JULY 14, 2009 -- AL 4, NL 3

Let's get it straight right off the bat: All-Star Games in any sport are supremely overrated. Some baseball fans would like to immediately point out that the MLB All-Star Game "means something," which is actually a strike against it being even worth watching. I've already said how much the current All-Star structure is an absolute mockery, so I won't repeat myself. I saw about ten minutes of the game last night, enough to watch Joe Mauer tie the game with a double in the fifth inning and Joe Nathan cling to the one-run lead that he inherited in the eighth inning, striking out Ryan Howard with two runners in scoring position to end the inning. However much I'm glad that Nathan was able to fan Howard, the situation was a prime example why the All-Star Game needs to be an exhibition. Once Orlando Hudson stole second base, which opened up first base, most managers in a real game would have walked Howard (even with two strikes) and gladly faced Justin Upton instead of Howard. That's no jab at Upton, who's a deserving All-Star in his own right, but with first base open you shouldn't pitch to Howard. At least Nathan wasn't throwing strikes to Howard and had the Phillie slugger fishing at a pitch in the dirt to get him out. The fact is this -- fans want to see power-versus-power matchups like Nathan vs. Howard. It was a pretty exciting moment to tell you the truth. But as long as the All-Star game has a false sense of importance attached to it, there will be managers who will choose to forgo such situations and walk Howard there, and strip the fans of an exciting moment.


Barack Obama threw out the first pitch of the All-Star Game wearing a White Sox jacket, and whatever your politics may be, I'm wondering if anyone else among us Twins fans were thinking to themselves -- boy, as a southpaw, Obama might just be as good as Brian Duensing or Sean Henn. No doubt Ron Gardenhire was sitting in his living room kickin' back the Schmitt's and eating SpamWiches, reaching for the telephone and begging Bill Smith to sign 'im up. At least that way, Smith won't have to trade anybody to get him. Ah, but what am I talking about -- Obama probably wouldn't even want to play for the Twins. He's got enough headaches in Washington what with the whole "country falling apart" thing, that he'd probably not want to compound his troubles by joining the already beleaguered Twins bullpen.


Remember, folks, send in those e-mail questions to eisenhowermcsteele@gmail.com. I've already had a few great e-mails come in and I look forward to more. The first "Ask Howie" segment will be featured on Friday, so don't be afraid to send me your questions!