Podcast 7/12/17: On MLB's Young Stars and Bad NBA Contracts

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Podcast"!

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DOWNLOAD: On MLB All-Star, Young Stars & Bad NBA Contracts (7/12/17)

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DOWNLOAD: On NBA Free Agency, Chauncey Billups & Our 3-on-3 Teams (7/5/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball (6/28/17)
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2017 Episodes Of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

On Deck Circle 7/13/17: My Retraction Article

By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta


So as some of you may have seen, I made a huge mistake in my previous article on who should start the All-Star game. In it, I stated that one of the reasons why I disagree that the fans should be 100% in charge of voting for the all-star starters is that the game determines home field advantage in the World Series, so I want the best, most deserving players in the game instead of biased voting based on fan favorites. The huge gaffe there was that the All-Star game doesn’t determine home field advantage anymore, they reversed that ruling over the past offseason and this was the 1st All-Star game since the ruling.

Whoops! Not sure how I forgot all about that, especially considering how glad I was that the MLB got rid of that ridiculous rule, but sure enough I totally whiffed on this one and the article was posted with that part still in there. It has since been edited, so some may not have even seen it depending on when they checked out the article, but some definitely read it before and caught that I made a big gaffe there.

So after I initially started kicking myself for messing that all up and stopped being so upset with myself, I figured it was best to not only own it, but to have some fun with it. While I may not like that it happened, it still did so instead of dwelling on it, it’s better to laugh it off and keep moving on. It does bring me back to another time that this happened with me, so figure this would be a good time to share a story about it.

Back many, many years ago, I was set on being a sports journalist. I was fresh out of high school and was ready to pursue that career, so I figured I’d take a stab at writing my first ever sports article. To show how long ago this was, this was back when the NFL only had 3 divisions of 5 teams in each conference since the Houston Texans weren’t around yet (their first season was when the division re-alignment occurred.)

Back then, the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in the same division, and at the time the Bucs had this incredible losing streak when the game was played in 32 degree weather (freezing line) or below. I don’t know the exact stat off the top of my head anymore but they were a ghastly 0 wins in their last 30+ games in that kind of cold and every time they had to travel to Lambeau or some other cold city with an outdoor stadium, a lot of the headlines were on this dubious streak. So here we are during football season, the Buccaneers are playing the Packers in a regular season game, so I check the weather forecast in Green Bay and it’s just above that 32 degree mark, so I thought it would be the perfect thing to write about.

My first article is underway, I spend the time talking about how most attribute Tampa Bay’s cold weather woes to the fact that they practice and play their home games in Florida, and how it’s extra tough to overcome this adversity when the Packers are so tough at home and in the cold and how this would be such a big moral win for Tampa if they could get a win here as they had playoff aspirations and so on. I talked about how all eyes would be on the forecast, how it currently was above the freezing line but could change as it gets closer to game time and how the game could start above but get colder and dip below as the game went on and how that would affect the Buccaneers during the game. Basically, the whole idea behind my article was set on that temperature and all that could be in play depending on how cold it was for that game.

So I finish it up, proofread it a few times to fix any grammatical errors and I’m ready to publish it. I was beaming with pride over finishing my first ever article and thought that was was a first big step for me, so I put myself out there in hopes of garnering some positive feedback and I post my article on the couple message boards that I frequented back then. Anxiously waiting to read my first comment as the little notification popped up that someone had replied, I go to read what was said and let’s just say that I was a bit surprised at the comment.


“Hey good article… but the game this week is in Tampa Bay.”


I checked and sure enough, Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. My whole entire article down the drain as the temperature in Tampa Bay was a mild 80 something with no chance of it dropping 50 degrees before game time(darn!). Embarrassed a bit at the time, I look back on it now with a big laugh and any time I’ve written article since, I’ve made sure to double and triple check where the game is being played before I continue on.

So back to my All-Star article, it happens. Doesn’t mean I don’t strive for perfection but at the same time, mistakes are going to be made and I’m sure I’ll look back on this in the same way that I look back on that “temperature” article. I’ll learn from it and laugh about it at my own expense, this isn’t the first time I made a huge mistake that screwed up part or all of my article and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Thanks for reading.

On Deck Circle 7/11/17: Who Should Be The All-Star Starters

By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta


The All-Star game starters for both leagues were announced on July 2nd. The fans are the ones that get to vote on the All-Star starters, with the AL and NL managers filling out the reserves and the pitching staff. While it is a fun little gimmick that the MLB has here by letting the fans vote for the starters, it also is a flawed system that leads to undeserving or injured players making it as starters. Fanbases from each team cram their ballots with their biased voting, choosing their favorite players on their favorite teams instead of who deserves it the most. That's how we end up with players making the starting lineup that shouldn't actually be there, this especially happens to players in big market cities since the bigger the fanbase means the more votes they receive.

The All-Star fan voting is here and we will take a look here and see what the fans got right and what they got wrong. Here is the what the All-Star lineups in each league should look like:

CATCHER - Who made it: Salvador Perez

Who should have made it: Gary Sanchez

Perez got this one on name value and that he's had 80-100 at-bats more than Gary Sanchez and Alex Avila(who would be my 2nd choice at Catcher.) While Perez has more HR's than Sanchez, 16 to 13, Sanchez leads him in batting average, OBP, slugging, and OPS while having a better WAR. Salvatore Perez' on base percentage is a incredibly low .320, which puts him 8th in the AL of catchers with at least 130 at bats. Sanchez is having the better year, gets on base more and has similar power, he should be getting the All-Star start at Catcher.


1ST BASE - Who made it: Justin Smoak

Who should have made it: Justin Smoak

This is a position that the fans couldn't go wrong here, Justin Smoak or Yonder Alonso would have both been perfect choices. They are nearly identical, Smoak just has a few more HR's, RBI's and batting average, so while either wouldn't have been an issue, Smoak deserved it just a little bit more.


2ND BASE - Who made it: Jose Altuve

Who should have made it: Jose Altuve

This was a simple and easy call here, no other 2B should really be in discussion here.


SHORTSTOP - Who made it: Carlos Correa

Who should have made it: Carlos Correa

The play at SS in the AL is very good with many deserving players, but Carlos Correa was the correct choice. Correa leads all AL shortstops in every major statistical batting category and is a MVP candidate, he has to be the starting SS for this team.

3RD BASE - Who made it: Jose Ramirez

Who should have made it: Jose Ramirez

While Maguel Sano and Mike Moustakas are worthy players and have more HR's than Ramirez, the Cleveland Indians 3B is having the better season. Despite the HR numbers favoring those 2, Ramirez still leads them in slugging % and OPS, and his batting average of .330 is nearly .040 points higher than any other 3B.






OUTFIELD - Who made it: Aaron Judge, Mike Trout (replaced by Mookie Betts), George Springer

Who should have made it: Aaron Judge, George Springer, Avisail Garcia

Aaron Judge is the current MVP of the AL and running away with the award, and George Springer is putting together a great season so far. Both are correct picks by the fans and deserve to start, the selection of Trout is where I have an issue though. Had Trout been healthy and playing this game, then it looked as though he would easily make the starting lineup. But Trout has not played since May 28th and his timetable for return was after the all-star game, yet fans voted for him anyway. So Trout gets voted in as a starter even though he's been injured for a month and not able to play in that game, which then gets doubled down as a bad decision when Mookie Betts is named his replacement.

While it's not egregious that Betts made it, he does have more doubles, home runs, walks and stolen bases than Garcia so I can see where the decision is coming from. But Garcia still has a better batting average, OBP, slugging% and OPS than Betts, so even if Betts is hitting for more power and walking more often, he still is statistically behind Garcia in those categories. When in doubt, always go with the guy that gets on base more and Garcia is that guy.

CATCHER - Who made it: Buster Posey

Who should have made it: Buster Posey

The bright spot on a last place San Francisco Giants team, the fans were right in voting Posey as the starter. There's no catcher that's even close to him this year, Yasmani Grandal is the only one that is matching his home run power but everything else is Posey in a landslide.

1ST BASE - Who made it: Ryan Zimmerman

Who should have made it: Paul Goldschmidt

This was a close call, but Paul Goldschmidt is currently the NL MVP and cannot be left out of the starting lineup. Their home runs and batting averages are practically identical so going to the tiebreaker of OBP, OPS and slugging and it all favors Goldschmidt. He hits just as many HR's and bats for the same average, but gets on base more frequently, by drawing walks and has 13 stolen bases compared to Zimmerman's 1. Again, it's close but Paul Goldschmidt should be the starter.


2ND BASE - Who made it: Daniel Murphy

Who should have made it: Daniel Murphy

Daniel Murphy was really the only choice at 2B here. He's far and away having the best season of any 2B in the NL, easily deserves the start in the All-Star game.


SHORTSTOP - Who made it: Zack Cozart

Who should have made it: Zack Cozart

This was a big toss up, but ultimately the fans got it right by voting Zack Cozart. It came down to Cozart or Corey Seager and the debate over traditional batting stats compared to advanced batting stats. Seager has more doubles, home runs, RBI’s and walks while Cozart has the better batting average, slg %, OBP and OPS so the argument can be made for either player depending on what someone values more. But in the end, Seager’s lead in those categories are a bit deceiving considering he’s had nearly 100 more at bats than Cozart, which means that Cozart is likely hitting for the same type of power as Seager is, but is just behind in those categories due to less at bats. With taking that into consideration, Zack Cozart was the right choice here for NL SS.


3RD BASE - Who made it: Nolan Arenado

Who should have made it: Jake Lamb or Travis Shaw

There are 4 worthy players for all-star starter consideration and honestly, Nolan Arenado has the worst case of them all between Jake Lamb, Travis Shaw and Anthony Rendon. Either Jake Lamb or Travis Shaw should be the starter, it's splitting hairs to try and figure out which one is more deserving so either one would've been a correct call. Shaw leads Lamb in batting average, slugging % and OPS while Lamb leads Shaw in Home Runs, RBI's, and OBP and each are in the top 4 in every category so there isn't a stat out there that one dominates the other in. It's a toss up between the two, but the all-star start at 3B should have been between these two guys with no wrong vote.


OUTFIELD - Who made it: Bryce Harper, Charlie Blackmon, Marcell Ozuna

Who should have made it: Bryce Harper, Charlie Blackmon, Cody Bellinger

On top of being able to vote for players that are injured and won't play in All-Star game, the other issue is when a player gets called up after the season starts but has an all-star 1st half. That's what happened here, Cody Bellinger wasn't called up until April 25th so he was a write-in vote on all ballots since the ballots do not add or subtract any player once they are created. And this is nothing against Marcell Ozuna because he is having a tremendous year and is an all-star but Cody Bellinger is an MVP candidate and should be starting. Bellinger leads Ozuna in Home Runs, slugging % and OPS while only trailing him in RBI's by 12 and thats with around 80 less at bats. Ozuna's batting average and OBP are the two major categories that he leads Bellinger in, so I'm sure some out there would make the case for him and saying that Ozuna should not be a starter is not a slight at him at all, its just that Bellinger has been incredible this season so far and should have gotten a start in the outfield.

On TV This Week 7/9 - 7/15

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

SUNDAY 7/9

MLB
2017 MLB All-Star Futures Game (MLB, 4pm)
Tigers @ Indians (ESPN, 8pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Hawks vs. Pelicans (NBA TV, 4pm)
Suns vs. Mavericks (ESPN, 4:30pm)
Bucks vs. Nets (NBA TV, 6pm)
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets (ESPN 2, 6:30pm)
Jazz vs. Clippers (NBA TV, 8pm)
Trail Blazers vs. Celtics (ESPN 2, 8:30pm)
Grizzlies vs. Kings (NBA TV, 10pm)
76ers vs. Spurs (ESPN 2, 10:30pm)

RACING
IndyCar: Iowa Corn 300 (NBC Sports, 5:30pm)

SOCCER
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Curacaro vs. Jamaica (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Mexico vs. El Salvador (FOX Sports 1, 9:30pm)
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The Defiant Ones: Part 1, PREMIERE (HBO, 9pm)
One Night Only: Alec Baldwin (Spike, 9pm)
Candy Crush, PREMIERE (CBS, 9pm)
Invite Only Cabo, FINALE (Bravo, 9pm)
Safari Live: Migration, PREMIERE (NatGeo, 10pm)



MONDAY 7/10

MLB
2017 Home Run Derby (ESPN/ESPN 2, 8pm)
2017 MLB All-Star Legends & Celebrity Game (ESPN, 10pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Bets vs. Pelicans (ESPNU, 6pm)
Rockets vs. Suns (NBA TV, 6:30pm)
Nuggets vs. Raptors (ESPNU, 8pm)
Warriors vs. Cavaliers (NBA TV, 8:30pm)
Clippers vs. Bucks (ESPN 2, 10pm)
Lakers vs. Kings (NBA TV, 10:30pm)

BASKETBALL
BIG3 Basketball: Tulsa Week 3 (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
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American Ninja Warrior; Cleveland Qualifiers (NBC, 8pm)
Dessert Games, PREMIERE (Food Network, 8pm)
The Defiant Ones: Part 2 (HBO, 9pm)
Will, PREMIERE (TNT, 9pm & 10pm)
The Real Housewives of Orange County, PREMIERE (Bravo, 9pm)
Incredible Edible America, FINALE (Food Network, 10pm)
Teen Mum, PREMIERE (MTV, 10pm)



TUESDAY 7/11

MLB
MLB On FOX Pregame (FOX, 7:30pm)
2017 MLB All-Star Game (FOX, 8pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Bulls vs. Wizards (NBA TV, 6pm)
76ers vs. Celtics (ESPN 2, 6:30pm)
Heat vs. Mavericks (NBA TV, 8pm)
Warriors vs. Timberwolves (ESPN 2, 8:30pm)

SOCCER
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. Canada (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Honduras vs. French Guiana (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
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The Story of China, FINALE (PBS, 8pm)
The Fosters, PREMIERE (Freeform, 8pm)
The Defiant Ones: Part 3 (HBO, 9pm)
The Bold Type, PREMIERE (Freeform, 9pm & 10pm)
American Ripper, PREMIERE (History, 10pm)
Still The King, PREMIERE (CMT, 10pm)
Adam Ruins Everything, PREMIERE (TruTV, 10pm)



WEDNESDAY 7/12

ESPYS
2017 ESPYS Red Carpet Live (ESPN, 7pm)
The 25th ESPYS; hosted by Peyton Manning (ABC, 8pm)

SOCCER
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Panama vs. Nicaragua (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)
CONCACAF Gold Cup: United States vs. Martinique (FOX Sports 1, 9pm)

OTHER SPORTS
2017 World Series of Poker: Main Event (ESPN, 8pm)
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The Defiant Ones: Part 4, FINALE (HBO, 9pm)
Suits, PREMIERE (USA, 9pm)
Salvation, PREMIERE (CBS, 9pm)
Nature's Great Race, PREMIERE (PBS, 9pm)
Lip Sync Battle: Theresa Caputo vs. Nick Swardson (Spike, 10pm)



THURSDAY 7/13

30 For 30
"Mike and the Mad Dog"; the history of Mike Francesa and Chris Russo (ESPN, 8pm)

X GAMES 2017
Men's BMX Vert Final (ESPN, 9pm)

SOCCER
CONCACAF Gold Cup: El Salvador vs. Curacao (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Mexico vs. Jamaica (FOX Sports 1, 10:30pm)
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Penn & Teller: Fool Us, PREMIERE (The CW, 8pm)
Hooten & The Lady, PREMIRE (The CW, 9pm)
Akil The Fugitive Hunter, PREMIERE (A&E, 10pm)
Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'n Out; Lil Yachty (MTV, 11pm)
SafeWord, PREMIERE; Kevin Hart vs. Damien Dante Wayans (MTV, 11:30pm)



FRIDAY 7/14

X GAMES
Men's BMX Dirty Qualifier, Men's Skate Big Air/Street Qualifiers (ESPN, 9pm)

MLB
Yankees @ Red Sox OR Cubs @ Orioles (MLB, 7pm)
Indians @ Athletics ( , 10pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Heat vs. Celtics (NBA TV, 6:30pm)
76ers vs. Bulls (NBA TV, 8:30pm)
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers (NBA TV, 10:30pm)

SOCCER
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. French Guiana (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)
CONCACAF Gold Cup: Canada vs. Honduras (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

MMA & BOXING
Bellator MMA Live (Spike, 9pm)

OTHER SPORTS
2017 World Series of Poker: Main Event (ESPN 2, 8pm)



SATURDAY 7/15

X GAMES
X Games, from Minneapolis (ABC, 1pm)
X Games, from Minneapolis (ESPN, 3pm)
X Games, from Minneapolis (ESPN, 7pm)

MLB
Yankees @ Red Sox (FOX Sports 1, 4pm)
Rangers @ Royals (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
Indians @ Athletics (STO, 10pm)
Indians @ Athletics OR Rays @ Angels (MLB, 10pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Trail Blazers vs. Spurs (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Heat vs. Grizzlies (ESPN 2, 6pm)
Celtics vs. Mavericks (ESPN 2, 8pm)

TENNIS
2017 Wimbledon Championships, Women's Final (ESPN, 9am-3pm)

SOCCER
International Friendly: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Manchester United FC (ESPN 2, 10pm)

RACING
XFINITY Series: Overton's 200 (NBC Sports, 4pm)

GOLF
European PGA Tour: Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, Third Round (NBC, 12:30pm)
2017 U.S. Women's Open, Third Round (FOX, 2pm)
American Century Championship, Second Round (NBC, 3pm)
John Deere Classic, Third Round (CBS, 3pm)

MMA & BOXING
BOXING: Premier Boxing Champions (FOX, 8pm)
BOXING: Premier Boxing Champions, Jamal James vs. Jo Jo Dan (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

OTHER SPORTS
WNBA: Atlanta Dream @ Seattle Storm (NBA TV, 9pm)
Arena Football: Washington Valor @ Philadelphia Soul (CBS SportsNet, 7pm)
Beach Volleyball: World Series, Women's Final (ESPN, 11:30pm)
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MOVIE: Keeping Up With The Joneses (HBO, 8pm)
20/20: In an Instant, FINALE (ABC, 8pm)
Parker Plays, PREMIERE (Disney, 10pm)
Polaris: Player Select (Disney, 10:30pm)

TV Tonight 7.12

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

MLB
MLB on FOX Pregame (FOX, 7:30pm)
2016 MLB All-Star Game (FOX, 8pm)

NBA
Summer League: Heat vs. Suns (NBA TV, 6:30pm)
Summer League: Spurs vs. Bulls (ESPN, 8pm)
Summer League: 76ers vs. Warriors (NBA TV, 8:30pm)

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America's Got Talent (NBC, 8pm)
Pretty Little Liars (Freeform, 8pm)

Zoo (CBS, 9pm)
IMPACT Wrestling (POP TV, 9pm)
Animal Kingdom (TNT, 9pm)
Music Moguls (BET, 9pm)
Dead Of Summer (Freeform, 9pm)

Maya & Marty (NBC, 10pm)
To Tell The Truth (ABC, 10pm)
Chopped (Food Network, 10pm)
Wrecked (TBS, 10pm)
Feed The Beast (AMC, 10pm)
Scream (MTV, 10pm)
Not Safe With Nikki Glaser (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)

Wild N' On Tour (MTV 2, 11pm)
Guy Code vs. Girl Code (MTV 2, 11:30pm)

The Stars Shine In San Diego #MLBAllStarGame #AllStarGame

By Alex Hale, @ThatCLESportGuy

It’s that time of year again when the American and National League All-Stars are announced for the MLB All-Star Game.  After last year’s debacle of watching Kansas City Royals fans stuffing the ballots, I realized that there really should be an unbiased opinion giving their own take on the All-Star Game.  So instead of writing about the Indians and their trade options, we’re going to go through my choices for the American and National League All-Stars.  This will include my starting choices and my selections for the reserves.  I decided to do this after the announcement of the All-Star Rosters to compare to see how a Baseball fan like myself compared with how the Fans voted.  I’m pretty sure I’m not going to agree with everything the fans did.  This is a completely unbiased opinion of my choices for the 2016 Mid Summer Classic.


National League

Catcher- Wilson Ramos, Washington Nationals- First off, how can anyone vote Yadier Molina who is past his prime and the numbers clearly show it.  Ramos is having a career year hitting .340 with 13 HR and 46 RBIs.  Most people honestly have no idea who Ramos is and the fact he is a very good hitter.  Ramos has been a big part of the Nationals this year and currently is in 3rd place behind Yadier Molina and Buster Posey.  Compared to those two ahead of him, Ramos is the starter and its not even close.

First Base- Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs- This isn’t much of a debate here.  The leader of the Cubs who is once again having a big year with 20 HRs and 61 RBIs.  This was a tough call because Paul Goldschmidt is just as deserving as Rizzo.  What really was the deciding factor as the numbers in their own rights were equally as impressive was the fact that Rizzo is playing for the Cubs, the best team in baseball.  So in a way by default Rizzo for me would get the nod.  But again for the record, Paul Goldschmidt is just as deserving.

Second Base- Daniel Murphy, Washington Nationals- A .347 average, 14 HRs, and 56 RBIs, Washington really looks smart for paying Murphy the money they did to get him.  While I can understand the support for Cubs 2B Ben Zobrist, but the debate isn’t even close.  I’m surprised especially after his October stretch last year from a national standpoint that more people aren’t voting for him.  He should be the starter here over Zobrist.

Shortstop- Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers- First off…HOW IS ADDISON RUSSELL AN ALL-STAR?  That’s a joke, the guy is hitting barely over .240 right now!  Corey Seager in his first full year has clearly lived up to the hype.  He has 17 HRs, is hitting around the .300 level and guys, this kid is for real.  What’s more alarming was Seager was behind Trevor Story and Addison Russell in the voting.  This is a joke if Russell starts.  You cannot deny Seager is the best SS in the NL right now.

Third Base- Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies- I get it Cubs fans…you’re stuffing the ballots this year but once again there’s another player whose numbers are far better than your player.  America meet Nolan Arenado, the 2015 NL HR and RBI leader and your current NL RBI leader.  Nobody knows about him most likely because he plays for the Rockies, but he’s the most talented 3B in baseball today.  He plays great defense and although he plays in Coors Field, he really is that good of a hitter.  I know Kris Bryant is having a good year as well, but if the 2015 NL HR and RBI leader is following up with another strong year like Arenado, he must start.

Outfielder #1- Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals- This doesn’t deserve much explanation at all.  Unanimous 2015 NL MVP, and while he isn’t have a strong year, this is the most talked about player in baseball, for the sake of the game he has to start.  Also…Bryce be in the HR Derby please.

Outfielder #2- Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies- Carlos Gonzalez is somehow 7th in the voting for NL Outfielder behind the entire Cubs outfield and that’s a crime.  CarGo is hitting .317 with 18 HRs and 51 RBIs…how is this not as good as anyone in the Cubs outfield?  Reality is this guy should be in the starting lineup without question, yet again fans are too biased to be allowed to vote.  CarGo is a proven MLB star who deserves the respect of fans everywhere as one of the games best.  It’s not his fault people he’s played in Colorado all these years.

Outfielder #3- Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets- As it stands Yoenis Cespedes and Bryce Harper seem to be locks on the current balloting to start for the NL and at least we got 2 of the 3 outfielders right.  Cespedes has followed up his MVP level 2nd Half with the Mets last year and had it carry over this year.  He has 20 HRs, 50 RBIs and has his average at the .300 mark.  There’s no question that the Mets offense revolves around his stellar performance.  He’s earned his spot on the NL Starting lineup.

Starting Pitcher- Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs- Does this really warrant an explanation now that Clayton Kershaw won’t be available for the All-Star Game?  No it doesn’t.  Arrieta has continued his 2nd Half dominance from last year into this year so yeah I’m starting him.

NL Reserves

C Buster Posey SF
C Jonathan Lucroy MIL
1B Paul Goldschmidt ARI
1B Wil Myers SD
2B Ben Zobrist CHC
2B Neil Walker NYM
SS Aledmys Diaz STL
3B Kris Bryant CHC
OF Starling Marte PIT
OF Marcel Ozuna MIA
OF Obdel Herrera PHI
OF Jay Bruce CIN

NL Pitchers

SP- Julio Teheran ATL
SP- Madison Bumgarner SF
SP- Jon Lester CHC
SP- Noah Synergaard NYM
SP- Jose Fernandez MIA
CP- Jeurys Familia NYM
CP- Kenley Jensen LAD
CP- Mark Melacon PIT
CP- AJ Ramos MIA



American League

Catcher- Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals- Arguably the heart and soul of the defending champion Royals has continued his stellar play in 2016 and looking at really the rest of his competition in the AL, this is a no-brainer.  The next choice would be Matt Wieters, but Perez’s stats clearly top Wieters offensively and its arguable the two are equal defensively.  By where their respective teams stand, Wieters’ Orioles are in 1st in the AL East, while Perez and the Royals are in 2nd in the AL Central.  My theory is if the stats are equal, team record is the tiebreaker.  In this case, Perez’s stats surpass Wieters and gets the nod from me.

First Base- Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers- Who else am I going to choose?  Chris Davis has shown great power this year, but his average has dropped.  Eric Hosmer might be a good selection as well, but like the case of Perez over Wieters, Miggy’s stats top Hosmer.  Besides who else in the AL should start at 1B?  As long as Miggy is having a, “Miggy” type season, he needs to start.  With a .300 avg, 18 HRs and 51 RBIs, Miguel Cabrera edges Hosmer and gets my selection to start at 1B.

Second Base- Jose Altuve, Houston Astros- This position was extremely hard for me to vote on.  Robinson Cano has had an outstanding first half, looking like the Yankees Robinson Cano who was an offensive force to be reckoned with.  The problem is…Jose Altuve is that damn good now.  Altuve is hitting .353 leading the MLB.  On top of that, Altuve has had a power explosion in the first half with 14 HRs so far (his career high is 15 last year).  Add to that he’s at the top of the AL in steals with 21, Altuve might be a leading candidate in the AL for AL MVP.  At the end of the day, love the bounce back year by Cano, but it’s not enough.

Shortstop- Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians- To the National Fans of Major League Baseball…stop hating on Francisco Lindor.  First off, the Writers Association ROBBED Francisco Lindor of the AL Rookie of the Year last year.  Now because Carlos Correa got all that publicity, nobody knows who Lindor is and it’s shown in the voting for AL Starting SS.  This is not even a debate.  Yes, Xander Bogaerts is having a great year, but Lindor matches him offensively, far surpasses him defensively (can I see seriously Altuve and Lindor turn a double play in this game?)  The National Media is going to rob the fans of last year’s Gold Glove 2B turning two with this year’s Gold Glove SS.  While Bogaerts beats Lindor out in average, the rest of the stats are somewhat the same.  So that tiebreaker comes into play, Indians are in 1st in AL Central, Red Sox are in 2nd in AL East.  Therefore Lindor wins in my book.

Third Base- Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles- We all talk about Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper as these big name hitters in the game, but where’s the Manny Machado love?  Well I’ll admit people are starting to notice the talent he has.  After a great season last year quietly hitting 35 HRs and had 20 steals, he’s followed it up with 18 HRs and 50 RBIs this year.  Although he doesn’t have any steals this year, his average has jumped from a .286 avg to right now a .330 avg on the year.  Honestly if I had to vote for the AL MVP today, it’s going to be Manny Machado.

Outfielder #1- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels- Well the Angels might be in last place in the AL West, but it’s not because of Mike Trout.  Once again Trout is the one bright spot in the Angels season so far as nothing has gone right for them this year.  After socking 41 HRs last year, he’s followed it up with 17 HRs so far and is back to hitting over .300 on the year.  If he only was on a better team that made it so he didn’t have to carry the load and just play his game…the numbers he’d put up.

Outfielder #2- Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox- My MLB Preview dark horse pick to be the AL MVP hasn’t disappointed me at all.  Mookie has made a major jump from his first full MLB season into his second full season.  While his average is around the same area it was last year (.296 avg.), he’s already hit 18 HRs and has 57 RBIs and 13 steals.  Betts will probably have a 25-25 season when its all said and done, but for right now to put Mookie Betts in the same outfield as Mike Trout is a treat for every MLB fan in the All Star Game.

Outfielder #3- Ian Desmond, Texas Rangers- Yes I’m going out of the box in a way with my 3rd AL Outfielder selection.  Remember last year when Ian Desmond was the SS for the Washington Nationals?  Now he’s the CF for the Texas Rangers and has done an outstanding job with the defensive transition and not letting the change in position and jump to the AL effect his offense.  It’s arguable that he’s better than what he was offensively last year.  Currently he’s hitting a career-high .321 with 15 HRs, 52 RBIs and 14 steals as well.  So basically he’s on pace for a 30-30 season, which basically is Mike Trout/Mookie Betts territory, bottom line…he deserves to start with them.

Starting Pitcher- Danny Salazar, Cleveland Indians- This was a tough call between Chris Sale and Danny Salazar.  Ironically, Sale was my preseason AL Cy Young pick, while Salazar was my dark horse pick.  As of now I’d give the nod to Salazar over Sale.  Right now Salazar leads the AL in ERA at 2.22 with a 10-3 record, while getting June AL Pitcher of the Month with a 5-0 record, with a 1.91 ERA.  Everyone is talking about how historically great the Indians rotation is and as long as Salazar keeps it up, because of how good the Indians rotation has been, Salazar must get the nod.

AL Reserves

C- Matt Wieters BAL
1B- Eric Hosmer KC
2B- Brian Dozier MIN
2B- Robinson Cano SEA
SS- Xander Bogaerts BOS
3B- Danny Valencia OAK
3B- Evan Longoria TB
OF- Jackie Bradley Jr BOS
OF- Carlos Beltran NYY
OF- Mark Trumbo BAL
DH- David Ortiz BOS
UTIL- Jose Ramirez CLE

AL Pitchers

SP- Chris Sale CWS
SP- Josh Tomlin CLE
SP- Cole Hamels TEX
SP- Steven Wright TEX
SP- Marco Estrada TOR
RP- Andrew Miller NYY
CP- Wade Davis KC
CP- Zach Britton BAL
CP- Craig Kimbrel BOS
CP- Alex Colome TB


Now I’m not going to compare pick for pick with what the real MLB All-Star Game rosters are like.  This was my unbiased view of the players who thought should go to San Diego.  It really is a shame that the players couldn’t get the right players in front the teams at the bottom of the division.  For example Adam Duvall who is having a great season for Cincinnati got the nod over teammate Jay Bruce.  In my opinion, Bruce should’ve been the choice.  I also think the Indians were disrespected by the league with only 2 All-Star players.  Everyone keeps talking about how great the Indians rotation is and while Corey Kluber ruined it for himself in Toronto, Josh Tomlin deserved an All-Star appearance.

In the end when it comes to All-Star Starters, fans need to do their homework.  In no way should Cubs SS Addison Russell be a starter.  Over the past 2 years, we had the Royals fans almost vote 2B Omar Infante as an All-Star (who is now a FA), and now Cubs fans picked their entire Infield.  Fans need to know the longer this kind of voting occurs, the more likely that in the future, you might lose your power to vote for All-Stars.


Fans must remember, the Winner of the All-Star Game determines Home Field Advantage for the World Series.  So for next year, make sure your vote is counted.  The All-Star Game is normally a fun and competitive game to watch so enjoy the game because after the All-Star Game, the fun is just beginning…

TV Tonight 7.14

By @nevaRWilliams

MLB
MLB on FOX Pregame (FOX, 7pm)
2015 MLB All-Star Game, From Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati (FOX, 8pm)

2015 Pan American Games
Beach Volleyball, Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming, Women's Soccer (ESPN 2, 8pm)

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Knicks vs. 76ers (NBA TV, 5:30pm)
Suns vs. Jazz (NBA TV, 7:30pm)

SOCCER
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup: El Salvador vs. Jamaica (FOX Sports 1, 6pm)
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Canada vs. Costa Rica (FOX Sports 1, 8:30pm)

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WWE Tough Enough (USA, 8pm)
Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family, 8pm)
America's Got Talent (NBC, 8pm)
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? (FOX, 8pm)

Total Divas (E!, 9pm)
Chrisley Knows Best (USA, 9pm)
Stitchers (ABC Family, 9pm)
Extreme Weight Loss (ABC, 9pm)
Zoo (CBS, 9pm)
Rizzoli & Isles (TNT, 9pm)

Scream (MTV, 10pm)
Tyrant (FX, 10pm)
Hollywood Game Night (NBC, 10pm)
Ink Master (SPIKE, 10pm)
Royal Pains (USA, 10pm)
Proof (TNT, 10pm)
Chopped (Food Network, 10pm)
Another Period (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)

Leadoff with Lee 2.12.15

By @cleeverizon

- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had a press conference yesterday with the Cleveland media. What did we learn from it? Absolutely nothing that I haven't told you already. The only thing I found somewhat interesting is the Browns will hold training camp in Berea this summer and not Columbus. The plan is to expand the Columbus Crew's stadium and add practice fields. Now by my estimation, construction on a indoor practice field, clearing the land for 2-3 outdoor fields would need to be started by this summer. So with that being said we won't hear anything about a possible move until mid-spring or early summer.

-There will be changes in this year's Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend. The NBA assistant coaches have selected 10 U.S. players and 10 international players for the game, with one ballot for each NBA team. Both 10-man rosters will include 4 guards, 4 front court players and 2 more players regardless of their position. Each team will feature a minimum of 3 first-year players and 3 second-year players among its 10 spots.

The head coaches for both teams will be the lead assistant coaches from the 2015 NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs Alvin Gentry (Team USA) and Kenny Atkinson (Team World) Good for the game? I don't know, but it's a good way for us to see some good international talent.

- Due to the injury of Boston's Kelly Olynyk, Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova has been added to the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge game at NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday night.

- Due to the injury of Dwayne Wade, who sat out yesterday's loss to the Cavs, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has picked Atlanta's Kyle Korver as his replacement. This will be the Hawks 4th player to play in this weekend's NBA All-Star Game in New York.
 
- Seattle Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has elected to rest and rehabilitate his left elbow as opposed to having Tommy John surgery.

- Chargers Pro-Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers will not have off-season back surgery. He told 101 KGB FM in San Diego,
"At this point, the back injury is not requiring surgery", "We'll kind of revisit it in a month or so. But everything is improving. I'm back to my regular workouts and running around. Me and my wife played a little tennis the other day. I've hit the golf ball a few times, so I'm actually on the up and up. So I'm pretty excited."

- Free agent Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker is considering retirement after 12 seasons. With all the uncertainty in Denver with Peyton Manning, a new head coach, losing offensive coordinator Adam Gase has a lot to do with his decision. Could Manning and Welker be looking to link up together with a Super Bowl contender next season? I don't know. But as D.J Quik once said "If it don't make dollars, it don't make (cents) sense.      

-  Former Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia will interview for the Rams quarterbacks coach job today. Frank Cignetti Jr. will be promoted to offensive coordinator. Is Jeff still with that Playboy model from North Olmsted? Jeff just tell Cleveland Thank You!

- The Miami Marlins will host the 2017 MLB All-Star Game. This will be the first time that the game is played in South Florida. Cincinnati will host this year's game, while San Diego holds the event in 2016.

- Are you tired of rate increases from your cable or satellite provider? Or increases in ticket prices for you favorite sporting event? Want to know why guys like LeBron James and Kevin Love only signed one year deals? Or even why Tristan Thompson turned down a contract extension. Here's why and it's very simple.

2015 TV deal rights increases:
NBA +186%
NHL +167%
MLB +105%
Premier League +71%
NFL +28%.                                  

- Sad news for the sports world. Hall of Fame basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian has died at 84. He had over 700 wins as a head coach. Born in Euclid, Ohio, "Tark the Shark" first deal with UNLV was in 1973, making $22K/year in salary, $10K for TV show, $25K recruiting budget, $3K wardrobe budget. He coached with Fresno State from from 1968-1973, UNLV 1973-1992 (winning the NCAA Championship in 1990 with Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon and Greg Anthony as his star players), then back to Fresno State from 1995-2002. His final record was 784-202.

TV Tonight 7.15.14

MLB
2014 MLB All-Star Game (FOX, 7:30 PM)

WNBA
Los Angeles Sparks @ Indiana Fever (ESPN 2, 8 PM)
Washington Mystics @ Phoenix Mercury (ESPN 2, 10 PM)

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America's Got Talent (NBC, 8 PM)
Extreme Weight Loss (ABC, 8 PM)

The Wil Wheaton Project (SyFy, 9 PM)
Royal Pains (USA, 9 PM)
Rizzoli & Isles (TNT, 9 PM)

Tyrant (FX, 10 PM)
Inside The Walking Dead: Walker University (AMC, 10 PM)
Drunk History (Comedy Central, 10 PM)
Finding Carter (MTV, 10 PM)
Covert Affairs (USA Network, 10 PM)
The Night Shift (NBC, 10 PM)
Celebrity Wife Swap (ABC, 10 PM)
Perception (TNT, 10 PM)
Sullivan & Son (TBS, 10 PM)