Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:42 PM)

Seems Jerry is having a little Internet trouble, so looks like I'll start taking the questions. So, fire away.

Victor (Los Angeles)

Did I hear the fans boo the President?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:43 PM)

Yeah, some, not a lot, but some.

mark (texas)

will this game ever start?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:45 PM)

Really, Mark, it's getting closer.

Judy (CT)

couldn't see the pitch...was it a strike?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:48 PM)

Judy, the pitch was a little short of the zone.

Chef (New york)

Jeter for MVP

brian (columbus)

did obama pitch a stike i missed it

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:48 PM)

Everybody seems to have MVP predictions. Who does everybody have? Obviously we know where Chef stands.

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:49 PM)

Brian, It was a little slow and so-so in the execution. I'd give it a C for effort.

Justin (Chicago)

define a little

kimo (honolulu)

lets make it a good chat. it's only 2:45 here in honolulu and gamecast is the only thing I've got at work!! go giants!

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:49 PM)

The pitch was a little short, got to the front edge of the plate. I have a good view from the aux press box in the lower level in right field.

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:49 PM)

We'll try, Kimo. But since you're in Hawaii, I don't have a heck of a lot of sympathy for you.

Doug (NY)

how do you pronounce your last name?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:50 PM)

Very, very slowly.

David (Chicago)

Way to go Obama! Way to not be afraid to show your team loyalty!

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (8:51 PM)

Jerry has Internet; I'll be back later.

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:51 PM)

David, I have to give Obama points for showing up in St. Louis with a White Sox jacket. That showed some Ozzie-Guillen caliber chutzpah right there.

Matt (Pennsylvania)

What percentage do you think the NL has to win? I think 55%.Im liking the NL today.

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:52 PM)

Matt, If you adhere to the "even a blind squirrel can find an acorn" theory, the NL is due to win one of these years.

Eddie (Chesapeake)

Jerry, what do you think of the Giants second half chances to 1) catch the Dodgers and 2) earn the wild card?

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:55 PM)

Eddie, I still think the Giants need another bat. But they've really taken advantage of the problems the Mets, Cubs and other wild card teams have endured. With Cain and Lincecum in the rotation, the Giants are pretty much immune from extended losing streaks.

Greg (NYC)

What are the chances of Tim Linecum getting a haircut within the next 2 years and subsequently getting carded at a bar for looking 12 years old? The haircut I put at 3%, but getting carded is closer to 95%, wouldn't you agree?

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:56 PM)

Greg, With that velocity and that arsenal, he can wear his hair any way he wants. Plus, it's great for video game sales.

tommy (florida)

Do you think matt cain beeing hit in the hand have any effect on his second half?

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:57 PM)

Tommy, I don't think so. He got lucky -- and so did the Giants.

Justin (Iowa)

do you think theres a good chance the cards will get halladay

Jerry Crasnick

  (8:58 PM)

Justin, I'm skeptical about saying anyone has a "good chance" to acquire Halladay. The Cardinals would probably need to surrender Colby Rasmus to get him, and I don't see them doing that.

si (valley stream)

Will Manny Ramerez 50 game suspension keep him out ot the Hall of Fame?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:00 PM)

SI, I think it puts Manny's Hall chances in serious jeopardy. The Hall voters don't look very kindly on guys who violate the drug policy.

Eddie (Chesapeake)

Referring to my ealier question, Jerry what bat is even potentially available for the Giants to go and get? And will they pull the trigger

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:01 PM)

Eddie, You've probably heard a lot of the names mentioned who are out there -- Matt Holliday, Freddy Sanchez, Aubrey Huff, etc. It's not a great trade market for impact hitters. Or pitchers, for that matter.

Fred (Wisconsin)

Hey Jerry, any chance the Brewers make a move to improve their pitching???

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:02 PM)

Fred, They need somebody, but I'm not sure how excited they are about Doug Davis and Jon Garland. I know they like Javier Vazquez of the Braves, but I'm not even sure he's available.

Jett (St. Paul)

Where I am, the game is in Spanish! What is going on?!

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:03 PM)

Jett, I think you might want to call Larry the Cable guy -- or check your TV settings.

mike (new york)

what additions do the mets need now after acquiring Franceour any names that jump out at you that they can acquire?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:05 PM)

Mike, The Mets need to tread water until Delgado, Reyes and their injured guys come back. The Jeff Francoeur trade was just a shot in the dark. Omar Minaya doesn't have much ammunition left to make any trades.

Jeremy (Chesapeake)

So i think it's safe to give up on the indian's playoff chances this year. what's their biggest need to get back into contetion?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:06 PM)

Jeremy, Pitching, pitching and more pitching. And did I mention pitching? (That includes both starting and relief). As for this year, there's no way they're going to get back into contention. They're cooked.

xmulderx (CT)

Is Jeff Francoeur the terrible player most seem to think he is? please tell me Omar and the Mets do not see him as a long-term addition to the core.

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:08 PM)

Xmulderx, I think it's a little too early to give up on Francoeur completely. But he really needs to develop a more solid approach and stick with it. He's really dug a hole for himself. I don't know if he'll ever be more than an average corner outfielder at best because of his inherent lack of plate discipline.

bfeldo1313 (philadelphia)

If the Phillies are to land Halladay, does that make them better than the Dodgers in a 7-game series?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:09 PM)

Bfeldo, If the Phils could run Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton out there with that lineup, I think they're the best team in the National League.

Daniel (Seattle, WA)

Do you think the Mariners will be buyers or sellers coming out of the All-Star break? Or do you see Jack Z staying in a holding pattern right down to the deadline?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:11 PM)

Daniel, Jack Zduriencik loves young talent, so I could see him trying to parlay Bedard or Washburn into a package of prospects. But the Mariners are only 4 games out in the AL West, so he needs to give it another 10 days before he figures out which direction he's heading in.

Sergio (Chicago)

People aren't really talking that much about Quentins return. How much do you think this will affect the AL Central?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:12 PM)

Sergio, As I understand it, Quentin is having some problems running because of that plantar fasciitis. I think the Sox are going to have to watch him closely throughout the second half. I doubt he'll have as much of an impact as they'd like.

chris lukins (poynette)

Do u think the brewers have a chance of landing Halladay? What do they have to do to get a more successful pitching rotation?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:14 PM)

Chris, You don't hear the Brewers mentioned much as a suitor for Roy Halladay. They gave up a lot of talent to land Sabathia last summer. It's tough to make that same type of trade two years in a row.

Matt (Pennsylvania Pennsylvania)

My 4 year old son wants his daddy to be on ESPN but no.

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:15 PM)

Consider it done, Matt. By the way, is there a city called Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania?

Kory (Wenatchee)

Jerry, what do you think the chances are that the Mariners make the playoffs this year?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:16 PM)

Kory, Longshot. They don't have enough offense. The Angels are better, and if the Rangers can get any pitching, they're better too. Still, the M's can't complain about the way things have gone so far.

Andrew (Ann Arbor)

Any chance of the Tigers making a big addition before the deadline to hold onto the Central and make a run in the playoffs?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:18 PM)

Andrew, The Tigers need another hitter, but they've traded away a lot of minor league talent and they're stuck with a lot of big contracts. It's not an easy situation for Dave Dombrowski to try and make a deal.

Johnny (Wisconsin)

Jerry, who is your midseason favorite to win the AL MVP?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:19 PM)

Johnny, It's either Joe Mauer or Justin Morneau for me. Mauer did miss the first month, but he's been incredible.

David (Hartford)

Jerry, Do you see the Indians trading Cliff Lee? His record would be much better than 4-9 with some run support, and I think his contract is $8m for 2010. Not unreasonable for team in contention.

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:20 PM)

David, Mark Shapiro seems to want to hang onto him and take another shot at it next year. The Indians think they can still deal Lee over the winter or even next July and get a pretty fair return for him.

Tommy (Michigan)

Will the Cubs go after Halladay?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:21 PM)

Tommy, There's too much stuff going on with the sale, a possible bankruptcy filing, etc., for Jim Hendry to make a trade of that magnitude.

Steve (IL)

What did Pujols do to commit that error?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:22 PM)

Steve, He kicked that ball, but he appeared to be partially screened. I don't think he saw it until too late.

Clinton (NC)

Do you think the Redsox gained or lost potential when they dropped Manny Ramirez and got Jason Bay?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:23 PM)

Clinton, I think the Red Sox are ecstatic that they have Jason Bay instead of Manny Ramirez. Better in the clubhouse, better longterm potential, and better with no 50-game suspension headaches.

Will (MA)

Why isn't Dustin Pedroia in the All Star Gane when he was voted first

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:24 PM)

Will, Pedroia's wife is pregnant, and he went home to be with her during the break. He put his husband and fatherly duties over the All-Star Game.

Brian (California)

Everybody is on the Joe Mauer or Justin Morneau MVP bandwagon but what about Torii Hunter. This guy has kept the Angels afloat while Vlad and their pitching staff was in shambles from injuries.

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:25 PM)

Brian, You're right -- Torii Hunter also belongs in the MVP discussion.

Gar (MD)

Is Adam Jones a future MVP?

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:26 PM)

Gar, He has the five-star tool package. He's an All-Star at age 23, so the kid has tremendous potential.

Jerry Crasnick

  (9:26 PM)

Thanks for the emails, folks. I'm going to get back to the All-Star Game. Looks as if things have suddenly gotten very interesting. Have a good night.

Justin (Iowa)

whats you stance on the winner of the all-sar game gettin home field advantage in the WS

Jim Caple

  (9:35 PM)

Pardon the delay in answers. I think one of the writers spilled mustard on the router and slowed everything down.Anyway, I'm taking over for Jerry and my view is that it is a very good thing. In fact,my friends and i advocated it way beack when we were in college in the mid-80s. It gives a little edge to the game and it's not like home field advantage was ever given for a reason other than it was an odd or even year.

Jim Caple

  (9:37 PM)

The better question is why Felix Hernandez didn't start. He is clearly thy the leage's best pitcher at this point. Greinke got off to a great start but Felix has outpitched him the past month or so.

Jordan (Boston)

Why Not Just Best Record?

Jim Caple

  (9:40 PM)

Because best record presents some logistical issues. Also, best record doesn't prove much either. If a team has the best record in the inferior National League, does that mean they're a better team than a team with one fewer win in the superior AL?

nick (cunningham)

true do you think fredy will get traded and to who and wat about jack

Jim Caple

  (9:44 PM)

Are they good players? Then the Pirates will trade them. How about the deal last week when the Pirates actually had to give the Yankees money to complete a trade? What's wrong with THAT picture? I know the Pirates want to rebuild but don't you have to keep some good players to rebuild?

Greg (Los Angeles)

What about giving home field to the team with the best inter-league record?

Jim Caple

  (9:47 PM)

That would work, too. But it doesn't help spice up the all-Star Game. Which frankly is a victim of 100 channels and increasing competition for the entertainment spotlight.

Daniel (Seattle, WA)

For a team that's barely over .500, do you think it's strange that the Mariner's might produce the AL MVP (Ichiro) and the AL Cy Young (Felix)?

Jim Caple

  (9:51 PM)

Not really. One, I don't think Ichiro is a MVP candidate. He is hitting for a high average but not scoring many runs because his teammates never drive him in. Felix is definitely a Cy Young candidate. The Mariners biggest problem is they just can't hit. I'm happy to see them do as welll as they have but i really don't think they can maintain this pace. I do think Wakamtasu is a very possible manager of the year, though. He's done a tremendous job.

John (Mpls)

Do you think the Twins stand pat at the deadline?

Jim Caple

  (9:55 PM)

Sorry, I meant to post another message that Joe MAuer is the likely MVP. I agree. Even though he missed a month, he's having a tremendous year. He should have won it a couple years ago, too, instead of Morneau.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (9:59 PM)

OK, it's my turn to fight the slow Internet here at the park, so, let's go...

Nick (Reno)

Do the Yankees start to roll if they pitch well in the second half, or is it just not tht simple?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:00 PM)

Yeah, it is that simple. You know, with that lineup and that park, they are going to hit.

Doug (Niagara Falls (Canada))

At the Break, the BoSox and Dodgers lead their respective leagues. Can you see this as a legitimate World Series matchup?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:01 PM)

Sure, it's legitimate. But you never know how things change based on the movement at the trade deadline. But the Dodgers and Red Sox, would be a more than reasonable World Series.

Ryan (Chicago)

No, the cubs will be representing the NL and the Yankees in the AL.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:03 PM)

The Cubs, huh? We've been down this road for a century or so, no? They need to hit consistently. They haven't done that yet.

nick (california)

will the giants make the playoffs

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:04 PM)

If they do, would you want to mess with that rotation?

Jake (Cincinnati)

Do you think the Reds have a run left in them?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:05 PM)

Sure going to be hard now that Jay Bruce is hurt.

John (Atlanta)

Will giving up runs in the all-star game hurt Lincecum's chance at the Cy Young?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:06 PM)

Absolutely not. The voters tend to look at a lot of things, but they won't look at this.

Jose (L.A.)

Recognizing that they've underperformed and faced a tremendous amount of injuries, do you think that its plausible with some strong pre-deadline action and speedy recoveries that the Mets contend? I mean, the division is competitive, but its weak...

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:08 PM)

I'm not sure I'd call the division weak. The Mets have a lot of injuries to important people.IF get healthy, sure they have the talent. But that's IF.

Ryan (Chicago)

Manny Ramierez or Jason Bay?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:09 PM)

In L.A., Manny. In Boston, Bay. How's that for not really answering? No, it worked out for both teams. Each side got what they wanted -- well, the Dodgers could have gone without the 50-game suspension part, but they got the Hollywood name that got people interested.

Brian (Austin)

Chances of Pujols winning the Triple Crown?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:10 PM)

If anybody is going to do it, it's him. Best sign I saw last night at the Home Run Derby, by the way, was from a fan obviously tired of seeing Pujols walked all the time, saying that at least for one night Pujols would get some pitches to swing at.

matthew (NEW YORK)

DO YOU THINK WAKEFIELD WILL SEE ACTIONS TONIGHT

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:12 PM)

According to our guy Jayson Stark, Maddon said he would likely not use Wakefield tonight. But, who knows what happens as the night goes on.

Joe (Los Angeles)

How is it that the team with the best record only has 3 candidates at the all-star game? Matt Kemp deserves to be there...

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:14 PM)

Whether or not Kemp deserves to be here is for a different debate. As for who gets in and who doesn't, there are a lot of factors. Remember, even though THIS ONE COUNTS every team has to be represented.

james (indiana)

whos going to be the number one team to look out for the second half

Chris C (Yokohama)

What player could have the biggest impact after coming back from injury in the second half?

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:16 PM)

Phillies. They might make a move, they might not. Either way, they are the defending champs.

caleb marlow (Murfreesboro)

Whats up with only one cubie on the all star list

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:17 PM)

Who else deserves to be here? That's the question, I think.

kahuna (Molokai)

who has the ugliest uniform in baseball

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:21 PM)

Not a fan of the Twins.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:21 PM)

Not a fan of the Twins.

Ryan (KC)

Nick, are you the long distant relative of Doug Meinkewitz........or however you spell that last name.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:22 PM)

OK, that's it for me. I call to the bullpen for Rob Neyer, who will be in charge of the pitching changes from here.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz

  (10:23 PM)

And no, no relation to Mientkiewicz. He doesn't have enough letters.

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

Hey, my turn! Good thing I didn't go out for dinner or anything .. this one's zipping along, huh?

Brian (Colchester, CT)

Hey, I just realized tomorrow is the quietest day in sports...Rob, do you have any suggestions to make the day go by faster?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

I don't know about the day, but in the evening I'll be attending the Triple-A All-Star Game ... and you can watch on ESPN2!

kurt (new york)

Rob, do you think Willie Randolph will get another managing job at some point?

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

I think he's got a shot, but I don't sense a great reservoir of good feelings about the job he did with the Mets. When you manage a team with that sort of payroll, you don't generally get a lot slack when it ends badly.

Eric (Penn State)

The Pujols game has been awesome so far. Does anything not have to do with him?

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Well, he's gone now, interview conducted and everything, so maybe now the hitters will actually start trying and we'll have a real baseball game.

Matt (NJ)

Hey Rob, Would you be willing to give up Austin Jackson, Maybe Joba, Phil Hughes, and another prospect for Roy Halladay. I would love to have him but I don't think I want to give up that much.

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

That would be a crazy deal for the Yankees. I know that it's easy to overvalue young pitchers, but what if Halladay gets hurt? Then where are you?

Steve (KC)

How bad did Greinke get hosed with Halladay being chosen to start? And was it strictly because he's in KC?

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

You know, I would love to have seen Greinke start, and the stats would suggest that he's earned it. But given Halladay's body of work, I really don't have a problem with him starting.

Eric (Penn State)

Rob, the media hasn't made such a big deal that Halladay is 34. Wouldn't you think that would command less prospects as oppose to like what the Astros did with Beltran.

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

Just a wild guess, but that might be because Halladay's actually 32. If you trade for him, you're getting his Age 32 and 33 seasons. Not much risk there, age-wise anyway.

Brandon C. (Fort Worth, TX)

come on National League!! We need some base hits.

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Hawpe gave it a great shot, huh? How many HR-saving catches have there been in All-Star history? Because that was one, right there.

stevie d (ct)

NO ONE WILL TOUCH MY BOY PAPELBOPN

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

Really? Two batters, two loud outs. He'd better be careful with Werth ... Then again, none of the pitchers tonight have been careful. It's like everybody's got a train to catch.

Ryan (KC)

If this is the 2003 to 2009 all star game then Halladay deserved the start, but this is just the 2009 all star game.

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

That's an odd take, Ryan. Don't you want the best pitcher starting? I do.

Brian (Butte, MT)

Rob, do you see the Sox making any moves in the second half?

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

Sure. That's not the sort of front office that's likely to stand pat. That said, aside from upgrading at shortstop it's not easy to see where they get better. Unless Lowell's out for a while.

Muldoon (Philly)

How do you like the Phils chances in the Halladay sweepstakes?

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

Ask me again after Pedro's first start.

Steve (Detroit)

Prediction: Inge (O for yard yesterday) hits the big one to win for the AL.

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

Wouldn't that be wonderful? Only problem is it looks like Joe Maddon has forgotten that he has more than one third baseman available.

Jeff (St. Louis)

Well, given what happened, looks like Maddon might be regretting that Halladay-over-Greinke decision. Greink looked awesome, no?

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

He did. What I don't get is why Maddon didn't pinch-hit for Halladay in the second. Is there some unwritten rule that the starter gets two innings, no matter what? I thought they were trying to win.

Jared (Ma)

How can they not pitch Wakefield? He's earned the stage.

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

Gosh, I think getting an All-Star nod is plenty for Wakefield, who really should be the designated innings-eater.

Bo (Milwaukee)

Who is the MVP at this point?

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

Carl Crawford.

Daniel (Lexington, KY)

I still don't understand why they don't use the DH in the All-Star Game. I hate it the rest of the time, but this is, you know, an exhibition. Seems the right time.

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

Yes, of course they should. Aside from the rosters being too big and the managers being too accommodating to lesser players, the lack of the DH is the game's biggest flaw.

Drew (Ann Arbor, MI)

Curtis with the triple! Why did Maddon wait so long to put the subs in?

Rob Neyer

  (10:45 PM)

I don't have a problem with keeping the subs on the bench ... when the regular is better than the sub. But three at-bats for Josh Hamilton? Really?

Joshua (Springfield, IL)

An intentional walk in an All-Star game. I like it. Finally, some real strategy.

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

Should probably be outlawed, but then again I'd like to see the intentional walk outlawed in *all* games.

Kenyon (Alexandria)

They do use the DH in the all star game. They play park rules. This year it is in an NL park, thus no DH.

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

Sure. But why, exactly? The rule could be whatever MLB wants it to be, and they happen to have chosen the wrong rule.

donc (michigan)

Halladay bats. Young plays seven with two 3B on the bench. I hope the NL wins and Joe Maddon never manages another all star game.

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Same here. Except for the first thing. And the second, sort of (only because of Jonah Keri).

Ben (Tucson)

You think a player can win game MVP for hitting a sac fly?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

Golly, I don't know. I suppose so. Maybe Jones will make a great play in the outfield and it'll be obvious.

si (valley stream)

Rob, is Kevin Youkilis Jewish?

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

Sure. You know his nickname, right? The Jewish God of Walks?

Steve (KC)

How about Yuniesky Betancourt?

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

He's Russian.

Patrick (Boston)

Rob, what do you think about them possibly extending the all-star break?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Just wait. After 2011, everybody will probably have Thursday off, too.

Tom (Philadelphia)

Do you think this game should really mean something as important as homefield advantage?

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

I don't know, but I sure to enjoy the game more this way. (Check out my blog for a much longer argument.)

Frank (Portland, ME)

Wow, the AL has the worst all star lineup on the field that I can remember!! Other than Martinez and Morneau...YAWN!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

Welcome to the 33-man roster, Frank!

Joe (Baltimore)

Rob, who is going to close for the AL?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

Mo's going to get the last out, but I don't know if he gets a whole inning. Seems like he usually doesn't ... No, I'm wrong. He's pitched at least one full inning in six of his seven All-Star outings.

Sean (New York)

Why wouldn't Mariano close the entire inning? Best closer in baseball, and happened to record his 500th save earlier this season

Rob Neyer

  (10:59 PM)

Sure, I just don't know how many pitchers are still left in the bullpen. It does look like Rivera's up next, though.

Nate (UK)

Sorry, I think Mo's no longer the best closer, he was the best.

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

Really? Did you see what he did last year? Have you seen what he's doing this year? I don't know that he's absolutely the best, right now. But I don't know anybody's better, either.

brian (detroit)

is verlander gonna pitch?

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

Sure doesn't look like it, Brian. Fuentes is warming up, and it'll be Rivera to close (if there's a bottom of the ninth, which at the moment is no sure thing).

mike (detroit)

verlander is only picthing if it goes extras

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

I thought that was Wakefield's job! I don't know why Fuentes isn't in the game right now.

Andy (Michigan)

Verlander can not pitch. If he does, Tigers fans should be outraged. One day of rest after throwing 8 against Cleveland?

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

Oh, right. There's that, too. Meanwhile, Nathan's on the ropes against Scranton's Ryan Howard...

Michael (Knoxville)

I think Wakefield should have pitched. He's had a great career and tonight is pretty special for him.

Rob Neyer

  (11:07 PM)

My guess? This has been a special night for him, even without pitching. I hope so, anyway. 'cause he ain't gonna pitch.

Mike (Sacramento)

Howard in that situation who is prone to strike out or Sandoval who nobody can get out?

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

Well, Sandoval's not on the team, right? For which I will never forgive the responsible parties. An All-Star Game without the Panda isn't much of an All-Star Game, in this man's book.

AARON WISE (FL)

Who is the M.V.P of the game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

I'm going to say Carl Crawford, if only because the only guy so far who's done anything remotely memorable.

Todd (Chicago)

Looks like another AL victory... Rob, can you clarify how this is the 80th Midsummer Classic? I was under the impression 1933 at Comiskey was the first game, and remember the '83 Fred Lynn game being hyped as the 50th?

Rob Neyer

  (11:12 PM)

You're a little off, Todd. The game in '83 was hyped as the 50th anniversary, but it wasn't the 50th game, as there were a few years in the early '60s when they played two.

Carter (Chicago)

How about that pitch by the Pres.

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

Not bad for a guy who never played baseball as a kid. Just goes to show how far athleticism can take you.

Jay (Pittsburgh)

They didn't play two in "midsummer" though, right? Wasn't the second at the end of the year?

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

No, Jay; both were played in the middle of the summer, two or three weeks (as I recall) apart. You could look them up!

ammodude69 (Texas)

Granderson is the MVP with the triple and scoring the game-winning run

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

You're probably right, Tex.

Scott (Massachusetts)

Why does tex get all the love? Ive sent that same message for the last inning! I guess that goes the way the other 30 msgs i sent do!

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

Have you ever been here for one of these things before, Scott? We've got more than 7,000 questions during the game, and can't come close to even seeing them all. Let alone posting. Sorry!

Johnathan (Texas)

I just got home...haven't seen any of the game...anyone go yard?

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Nope, but Carl Crawford snagged a would-be homer in left field. Best moment of the night, at least during the game (have to admit I teared up some after Obama threw first pitch).

Brad (Chicago)

Was anyone able to see Obama's pitch, besides the fans there? The network did a terrible job on the cameras. Was it a strike and did it make it to Pujols on the fly?

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

Yeah, the broadcast was a mess. Secret Service-related, somehow? They showed a replay later, he lobbed one that Pujols snagged off the dirt. So yeah, he got it there on the fly. Just barely.

Brian (Philly)

I won't be able to fall asleep tonight unless I know Rob Neyer's opinion on whether the Phillies should give up the prospects the Blue Jays want in order to obtain Roy Halladay--my opinion is yes..what is yours

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

My opinion is no, but then they're not my prospects.

Jeffrey (Davidson, NC)

That's it! Lucky 13!

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

Shortest All-Star Game I've ever seen, I think. Amazing how few pitches were taken. I'll hang around until we find out who the MVP is...

George (Framingham MA)

rivera now has the most saves in an all star game right?

Rob Neyer

  (11:23 PM)

Yup. Four, breaking tie w/Eckersley.

Scott (Winston-Salem, NC)

7 innings of 1 hit relief by AL pitchers

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Fluke? Yeah, mostly. Without checking, I think the AL's won a bunch of close ones during this streak. But tonight is one tiny little brick on what's already a pretty big pile.

Steve (Houston)

Carl Crawford, MVP? WHAT!?

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

Hey, Bud Selig just called it a game-saving catch. So it must be true! Wow, this is stirring television. I'm glad I have the DVR.

Matt (Boston)

Wakefield not getting to pitch is the dumbest thing ever. How can you not at least let the 42 year old in his first and probably last all star game at least throw a pitch?

Rob Neyer

  (11:28 PM)

Hey, he knew the deal coming in. Let's just be happy for him; he'll always be an All-Star. As a wise man once said, "There are no asterisks in this life, only scoreboards." See you in October!