MLB Mlb All Star Game

Over the last few years as blogs have entered the mainstream for people seeking information on the internet, there's been a lot of controversy over what's kosher and what isn't with blogs. Whether people are getting upset about a blog saying they think a player may be using steroids without concrete proof, or posting pictures of athletes out at a bar with a bottle of Jack Daniels in their hand and a bevy of beauties on their arm, there are plenty of examples of blogs dancing back and forth over the line of what's responsible reporting and irresponsible.

But don't worry, this isn't another post about which side is right, and which side is wrong. No, this is just a post being put up on a blog to let the world know that it's not just bloggers who step over the line from time to time.

ST. LOUIS -- The last time the National League won an All-Star Game, Justin Upton was 8 years old, Barack Obama had never been elected to a public office and the Internet was barely more than the private toy of a few scientists.

Now Upton is an All-Star, Obama is the President and the Internet touches just about every part of daily life.

But the National League? Nothing has changed for it. The senior circuit is still looking for its first win since 1996.

ST. LOUIS -- Once he didn't win the online vote for the final AL roster spot in the All-Star Game, Chone Figgins figured he had three days off and decided not to answer his phone.

He had no idea that Evan Longoria had an infected finger and might not be able to play.

So when Longoria was scratched and Figgins was picked to replace him on the roster, it became a bit of an issue trying to track down the Angels third baseman.

ST. LOUIS – With organizations re-realizing the value of defense, it was appropriate that the MVP of Tuesday's All-Star Game was picked because of his play in the field.

Carl Crawford was awarded the Arch Ward Trophy for his leaping grab in the seventh inning, robbing Brad Hawpe of what would have been a tie-breaking homer to left.

"I don't think I've ever robbed a home run before," Crawford said, "so I picked a good time to do it tonight. It's definitely probably my best catch I've ever made."

ST. LOUIS -- American League pitchers didn't just retire 18 straight batters in one stretch Tuesday.

They retired 18 straight All-Stars.

On just 48 pitches.

"It's tough when you are facing closer after closer or No. 1 starter after No. 1 starter," NL third baseman David Wright said, "and everyone coming in for one ininng. We were fortunate to get that one inning we plated a couple. Then we're facing closer after closer and No. 1 after No. 1."

ST. LOUIS -- This isn't how it was supposed to go for Albert Pujols. His glove wasn't supposed to be the biggest story surrounding him when All-Star festivities came to his town.

After an 0-for-3 in the All-Star Game, which followed a modest performance in the Home Run Derby, there wasn't much to say about Pujols' work at the plate.

Obviously, there was a bit of a spotlight on Pujols this week. And, obviously, that doesn't make it any easier to perform.

"You have the Home Run Derby and also have to catch a pitch from the U.S. President, and oh yeah, you have a game to play as well," Pujols said. "I won't use the word stress. I wish it can be like this for the rest of my career, this stressful."

ST. LOUIS -- When Heath Bell met President Obama before the All-Star Game, he proudly greeted him in a T-shirt that said: "I'm kind of a big deal."

A few hours later, Bell was another kind of Big Deal. He was the latest in a line of National League losing pitchers in the All-Star Game, a group that oddly includes three Padres in the past four years.

Bell didn't seem to mind the notoriety, though.

"It's unfortunate I didn't execute my pitches and we lost," he said. "You can blame it on me. It's OK. I'm a big guy. I can take it."

Different year, different path, same result.

The American League stretched its unbeaten streak in the All-Star Game to 13 (12 wins, one tie), edging the National League 4-3 Tuesday night in St. Louis for its fourth consecutive one-run victory in the showcase. The win secured home-field advantage for the junior circuit in the World Series for the seventh straight season, making it unbeaten since the exhibition took on that meaning.

In stark contrast to last year's game, which lasted 15 innings and a record four hours and 50 minutes, this year's was a brisk two hours and 31 minutes, the shortest Midsummer Classic since 1988 and a tribute to the irrepressible pitching of the American League.

Anyone tired of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver in the broadcast booth got a bit of a reprieve tonight. President Barack Obama joined them in the booth in the top of the second inning to chat about his recent travels, the All-Star Game, and Washington D.C.'s most pressing current problem -- the Nationals.

Obama stopped by in his White Sox jacket, the same jacket he wore when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

It was a mildly curious decision because it's standard operating procedure to wear the home team's gear when throwing out the first pitch, but Obama, an avowed Sox fan, wanted to stay true to his hometown team.

"Everybody knows I'm a White Sox fan," Obama told Buck and McCarver, "and my wife thinks I look cute in this jacket, so for those two reasons, why not."

The State Farm Home Run Derby is tonight, and hometown favorite Albert Pujols looks to be the front runner for longball glory. But don't forget about dark horse candidates like Detroit Tigers slugger Brandon Inge, who has hit 21 dingers already this season and has played every position including "coach." Personally, I think Inge could sneak in and ... wait, the Home Run Derby happened last night? What happened, who won? Did... oh.

This afternoon's Dugout is after the jump. Ughhh, look at that guy.