 2-3 innings at the most. Usually, this event is decided by backups in the late innings, assuming the game is in reach. This is where Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel's roster selections will pay off, or backfire on their leagues.

The All Star Game 2010 for baseball stands out from other sports, mainly because of the stakes Selig put on it. That decision has had a share of backlash, but Selig had to do something after the infamous tie in Milwaukee years ago. However, the National League has not benefited from it at all in October.

Still, if the National League snaps their losing streak tonight, it would be a big help for their champion. The Yankees, Rays and Red Sox have three of the best records in baseball, yet if one of them makes the World Series, they would start on the road if the AL loses. That could make them complain, although having home field doesn't guarantee a championship.

Nevertheless, the All Star Game 2010 festivities go on tonight. Coverage begins at 8 pm est on FOX, with the actual first pitch to follow at some point.

Sources

CBS Sports- "MLB All Star Game"

7 Online- "Remembering The Boss"