Howard Takes Stage Tonight

Before every all star game is the State Farm Home Run Derby. This year will feature another one of your Phillies stars in Ryan Howard. Howard is in his third derby, winning in 2006 and failing to get out of the first round in 2007. As the big story of the derby, Howard was born in St. Louis, the location of this year's game and derby. He will have to win the hearts of the home crowd as he goes against home town hero Albert Pujols. The game will be on ESPN at 8 PM ET.

NL contestants:
Ryan Howard - Phillies - 22 HR
Albert Pujols - Cardinals - 32 HR
Prince Fielder - Brewers - 22 HR
Adrian Gonzalez - Padres - 24 HR

AL contestants:
Brandon Inge - Tigers - 21 HR
Carlos Pena - Rays - 24 HR
Joe Mauer - Twins - 15 HR
Nelson Cruz - Rangers - 22 HR

My predictions:
Pujols, Howard, Pena, and Cruz will advance.
Pujols over Howard in the Final.

Bran-Torino Win Final Vote!

Brandon Inge and Shane Victorino got together to form a nick name in their co-campaign for the MLB Final Vote for the 2009 All Star Game in St. Louis. Well it worked as Inge will represent the American League and Victorino in the National League as the 33rd players on their respective squads.

Victorino edged out Pablo Sandoval for the final spot on the NL roster. Sandoval will likely make the team if Carlos Beltran is too hurt to play. With Beltran's absence, Victorino may start as he would be the only true center fielder for the NL.

Congrats to Shane and Inge and hopefully to the "Kung Foo Panda" as Giants fans affectionately call Sandoval.