The All-Star Game and Cooperstown collide
Posted on July 15th, 2008 – 2:27 PMBy Joe Christensen
NEW YORK — I woke up, grabbed some Dunkin Donuts coffee, and made my way to the Intercontinental hotel, where the Hall of Famers had gathered for 30 minutes of press availability. Not a bad way to start a morning.
There are 40 Hall members here for tonight’s on-field pregame ceremony, and about 30 of them were sitting at tables in one room. Walked in, and Harmon Killebrew was talking about Yankee Stadium, pre-renovation, and how difficult it was for righthanded hitters.
“I remember hitting four balls one night that would have been out of any other ballpark,” Killebrew said. “But it was Yankee Stadium, and after the third one, Mickey [Mantle] came up to me — he came across the infield as I’m going to my position — and I said, ‘Mickey, how in the heck do you ever get a hit in this ballpark? And he just grinned and laughed.”
The Hall members were at a swank Manhattan restaurant during the All-Star Home Run Derby. The derby was on the TVs, and they watched with the sound muted, making up their own commentary.
I’ll have more on this for our first editions, but they were all pretty amazed at Josh Hamilton’s performance. Killebrew and Paul Molitor, in particular, were thrilled to see Justin Morneau win.
“That was great,” Killebrew said. “I know he felt bad over the other guy [Hamilton] — he really did. He said that, and I know he meant that. But I was happy to see him win the home run championship.”
Scheduling update: Please note that the first pitch tonight is at 7:39 p.m. (Central). The Red Carpet Parade, which is going on now, I believe, will be replayed on Fox starting at 6 p.m. The on-field stuff starts about 6:30 p.m.
They’ll sing “Oh Canada” at 7:17 p.m. (Mr. Morneau, Ryan Dempster and Russell Martin would appreciate your attention.) Sheryl Crow will follow with the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Eventually, they’ll play ball, and the National League will try to snap its 11-game winless streak.
National League (40-36-2)
1. Hanley Ramirez, SS
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Lance Berkman, 1B
4. Albert Pujols, DH
5. Chipper Jones, 3B
6. Matt Holliday, RF
7. Ryan Braun, LF
8. Kosuke Fukodome, CF
9. Geovany Soto, C
Starting pitcher: RH Ben Sheets
American League (36-40-2)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Manny Ramirez, LF
6. Milton Bradley, DH
7. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
8. Joe Mauer, C
9. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Starting pitcher: LH Cliff Lee
Yankee Stadium. First pitch: 7:39 p.m.
400 Responses to "The All-Star Game and Cooperstown collide"
finally a discussion thread clear of the nonsense being propagated since last night!
just wait Fire
ackk it has been a Twins Nation meltdown since 8 pm last night!! “the world is out to get us!!” 
Josh Hamilton good!
Justin Morneau winner!
was ok with either guy winning
i could have went to the event for only 550 dollars…. um, no
Yes it has been rediculous however there definitely is bias when it comes to ESPN. Just watch the network enough and you’ll see coverage of Yankees or Red Sox something or other regardless if it is ‘news’ or not. 
Hamilton isn’t on the Yanks or Red Sox roster and he got the spotlight?? hmmm.. maybe it’s just the fact that Yankees and Red Sox are always in serious contention for WS(though Yankees look to be pretenders)
I was not linking Hamilton to the Yanks or Sox. I was just saying that ESPN is biased (at least what I and many others agree on) using Red Sox and Yankees as prime examples. Don’t read too much into things.
It has nothing to do with bias or a Minnesota conspiracy. It was just bad coverage. Rick Reilly was painful to listen to (and he sounds exactly like Jeff Van Gundy), Berman was obnoxious as usual, and the rest of the crew was completely forgettable.
Anyway, who wants to talk about baseball? Any thoughts on the lineups? Wait! Don’t answer that or else we’ll start hearing how Mauer got screwed and should be batting second.
it’s natural for ESPN to cover Yanks and R. Sox more just like Star Tribune does alot more stories on happens in Twin Cities then Crookston.. a media outlet needs to cover the biggest markets
lol true true Patrick!
JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT
The Byrds
Jesus is just all right with jimmy bee
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with BC
Jesus is just all right
I don’t care what they may know
I don’t care where they may go
I don’t care what they may know
Jesus is just all right, oh yeah
Jesus is just all right
I don’t care what they may say
I don’t care what they may do
I don’t care what they may say
Jesus is just all right, oh yeah
Jesus is just all right
Do, do, do, etc.
Jesus is just all right with jimmy bee
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with BC
Jesus is just all right
Jesus is just all right with jimmy bee
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with BC
Jesus is just all right
Oh, and great story about Harmon and the Mick, Joe.
I see what you are saying…but they are a national/international network. Not a New England/Northeast network. :@
Jimmy Bee….learn some music, will ya..the Byrds did not do that song!! It was the Doobie Brothers. Do some research first..do us all a favor.
Harmon: “But I was happy to see him win the home run championship”
Man, that sounds a lot more prestigious than “Home Run Derby”. If I was Morneau I would definitely tell people that I won the Home Run Championship.
Espn covers all kinds of sports - they do poker for goodness sakes!! it’s only smart business to give most of the consumers(East coast) a bit more play then MN - calling it a bias makes it seem that a reason besides the fact the population of MN/WI/ND/SD is smaller then NY city is why ESPN covers Yanks/R. Sox more then Twins
AL is obviously going to dominate tonight
ESPN needs more Fosston news i think! 
Just heard a good story. Brett Favre was seen hanging out at Mickey Mantle’s waiting for the All-Star game. The Village People were rehearsing also. There’s a joke there but I need some help.
My only question, why do the Village People need to rehearse? You put your arms up on the “Y”, take them down on the “M”, etc. They’ve been doing it since Harmon Killebrew started playing. They should have it memorized by now.
they might screw up and do YWCA?
Barnum news definitely !!
or Staples!!
Staples was always a good place to stop and get beer…. could have Rick Reilly do a feature.
Good one, Shawn. LOL. Can’t stay at the Y “W” ! ! !
Love that picture of Harmon Killebrew, when players dressed like big-leaguers instead of wearing bell-bottoms like they do today.
I think the new ballpark should be called Danger Field
Killa Brewers Field
(that’s already been taken)
Can those idiot espn game reporters butcher Justin Morneau’s name anymore than they did last night. My GOD! They act like he’s some “Aw Shucks” farmer who drove his tractor to New York to compete! For cryin’ out loud he’s the 2006 AL MVP! Get his name right.
How about
Smalley Market Place
I stil like how the say Wayzata. Way-zu-tuh
it took only 20 min for this to fail:
“FIRE VAVRA & GARDY!!!! says:
July 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
finally a discussion thread clear of the nonsense being propagated since last night!”
predictions: mauer gets 1 at bat and 3 innings so varitek can play 4-5 innings, and morneau will maybe play 2 innings. nathan may not pitch after
all he can only pitch in the 9th and rivera will get that.
friday night our roster will look the same as it did sunday.
when they can’t make a trade they give punto a 2 yr extension for about 5m and he gets a new self propelled lawn mower for doing gardy’s lawn.
by thursday the bitching about lamb, punto, monroe, young, boof, ……. will be back to normal again.
Bermidji is one of my favorite MN pronunciations
Hey, who won the homerun contest last night?
we are all winners…. lol
Shawn in Binghamton Edina can be pronounced a number of different ways as well
i always heard it as E-Dine-Aw
what other ways ya got?
I bet it all still goes back, to the famous whisky bottle to the head of the official, during an old Vikes game.
E-Dean-Ah
Ed-Nah
I hear these around the local area:
Jolly-Pee-No (Jalapeno)
Warsh (Wash)
Eye-talian (Italian)
oops, try this…
For the simple sake that Derek Jeter and Milton Bradley are in the A.L lineup, along with Cliff Lee pitching, the N.L. will end their losing streak here, and win easily.
Move to Texas. People will ask you if you are from “Ohiowa”. I kid you not.
Awful announcers.
Incredible spectacle by Hamilton, even Morneau had to acknowledge it. Kudos to Yankees fans for chanting Hamilton’s name. It was a great sports moment. If you can’t see that or recognize then nothing else to say.
100% class by Morneau. I’m so proud to be a Twins fan and have him and players like Nathan and Mauer represent our team. Thats what I’m going to focus on from last night. Anything else is a waste of energy and diminishes the moment. Best HR derby I’ve ever seen.
out in NY, They have alot of “Buck Foston” T-shirts.
Was thinking of bringing some to Fosston next time i’m around.
“why do the Village People need to rehearse? You put your arms up on the “Y”, take them down on the “M”, etc. They’ve been doing it since Harmon Killebrew started playing. They should have it memorized by now.”
A lot of turnover in the group because of HIV. (I’m serious)
I have followed Josh’s career from day one in St. Petersburg. I sat in front of his parents his first at-bats in spring training and have the picture on the wall. Now, five years removed from Mpls. and a resident of St. Pete, I was so happy to see Justin win the event and Josh win over the hearts of all those who witnessed the event. I wish we (Rays) had him in right field today!
Anybody who thinks criticism of the broadcast last night is stritcly because of who ultimately won it wasn’t paying attention to the broadcast at all.
Nor were they paying attention to the comments leading up to Hamilton’s AB.
I think the Twins should trade Boof and Lamb for Hamilton. This would put a power bat behind Morneau and get ESPN and the east coast media on our side.
I’m pretty sure we’d have to trade both Mauer and Liriano to get Hamilton. If we offer Boof, we might get Hamilton’s socks from the home run derby.
…and to trade Lamb, we’d have to take back Carlos Siva (and his contract).
“I think the Twins should trade Boof and Lamb for Hamilton. This would put a power bat behind Morneau and get ESPN and the east coast media on our side.”
I’m sure this comment was just in jest but as someone fairly new to this, I can’t believe all of the “trade our worst players for an all-star” talk. Its like I’ll give you my crappy college furnature and you give me your super nice leather couch.
welcome to the Twins blog eaa!
Wow, Wade Boggs is a sellout. He goes with Yankees instead of Red Sox hat. I find it funny.
Okay, All Star Game Drinking Game:
1 Drink
*Random shot of the crowd
*Each AB that goes by where the player at the plate isn’t mentioned beyond the fact he’s up to bat.
2 Drinks
*Random shot of a celebrity in the crowd
*Any time the phrase “for the final time” is used.
*References to Hamilton’s drug use
3 Drinks
*Interview with a celebrity that’s a Yankee fan.
*References to Hamilton “finding God”
*McCarver explains a basic principle for half an inning.
*More than one player at a single position is referred to as the best at that position.
4 Drinks
*Interview with a Celebrity that ISN’T a Yankee fan.
*National League wins.
*Rivera blows the save (or doesn’t appear)
Whoops, forgot one:
1 Drink
*Awkwardly worded seque into a shameless plug.
Twins @ All-Star Watch:
Joe Mauer: 0-0, BB.
T, i am out of booze
guess i neede to MN liquor store.
oops
i needed to go to the Staples, MN liquor store
I’m impressed that you think that they try to segue… I keep waiting for Joe Buck to start making ads up in the middle of players names Yogi “Budweister” Berra!
“finally a discussion thread clear of the nonsense being propagated since last night!”
While introducing the starters, I was thinking they could have noted the individual major league leaders in RBI’s, HR’s, and BA. But they didn’t say anything except their position, team, and name — just a straight, traditional sequence…….
Oh wait, did you know that Hamilton has come back from tremendous personal strife? Wow, isn’t it great to know that? And right there in the introduction too.
I hope I can watch the replay of that intro on ESPN after the game.
FIRE VAVRA, did that turn you on? BTW, do you think what’s-his-name will get any field time tonight?
Wow…did you know Hamilton smoked crack?
Is it me, or was that the more awkward than Riley’s comments last night? All in on-AB.
“He was doing everything he could to kill himself.”
Thanks Buck. I was just sitting here thinking “You know, I sure could use a huge downer right in the middle of my Midsummer Classic.”
wait… Oh My Josh Hamilton came back from a drug addiction? They should have some more of these personal comeback stories.
Morneau will hit a walk off homer to win it for the AL.
However, while he’s rounding the bases, he’ll be knocked over by media rushing to Hamilton to get his take on the win.
The homer will unfortunately not count because Morneau will be unabel to complete his trot around the bases.
The next day, Morneau will be torn apart by the national media for not getting out of their way.
… and Bud Selig will call the game, giving us the second tie in All-Star history
Oh, and also. Francona will be criticized for pulling the 0-3 Hamilton for Morneau.
Zambrano is totally throwing at Manny. I love it.
oh my goodness, was that a blasphemy on the greatest call of all time… yet again Joe Buck is not his father
Selig introduces another new rule to the All-Star game, siting little league precedence… The game will go on until Josh Hamilton gets a hit.
A boring game. So I was thinking of switching to the Disney channel for a movie with biographical drama.
But then I learned Hamilton was “last night’s hero” in the Derby.
Gotta keep watching this must-see-TV.
“Good throw” by Martin. High, and to the 3B side. A good throw would have had him.
Buck and McCarver are classically antithetical to truth and incitefulness.
No way! He has to be in uniform at the hospital!
There goes T’s predicion. Hamilton 1-3 now.
New drinking game… whenever they mention Hamilton you have to have a drink.
Hey! He was in rehab…..
Oh wait, it was just Crede they were talking about. Just a physical injury.
Graaaaaady, Graaaaaaady
Wait… Did they put Crede on drugs while he was in physical injury?
This is so terrible. I really was happy that Hamilton made it to the all-star game, but Fox and ESPN are turning him against me… what’s next, they’ll turn me against the Red Sox and Yankees?
I wish Milton wouldn’t have Delmon Younged in his at bat before Justin would have hit.
1-2-3 inning for Nathan
Don’t look like Morne messed up his swing!
As McCarver would say, “He’s playing exceptional baseball.”
M&M: 2-2, BB, 2B. Good show thus far.
Buck and McCarver are classically antithetical to truth and incitefulness.
That’s an awefully fancy way to say “stupid”.
add an R to that list for the M&M’s
Rallies started by Morneau: 1
Rallies started by Hamilton: 0 (I think he killed one too)
Suddenly both managers bullpen management becomes key.
Could it happen? Morneau in the bottom of the 9th?
I like Francona picking the 4 best closers of the AL to close the game
New Yorkers are morons…
Leave it to FOX to once again turn a fun game into another controversy.
Here’s a thought, how about you CALL THE FLAGGIN’ GAME!
then again… what do they have to lose if Papelbon coughs it up… they’re not going to make the post season
Okay, now I REALLY hope Rivera blows his save opportunity.
Like…BADLY!
Yankees fans are so classless and are showing it again!
I blame the Yankees fans for that run.
See New York, if Mariano had pitched the 8th instead of Pap this wouldn’t have happened.
*tsk tsk*
I hope they did that on purpose so Rivera doesn’t get to pitch.
Yanks fans are saints compared to sox fans
They are both bad.
Boo away New York. Meanwhile people who actually know a thing or two about baseball will blame the right guy (Navarro) for that WAY off target throw.
lying in bed just like brian wilson did
AL needs to go down 1-2-3 to set up Morne’s walk off tonight.
tough situation to come in as a catcher… but still…
No way Nora I had nothing but good experiences with Yanks fans in New York. However, Boston was a whole different story.
Hey Brian Wilson… Smile!! 50 years later…
I see nothing good about Yankees fans and their booing right now.
I’m with Dan… if it was buhrle or cap’n cheeseburger and I had no hopes of making the playoffs I would’ve been wishing sweet evil upon them… classless.. sure… but will that be weighed against me in the great book of the baseball gods? I think not.
The ball just explodes off of Wilson’s hand. Off first glance I thought he was throwing 100!
sorry Nora, otherwise I completely agree with you… context sucks
Considering the cheapest ticket price is somewhere around $500, I doubt any actual baseball fans are there tonight.
Corporate guests, family, sponsors, and general bandwagoners. Ask them who half these guys are and they’ll shrug and guess they’re at a Yankees game.
Speaking of fans booing Pap…what were A-Rod and Jeter’s contributions to this game?
Jeter got on base and stole one. Then hit into a DP.
I think the Rodmeister went 0-3.
Most of the fans in Yankee Stadium today think Justin’s first name is Jason…
There goes Justin’s walk-off…
Honestly if they do not finish this with Lou Gehrig’s speech en totale they will have done a disservice to an otherwise well done evening. I do not enjoy the Yankees but that speech, from a player, in that time may have captured what makes this game great… especially at that ball park
Lets see if Morne can drive him in!
Justin still with a chance to be the hero.
Let’s go DOC!
“Just fair”.
No McCarver. That was VERY fair.
Dang it Morneau!
No Rivera, WTF?
2 pitches. Maybe a bit nervous yet?
What if K-rod blows this save and Mariano never pitches?
Of course no Rivera. It’s not a save situation. 
Mariano’s first BS this year?
Show of hands…who’s rooting for him to blow it?
It’s not a save situation. It’s not even a hold.
It’s just an appearance.
I’ll call it a blow save anyway
Does anyone else thing Navarro is not an all-star caliber catcher or am I way off?
Funny. A blown throwout makes Pap the villian…a great throwout makes Rivera the hero.
I bet Quintin hits a walk off
No, I want AL to win.
Beltre comes to the Twins, Liriano comes to the Twins, Twins might go to the WS.
I hope the Twins can get a reliever and Beltre in the trade with the mariners
Rivera could still blow it, and the AL wins it in the bottom.
Rivera blows it, Morne hits a walk-off grand salami and Rivera get the MVP…
McCarver poking at old crap now.
How can ya be out of position players, Francona?
and Rivera get the MVP…
And Morneau gets shoved out of the way crossing home so they can interview Rivera.
i’m still nervous about Beltre… that’s a lot of money… if they eat some of the contract fine… but…
Francona gave his starters only 2 AB for the most part, and then pulled Jeter and Rodriquez mid inning for the “pop” from the crowd.
I’m wondering how many pitchers both teams have left.
then Morneau gives all the credit to Rivera for pitching a strong inning when his arm was tired.
shoulda let the nathanest of joes go 2
“Final year”
Everybody still with us…that’s another drink.
gatty… funniest line of the night
No, the Second Coming of Hamilton wins it all.
Because Heavenly Amnesia will have taken away every mind on Earth and no one remembers he even left the game.
jones, i’m playing the rules and… zowzers i’ve already been to the liquor store frice
h. Francona would be burned at the stake if he let another team’s closer go more than one.
Unfortunately I would rather have Troy Aikman calling this inning with Joe Buck. That just gave me shivers.
romer’s on the right track.
And ESPN/FOX moan that the rules should be changed to allow hitters and pitchers to come and go as needed.
No-no, h., Beltre is producing at all levels except his average BA (and that’s due to a team-induced slump).
Beltre’s doing well against lefties and I believe he has a .340 batting average in the metrodome
So, let’s do a round table. If this game starts running long…what obscene rule change do they make next year to try and remedy the solution?
Keeping in mind you have to get your vote in before ESPN/FOX kick in their agenda.
Then pray for the Second Coming, T
I dare ya.
I hope Morne some how gets the MVP, they would be forced to talk about his HR Derby victory.
Rule #1 — The Commissioner or his Appointed Representative must approve all substitutions.
Rule #2 — The Umpiring Crew Chief can overrule the Appointed Representative.
The movement has already started. Mariano for MVP, at least according to Joe Buck.
That is why Russel Martin should have started the ASG for the NL
Uh oh. Rivera could get the LOSS.
I hate to admit it, but Nick Punto would have made that play at short
MVP saves the tie game with a painful-to-the-groin stretch.
Youch……
“but Nick Punto would have made that play at short”
THAT’s the funniest post of the night!
Like, leave me alone…
Morne has a chance for the walk-off grand salami tonight!
Think he’ll keep that gameball? or give it to Dougy Baseball?
I was just joking about Punto, it made me laugh!
Justin will need one out to get to the plate with the bases juiced
We need a popup and a walk.
I lied two popups, it is really hard to read the lineup with all the subs
Morney doesn’t bat this inning unless there are two outs. He can get a walk-off anything then.
We need Morne to come end this
Couple of K’s here would be nice. Morneau with a walk-off hit.
Sizemore just has to fart and the AL wins this really.
get two outs, come on!
That would’ve been a crappy DP.
That was a BAD decision to throw to 1st there…
Here it is folks, Justin Morneau wins it!
I’ll be danged…here comes Morneau.
Grand Salami!
A team of All-Stars can’t hit a sacfly…
AW CRAP!
I thought he had it, dang it!
That’s the fastest Morneau’s ever run.
I have to say he could have made him pitch a couple pitches to see how he throws.
Shit-crap!
boy, you’d think all those guys could get one out of the infield!
Well, Tejada got a chance to show why he (was) a star.
Well this is obviously all Papelbon’s fault.
Morneau guessed fastball and he guessed right, it was just a little outside
So T, what’s Rule #3?
AL needs a Double Play ball now.
I wish the Twins could pick up Soria for the eight inning guy. Our bullpen would be stacked next year with Neshek, Soria, and Nathan to close things out. Wow.
Was gonna overanalyze Morneau’s last 2 AB’s, but it’s see-ball-hit-ball tonight at an AS game, isn’t it.
There’s rules #1/#2?
Here’s where the All-Star game isn’t planned well. Webb and Kazmir both started on Sunday, so they probably shouldn’t pitch.
So why not give both teams a “replacement” pitcher (a starter) that would be ready to go in their stead.
I still find Corey Hart’s chin terrifying.
There it is.
The new rule for next year. Winner of the Derby is a tiebreaker in the ASG.
And it’s see-drink-drink-drink for Joe C after the game.
I still want to get tMorne he walk off, but I want the AL to win more.
Guzie’s playing third!
See all those empty seats? Those are people who didn’t pay for their tickets.
Okay rancona…let’s NOT do plays like that at this point k?
Should have just stuck with the bunt, dumb move by the coaching staff
Cook is really playing with fire tonight
A phantom tag. AND he beat it anyway.
Frickin’ catcher took his time throwing the ball. Ump rewarded him anyway.
AL needs a hit here to win so Twins get home field in World Series.
Did I just say what I think I said?
Rules 1&2 came at 10:49.
Not worth it anymore.
Heh. He was actually safe there to. The tag was on his waste as he slid through his legs.
Navarro is REALLY SLOW! I could have made that, you have to be moving on contact!
that was dumb. doesn’t he want to go home early?
two missed out calls already
Out at the plate, you can see the tag glance his leg before he touches the plate.
Again, he was safe.
I hate umps
No, I take that back. I hate MLB’s umpiring policies.
Wow. What an idiotic move there. He could be on third with one out and a sac wins it anyway.
sorry. safe.
Nope. Navarro safe there. But like I said, sac fly wins it from third with 1 out…sending him there was idiotic.
And i was thinking, Hurdle is actually a genious using Cook here. It’s HIS guy, so he can judge how much he can be used.
Maybe every All Star manager should take that hint. Bring one of your starters with, and let them wait until the days before to decide who works best in that role. That way you have a guy who late in the game can go a couple of more innings.
Morneau due 4th next inning. He can still get his GS.
The ump is just setting up the walk off grand salami by Justin, only an hour after I predicted it…
Hurdle has managed the better game in my opinion.
romer:
Rule #3: The rosters will be expanded to include two more pitchers. These pitchers will be selected the weekened prior to the All Star game to allow for the best judgement of who will be available.
That’s the one that’s coming. It’s an inevitability now.
Rule #4: It doesn’t count anymore. We’re sorry, that was a dumb move.
That was a really bad call at first
maybe not
Wow. That McClouth fellow is fast.
Francona going with Soria for two innings. I wonder if he had to check with the Royals.
And the loss is all Morneau’s fault according to the national media…
Hey FOX, before you blame Morneau…take a look down at the corner. The play (as called by the catcher who likely heard it from the bench) was to make the throw.
Maybe Uggla will hit a grand salami to win the game.
Hamilton wouldn’t have made that play.*
*Ignoring the fact that he’d be out in RF so of course he wouldn’t*
And why was Soria trying to field it?
He’s got an infield of All Stars!
Morneau’s AS break:
Works out to win the Derby on Monday. Plays 7 innings+ in AS game Tuesday. Flies home medium late Wednesday.
NOTE TO GARDY:
Pretend Morneau is at the hospital with the wife giving birth Thursday. No workout for him.
So I wonder if following this game if they’ll interview Rivera and talk about how it really doesn’t matter who actually won because of the AWESOME performance of Mariano Rivera.
Uggla is playing uggly.
Morneau made the right play, what if the ball some how stays fair, it could score a run if he lets it go.
The kid say: “Ugggggggggggglaaaaaaaaaaah.”
If the NL wins this, the MVP will be the guy who got the hit.
In reality, it should be Cook…that guy pitched through some REAL tough innings.
i don’t understand that singing statue commercial.
gatty, I’m pretty sure Morneau was going with the play as it was called by Navarro (you can see him pointing to first while Morneau’s running up on the ball)
We need Morne to get a hit in the bottom of this inning.
sherrill needs to put some radius in the bill of his hat.
there’s no excuse for that in the majors.
WOW. Nobody can hit a sac fly anymore.
George S. really conceals his pitches well with his delivery
Please, someone hit a HR to end this game!
Both managers made the mistake of only going 2 innings with the starters. Not even “once” through the lineup.
needs some balls to the right side, boys.
Better walk the bases loaded…
Look at that, FOX misses a clutch play.
Stupid commercial
Why is Cook still out there?
1.double
2.out
3.out
4. Morne GWRBI
Well godammit T, why didn’t McCarver see the catcher pointing?
Isn’t McCarver a catcher guy with a catcher brain.
I should believe you over McCarver?!!!!!!
WA
Uggla has been shaky with his defense tonight and he almost boots another one
Leyland managed it perfectly last year. Some pitchers didnt make it into the game, but that’s just fine.
Starters can go two, with three of those you’ve got 6 innings. Then you have 5-6 relievers that may or may not all make it.
McCarver couldn’t see a tree if he ran smack into a forest.
Please just get a HIT
What kind of backwards baserunning is the AL team doing? The foul just saved ANOTHER out at home.
PLEASE MORNE END THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MORNEAU!
Here we go Justin!
They are walking him, nooo!
Oh you are FRIGGIN kidding me.
NO!!!!!!
Heh-heh, look who’s up……ol’ what’s-his-name.
Gosh dangit..It’s a conspiracy I tell you!
Well, maybe if Kinsler hits it…he’ll step back and admit that it really should’ve been Hamil…I mean Morneau who did it.
Hurdle ain’t screwing around. He knows there isn’t anybody left in the pen for the AL.
Morne swipes second!
For God’s sake, can this game end already. I don’t care who wins it anymore, just end this.
Well, 8 more til we get to Justin again!
they’re still mad about him winning the Derby! bunch of azzclowns!
Freakin Viagra commercial
Rule #5: The AS game will not decide home field for the WS.
Then they don’t walk Morneau (or Hamilton, or Bonds, or etc.)
This is what happens when the ASG is for home field.
If it isn’t, maybe they face Morneau. Because even if he wins it for the AL…who cares?
The fact it counts means the managers aren’t going to take stupid chances. (Except for Francona…who’s made some HORRID baserunning decisions that could’ve ended this game innings ago)
romer, that was #4. “It doesn’t count.”
So if this ends in a tie…what happens? Is the World Series only 8 games?
After this game is called, home field advantage for the WS this year will be decided by a flippin’ fart from the Beloved Commissioner.
Here’s the funny thing. I believe both managers have ONE move left.
Put the DH on the mound.
I THINK that would work wouldn’t it?
Morneau has 4 ABs in the all star game.
I believe Youkilis had 2.
There’s problem #1.
Bad bunt by Guzman
Can Mauer pitch?
They can re-insert the catcher (Mauer), and pitcher can switch and be the catcher.
Morneau’s line
2-5 2B, HR, 4RBI
Rule #6: Let pitchers come back. They’ve had a chance to cool odwn. Do some warmup throws and come back.
I would love to see Mauer pitch
Mauer would strike out the side
Jeff Cirillo pitched a 1-2-3 inning for the Rockies last year
Here’s what I say if I’m Selig and Francona comes to me with “I can’t use Kazmir anymore.”
I look at the NL, see Marmol and Lidge, and tell Francona: “Find somebody to pitch or you forfeit.”
End of story. He mismanaged his bullpen, he lives with the consequences.
Next year, it doesn’t count anymore…and we see more risk taking and more FUN.
Rule #7: Let Derby pitchers pitch.
I have to go to bed….this needs to end
And Michael Young.
And MICHAEL YOUNG.
And MILEAL GUNG.
And MYDOL GUNK.
Ooop ooop! We have an awkward seque. DRINK!
[Must I explain my previous post?]
There’s two options left.
Kazmir can pitch.
Failing that, the DH can still enter the game as a pitcher I believe.
Well maybe some one will Delmon Young the first pitch and hit it over
drew could hit another screecher, it wouldn’t bother me.
Navarro is not an all-star caliber catcher this year
Another fun fact. If it didn’t count, one of the bullpen guys for the NL would’ve underhanded a pitch to somebody by now.
Dan Ugly.
Uggla is horrible this game
not sure uggla is all star caliber either.
Hop my butt. That’s routine.
Hit a double, anyone!
If the NL wins this, Cook for MVP.
Even the Official Scorer is crap tonight.
STOP GIVING AWAY RUNS DANGIT!
Just get a hit, anyone, please
Screw it. All Star MVP is the pitcher that serves up the winning homerun.
C’mon Marmol.
And MICHAEL YOUNG……
sheesh. cheering for a white sox.
white sock?
Get Carlos up, he’ll end it
The stands are frickin’ two-thirds empty.
Morne, maybe?
Bud Selig is absolutely s**tting bricks right now.
CAN ANYONE SCORE A RUN? ANYONE? Does set up the Morne grand salami though and that is all I can ask for
Morne, you might have a winners chance! Again.
Let’s see if Kazmir serves up a couple meat balls to end this game.
Or Georgy
Aw DANG IT! Sherril tried to help us all out.
I was at Yankee Stadium once. 2 in the morning in the empty parking lot.
At least I was there.
They seriously had monument park in the field of play at one point? Who was the genious that decided that was a good idea?
How uncomfortable would it be if nathan was in Sherrill’s position.
There’s no excuse for either manager to be shorthanded. If Webb and Kazmir were not eligible they should have been replaced on the “Active” all star roster.
Ok Morne, if the AL doesn’t score I quit.
Just as uncomfortable as it is now.
If the AL doesn’t score, that may just be it. The AL is out of pitchers.
Kazmir has to pitch the next inning. Sherrill might blow out his arm or god forbid give up a HR…
This turned from great game into a drag.
No T, that was cool. The monuments of the park were actually in the park.
How novel.
Screw this antiseptic, corporate, structural purity stuff.
No Grand Salami tonight
romer, I was just thinking of safty purposes.
Morne has seen Webb recently…
I wanted Tejada this Winter.
Punto would be at 3B (after Buscher started this season there).
No Lamb, no Everett.
Get a hit Eva
Sizemore, you suck!
Come on, Evan…..get MVP and Derby Champ up there.
Preferably a triple or a HR
I’m going to bed. Go morneau and such.
This is to the point of sad.
Fiddly, fiddly, frickin’ f***.
Come on, you can’t take any pitches in that situation, I’d hate to walk in front of a guy like Morneau, that might win the game…
This is what is going to happen: The NL is going to score in the top and Morne is going to tie it again, thus leading to ten more innings.
T, you never leave when you say you’re leaving.
Please Uggla, hit a HR!
I am waiting for Morneau’s at bat and then I am gone.
uggla had nothing to lose.
My God I think that was Francona barfing with his back turned.
Back Back Back Back
Hamilton is back to his room with his body guard (social guard?) watching the door.
Get him off the Plate!
Please, hit a HR please. A two run lead is insurmountable.
God I hope T is in bed…….McCarver’s talking about rule changes.
Here comes Morneau. Bartender; Jack!
oh, bullsh!t! Morny had it all the way you dip!
One at bat and then I am gone unless he gets on base
Dick Bremer: “And how many time have you seen it, the guy who makes the great defensive play is first up at the plate…”
rally caps minnesota
Morneau tried to win it at least
A Hit, A Hit, A Hit
gatty………..gatty……..wake up, wake up. He got a hit.
Why is Kinsler not bunting?
This is another STUPID managing move. STUPID! Should have just bunted him over.
What was that about a bunt?
stupid!
Please JD, just get a hit.
Morneau should be a third now instead of second if they had decided to bunt
Good swing by JD…He’s keeping his head.
We need a sac fly!
Double, single, and scores game winning run!
MVP is MVP ! ! !
Sleep tight, Homies!
YES YES YES
Morne scored half the runs today!
crazy as hell.
that was friggin’ close! ! !
MVP MVP MVP MVP
So, NOW……..
It SHOULD be, it SHOULD be…
MVP is the MVP. (Come on, chant with me.)
MVP is the MVP
MVP is the MVP
MVP is the MVP
MVP should be Morne!
Morne started two rallies this game, give him props MLB!
get ready to go beserk if Morne doesn’t get MVP.
Watch its rivera
If you say you want to kill the president of the United States, they put you in prison.
If you say you will kill the Commish of MLB, you take your chances, but you’re still free.
MVP is the MVP.
Really, do they need another commercial break from a 5 hour game?
he took the best at bats… took a swing for the fence but then leveled it out and did the best he could for a lead off bat… MVP
MVP (should be) the MVP
He started the game winning rally, the bench fed off of it and the AL won. All because of Morne.
My guess is Drew for MVP, though would prefer Morneau of course.
Honestly, I really don’t care who the MVP is.
TK should be in the production booth threatening to stick his lit cigar in someone’s eye if MVP ain’t the MVP.
Come on, Foxie people, give it to what’s-his-name.
Oh Please-ee.
I would like for Morne to win it, but I wouldn’t be pissed if he didn’t
screw drew
You gotta be kidding!
Really, JD. Really. How can you be serious. No way. East Coast bias strikes again.
They don’t get this win without Morneau getting the winning run on a close play at home.
This is a joke. He should give the keys to somebody else. He did not deserve it.
Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the doors, and screw the righteous people.
Yea right-wing fundamentalist Christian sects. Boo fundamentalist TK-Twins silent majority teams.
OH! He WALKED!
That explains it!
They lose if Morne doesn’t get his leadoff double and JD hits his home run. This game ends 3-2.
He hit the game tying HR when it was 2-0. What did he do after that? Nothing. Hardly an MVP performance.
You ought to be involved somehow in the game winning play (esp. in xtra innings) to win it. Drew was not.
Oooo, longest AS game in history. The Derby was quite long too (just ask Hamilton).
And who was that what’s-his-name who had energy at the end of both events, played perfect fundamentally, and won both events?
Yes, children, we’ll always remember Hamilton and Drew, both of whom ARE or WOULD BE losers if not for what’s-his-name.
Can’t wait for Joe C’s report. Got any fire in the belly, Joe C?
EHHHH, I really don’t care, time to get some shut eye and dream of the Twins having home field advantage in the upcoming World Series…
Morneau scores two of the four runs, starts two rallies, scores the winning run at 1:40 am by hustling home and, unfortunately, gets overlooked for the second night in a row. Incredible!
I just chalk it up to East Coast Bias. Micheal Young was more deserving of the award than Drew for sure. Morne scored two runs in a one run game and played good defense. I can’t say that JD played good defense.
Rule #8: All blog supervision is suspended after AS games.
Regarding Selig……..have AT him.
Who picks the MVP anyway. I think it was probably ESPN.
Francona: “Every single player, every single player was on the top step…”
Well, they sure as doody weren’t looking in right field at the lazy flyball Drew hit.
“34 strikeouts in the game. Great pitching beats great hitting.”
No one on the AL team had a higher BA for the game than Morneau.
.600 OBP for Morneau tonight.
Mauer went 1-1 so he had a higher batting average and reached on a walk
The reason the AL won the game and it didn’t keep going was because of Jason’s hustle.
Jason Mauer?
gatty, I’m confused.
Ha-ha, gatty!
I knew you were on my side even before I knew it!!!
ESPN is doing a horrrible job they already showed this footage. One would think that they would have it together since they are ‘the leading sports network’
Actually, I give thanks to God that M&M don’t belong to a Steinbrenner but rather a Pohlad. I really do.
Jason Mauer won the game according to the guy that presented the check yesterday…
