The All-Star Stupor

Fifteen innings of play capped the spotlight over the New York area. Justin Morneau punctuated a long night that gave the American League a home victory. This after Commissioner Bud Selig let play go on and not provide a repeat of the acrimony in Milwaukee a few years ago. Well played, Mr. Selig!

Well played, J.D. Drew! The All-Star MVP has grown up from the spoiled draftee refusing to sign with his original team to a championship ring-wearing hero. Perhaps this is his redemption.

The weekend itself looked amazing. Every event had a touch of Yankees sterling to it. From the Fan Fest at the Javits Center to the game itself, that Yankee touch is undeniable. Well played, Mr. Steinbrenner!

Yet, it seemed that everyone else stepped up to make the All-Star experience worth it. Think of the Home Run Derby where Josh Hamilton gave the fans at the old stadium a show while Morneau took home the honors of the event's champion. Well played, Justin and Josh!

When you looked at the field, how many new All-Stars shined during the game? It is great to see the teams assembled with not the same ol' superstars every year as the emerging stars take their place alongside the legends. The likes of Hamilton, Evan Longoria, Edinson Volquez, Ryan Braun and Geovany Soto took to the All-Star stage with amazing grace and class. Well played, men!

The gushing must stop. There's work to do as we enter in the second half of the season. The key for these All-Stars is to get back to their respective clubs and dive into their respective pennant races. These guys may have shined for one night only...or for a couple of nights...but, it's time to put on the hard hats, the gear and get back to work!

But, first, there's the matter of a trade deadline to tackle. Any rumors out there on how will follow C.C. Sabathia and Rich Harden into new homes in time to fuel the race to the postseason?