The Morning After - The All Stars (NL lose again, 4-3)

I was not surprised by last night's All Star game outcome of the AL triumphing over the the NL once again. I do recall that when I was growing up, it was the other way around. During those years, it seemed like the NL had the AL's number. The NL was so dominant, it was almost like the NL had the AL's signs. Now it feels like the AL stars shine consistently brighter each year. Perhaps they do.

The discussion with the President along with the FOX announcers hit upon a possible explanation for the dominance by the AL. President Obama agreed that it probably had much to do with the DH in the AL and how better offensively prepared the AL is even though they don't use the DH in the All Star game. Huh? Come again? That's illogical. And the way the AL has won doesn't support this odd theory. It sounded interesting. The take away was that the President nodded and agreed so profusely to this inane theory. That's the part that concerns me. When a trusted advisor in the White House or on his national security team says something, does the President simply agree without thinking it through? Let's hope not.

Now back to baseball.

Santana didn't get into the game last night. It was reported that he and the Mets asked Charlie Manuel to leave him out. Good call. Wonder why though?

David Wright did get a broken bat, two out bloop hit and scored the first run for the NL in the 2nd inning. Unfortunately, David also threw a ball in the dirt that prevented a double play in the first inning and allowed the AL to score. This was typical David Wright once again. He giveth. He taketh away. Disappointing.

Frankie Rodriguez pitched the last inning for the NL. Threw 6 pitches and did a great job. It would be good if he was occasionally as efficient when he closed for the Mets. That's not a complaint though. He's been pretty terrific for the Mets. I wonder why Charlie Manuel didn't bring in Lidge and elected to go with Rodriguez? Lidge is a Phillie, his guy. Maybe he wanted to rest Lidge and that was the reciprocity for the Santana handshake with the Mets. Or perhaps Manuel was saving Lidge for a save opportunity which never arrived for the NL. In any case, only 6 pitches for KROD and with a day off today, it probably was good for the Mets closer.

Another day off today and then let's hope that Jeff F can pump some adrenaline and lead the Mets through Atlanta to kickoff the 2nd half.