All Star Game Betting: Power hitters from the AL can defeat league rivals

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 13 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

A seventh straight win awaits American League in the All Star Game, according to Nick Shiambrouos.

The 80th All Star Game takes place in the beautiful city of St Louis on Tuesday evening. The game between the American League and the National League is one of the most popular sporting events in America. Last year an incredible 33.2 million viewers watched the American League win 4-3 in a record 15 innings at Yankee Stadium.

The team selection is a complex voting procedure but the fans have a real say in matters and account for eight starters on each team. The rest of the starters are selected by each manager and players from around the league .

Both players and coaches take this 'Midsummer Classic' very seriously and it is much more than a mid-season celebration of baseball. There is a lot more than pride at stake as the winner receives home field advantage in the World Series.

American League
Derek Jeter the short stop for the New York Yankees will be making his sixth appearance as a starter and this man is destined for the hall of fame. Jeter has a .474 career average in the All Star Game and I am sure he will have a big night.
Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays will play third base and this young man is nothing short of a sensation in this position. He can also swing the bat very well averaging .285.
Carlos Pena is a late addition to the team after Dustin Pedroia had to withdraw for personal reasons. Pena is another Tampa player who is leading the League in home runs. It is good to see players from smaller franchises make the team.
Josh Hamilton is the hard hitting outfielder from the Texas Rangers who is one of the most powerful sluggers in the game. Both Hamilton and Longoria are also due to play in the home run derby which takes place on Monday evening.
The other scheduled starters for the American League are Ichiro Suzuki, Joe Mauer, Masrk Teixeira and Jason Bay.

National League
Albert Pujols who plays first base for St Louis will be playing in front of his home fans. In my opinion he is the best player on the planet, He is the complete player in all departments and is averaging .337 for the year.
Chase Utley will play second base and is a huge clutch player. This will be his fourth consecutive appearance. He was a big factor in last year's defeat of the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.
Hanley Ramirez is one of the most exciting players in baseball .He is one of the reasons the Florida Marlins are having such a good year. He is an outstanding short stop and can swing the bat well.
Yadier Molina is one of the finest catchers in the game and deservedly won a Gold Glove award last year.
The other scheduled starters for the National League are David Wright, Ryan Braun, Raul Benitez and Carlos Beltran .

　
The American League has a great recent record in this game and have won the last six games. My money will be on them to make it seven on Tuesday. I think they have a power edge in the hitting department and this prove decisive. With all this power in the line-ups it could be a high scoring affair so I will be backing the over total runs.

Recommended wagers
Back American League to win the All Star Game in the outright market @ [2.1]
Back over 9.5 runs @ [1.9]