[caption id="attachment_20" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jose Bautista goes all out and makes a phenomenal catch in last nights MLB All-Star Game."]
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Tuesday night marked the 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game that saw the American League All-Stars face those of the National League.
For a game that is apparently crucial in determining home field advantage for the World Series, it has seen in recent years more alternates and reserves play than the "true" all-stars originally selected.
Regardless of the record-low rating, and the lack of "all-stars" that played, it was another enjoyable All-Star weekend from the Futures Game to the always dragged out Home Run Derby to the important game itself that saw the National League win for the second year in a row with a 5-1 victory.
Even with the stipulation put in place since the tie in 2002, many players and managers do not see this as an important game and would rather have their players not participate instead of getting maybe one at-bat or throw maybe one inning. However, there are those that treat this game like it is no different from one in the regular season.
We had Pete Rose collide with catcher Ray Fosse at home plate during the 1970 All-Star Game, there was Torii Hunter beautifully robbing Barry Bonds of a home run in the 2001 game, and last night we saw another historical play for the books.
Blue Jays right fielder/third baseman Jose Bautista came into the All-Star weekend with a record breaking 7.4+ million votes and a high expectation to win Monday's home run derby. Jose did not have much luck as it seems nerves got the best of him and he was quickly eliminated in the first round with four homers.
When Tuesday's game arrived, many were looking forward to seeing a possible Bautista Bomb from the home run leader, but instead they got a fly out and a single. While it may not have been what people wanted to see, it was Bautista's glove that ultimately stole the show.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Braves catcher Brian McCann, hit a long fly ball to right field that was assumed to have been dropped. That is until "Joey Bats" lays out and makes a spectacular sliding catch. It was certainly a sight to see as good defense and homers are plays people like to see in an atmosphere such as this.
There was a split second of concern after Bautista made the catch as his left foot hit the wall and could have potentially caused jamming. Luckily that was not the case.
In a game that didn't see much from the American League, it was nice to see Jose Bautista contribute in some capacity. The leader of the Blue Jays now goes into the second half trying to replicate his first half success.
His .332 batting average, 31 HRs, 65 RBIs, .468 on-base percentage, .702 slugging percentage is certainly making a case if not the best case for American League MVP.
Coming Up: The 45-47 Blue Jays look to take their young team into the second-half looking for greater success than the first. With the successful returns of Brett Cecil and Travis Snider, the exciting performances of Jose Bautista, rookies Eric Thames & J.P. Arencibia, and the long-awaited debut of top prospect Brett Lawrie, things will definitely be exciting for Jays fans, playoff push or not.
On a final note, a good riddance is due to former Blue Jays outfielder Juan Rivera. His short stay here was an abysmal, giving fans much frustration when watching him play. He will not be missed among many if not all Jays fans, and I think nobody is concerned what the return may be from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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