MLB All Star Game: American League Vs National League
When you look up and down both lineups, the American League has the clear advantage for me. They’ve got some depth, they’ve got some power, they’ve got a good amount of speed, and they have more intimidating power hitters for sure. The National League lineup just doesn’t do much for me here, but then again, they have the pitching edge.
The National League has seen some dominant starters this year, but I have to give the edge to Zack Greinke over Dallas Keuchel, and the edge remains as you get into the game. I think pitching will keep the NL in this one, but I don’t think they have enough offensive weapons to walk away with the win.
I’m not a big fan of the “this year matters” All Star Game approach, but I guess it makes things a little more interesting. I look at the AL lineup as one that can both manufacture and power their way to runs, and I think that will be the difference here. In a close one, I think you’ll see speed pay off late for the AL and the bullpens wash out.
These games are always a toss up and it’s certainly not advisable to bet heavily where there is an element of fanfare involved. Managers will rotate players in for the experience and to keep the audience engaged, while the desire to win for World Series home field advantage is more nonsense than motivational. Still, we have more or less the same approach to this game as any other.
If the AL can stay close against Greinke, who I believe is the best pitcher in baseball this year, and find a way to build runs and keep the production steady throughout, they’ll win this one. I think you’ll see the same random collapses and explosions that are possible with every All-Star game, but I think the American League lineup can mechanically pace their way to victory.
AL 7 – NL 6
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