No matter the names, the AL dominates the All-Star Game in the 21st Century and starts the World Series at home.
Back in 2003, when a “This Time It Counts” sign was put up in right at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field, the stars included Roger Clemens and Hank Blalock. This year, the key names were baseball Royalty: Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez.
And because they came up big Tuesday night, Kansas City would open the World Series at home again if it wins a third straight AL pennant — a big if. Teams like Cleveland, Baltimore and Texas are having far-better seasons than the Royals.