We'd prefer not to analyze the Pujols-La Russa fallout from last night, because there's just no way we can do so without feeling the urge to slide in last year's World Series DVD. It's just that we simply can't resist. What could have been a truly magnificent end to a mostly underwhelming two days was shelved for an Aaron Rowand pop fly. Aaron Rowand - really? We know the Cardinals are probably done this year (7.5 games out as of this writing), but Tony La Russa's inaction last night just heaps moundfuls of dirt upon their grave.
We refuse to dwell on it, though. In terms of what we liked and didn't like about last night's All-Star game, we'll have to create a new category for Pussagate. Not until now, when it's abundantly clear that Pujols is pissed and further turmoil is forthcoming, did we realize how awful an impact this could have on the Cardinals' season. Insert fork, this bitch is done. Anyway...
What we liked:
1.) Ichiro's inside-the-park home run
- On the verge of signing a $100 million extension with the Mariners, Ichiro hit a bomb off Chris Young that careened wildly off the wall, thus creating the first - and likely only - inside-the-park homer in All-Star game history. Ichiro, who went 3-for-3, also claimed MVP honors via an interpreter and a pair of stone-washed jeans.
2.) Jose Reyes
- We just like him, okay! Is he really the "most exciting player in baseball" like every man with a microphone proclaims? We don't know, but when he gets on base things happen, and baseball's always better when things are happening.
3.) A-Rod's non-performance
- Other than a slap single, some horrible white cleats and a nasty fielding display at the corner, A-Rod was virtually invisible all evening. He has 30 homers and 80-some RBIs. That's great. He's as likable as a whitehead inside your ear.
What we didn't like:
1.) The absence of Pujols
- He's the two-time reigning NL MVP (yes, Ryan Howard technically won it last year but we refuse to honor it on the grounds he struck out three times more often than Pujols) and he doesn't see the field. Absolutely terrible. We can't imagine the atmosphere in STL today.
2.) The announcing team
- Buck and McCarver have let us down many a time over the years, but last night there was a general lack of excitement and it wasn't just because the only balls in McCovey Cove belonged to Eric Byrnes' bulldog. Even in the ninth inning, when the National League loaded the bases, down one run, we felt like Buck and McCarver were already putting in drink orders at the bar across the street. It's the All-Star game guys, we deserve better.
3.) The injuries
- Placido Polanco couldn't stand up straight, David Ortiz's knee and quad sapped his power, and Miguel Cabrera's shoulder limited him to one at-bat. No one likes injuries, but when it keeps the best players in the game from giving 100 percent on one of baseball's biggest nights, well, that's no fun for anyone.
