The All Star Break

The Home Run Derby was just shy of amazing. Yoenis Cespedes put on a show by blasting 17 home runs in the first round and eventually winning the entire competition. My pick Bryce Harper was the runner up with a total of 24 home runs, conveniently 8 in each round.

The All Star Game itself was all American League. The AL pitching combined to pitch a shutout and the offense scored 3 runs. Two runs came off of Diamondback's starter Patrick Corbin and the third off of Braves' closer Craig Kimbrel.

The highlight of the night was the entrance of Mariano Rivera to his final all star appearance. Every player, umpire, coach, and crew member cleare
d the field and Rivera walked into to the hymns of Enter Sandman all by himself. The ovation was electrifying, loud, and actually a quite touching. The respect the fans, the players, and everyone for that matter have for Rivera is just amazing. He pitched a perfect 8th inning and helped the American League secure home field advantage in the World Series: Somewhere he also wishes to have another ovation.

Robinson Cano was hit on the knee by Matt Harvey in his first at bat. It was of course an accident, but something the Yankees cannot afford. Cano tried to stay in the game, but was taken out before the end of the top of the first. Tests came back negative and reports are that Cano will play in the game against the Red Sox Friday night.

My first half awards:

American League MVP: Miguel Cabrera
American League Cy Young Award: Felix Hernandez
American League Rookie of the Year: Jose Iglesias

National League MVP: Yadier Molina
National League Cy Young Award: Clayton Kershaw
National League Rookie of the Year: Yasiel Puig

There are
also reports that the Texas Rangers are on the verge of acquiring Matt Garza