Something old, something new as National League aims to end All-Star drought
Article By smcneal.tsn on 13th July, 2010
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Plenty will be new at the All-Star Game Tuesday night and a little will be old. But the big question: Will the outcome be any different?
A look at what's new, what's old and the NL's perspective on ending its 13-game winless streak.
Starting with youth AL starting pitcher David Price is part of an influx of young pitching talent. With a record 33 first-timers on hand, the selection of two of them to start on the mound was only fitting. Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, 26, and Rays lefty David Price, 24, become the youngest starting tandem years since Roger Clemens, then 24, and Dwight Gooden, 21, took the mound in 1986. Gooden, however, by then was a three-time All-Star.
Plenty of inexperience will follow, too. Of 26 active pitchers on the clubs, only Roy Halladay has appeared in more than one All-Star Game. Sixteen never have worked in an All-Star Game.
"Young pitching is where baseball is at today," NL manager Charlie Manuel said.
Added AL manager Joe Girardi: "It seemed like 15 years ago, it was a time of young shortstops, and other times, it seems there's an influx of great, young talent in outfielders. But right now the influx of young pitching in baseball is incredible, and not just guys with stuff; guys that know how to pitch."
Familiar faces You should not, however, need a program to recognize the starting position players. Ichiro Suzuki will lead off for the AL, Derek Jeter will follow, Josh Hamilton will hit cleanup and Joe Mauer will catch. In the five-hole will be Vlad Guerrero, who should receive one of the night's loudest receptions as he returns to his old home.
For the NL, Albert Pujols will hit third, just ahead of David Wright and Ryan Braun. All will be starting for at least the third time.
The newer All-Stars really can be just in awe of the big-names as can fans. As NL players were leaving a media session M...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
A look at what's new, what's old and the NL's perspective on ending its 13-game winless streak.
Starting with youth AL starting pitcher David Price is part of an influx of young pitching talent. With a record 33 first-timers on hand, the selection of two of them to start on the mound was only fitting. Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, 26, and Rays lefty David Price, 24, become the youngest starting tandem years since Roger Clemens, then 24, and Dwight Gooden, 21, took the mound in 1986. Gooden, however, by then was a three-time All-Star.
Plenty of inexperience will follow, too. Of 26 active pitchers on the clubs, only Roy Halladay has appeared in more than one All-Star Game. Sixteen never have worked in an All-Star Game.
"Young pitching is where baseball is at today," NL manager Charlie Manuel said.
Added AL manager Joe Girardi: "It seemed like 15 years ago, it was a time of young shortstops, and other times, it seems there's an influx of great, young talent in outfielders. But right now the influx of young pitching in baseball is incredible, and not just guys with stuff; guys that know how to pitch."
Familiar faces You should not, however, need a program to recognize the starting position players. Ichiro Suzuki will lead off for the AL, Derek Jeter will follow, Josh Hamilton will hit cleanup and Joe Mauer will catch. In the five-hole will be Vlad Guerrero, who should receive one of the night's loudest receptions as he returns to his old home.
For the NL, Albert Pujols will hit third, just ahead of David Wright and Ryan Braun. All will be starting for at least the third time.
The newer All-Stars really can be just in awe of the big-names as can fans. As NL players were leaving a media session M...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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