My Thoughts On This Year's All Star Game

The All Star rosters are here, and now, like always, it's time to evaluate this year's game and teams. My "likes and dislikes" are here and ready to be debated!

Likes:

Yasiel Puig is in the Final Vote -- Puig received the most write-in votes this year, and now he may just get to be on the team. With 800,000+ votes, Puig has a very good chance of making the final spot on the National League's squad and helping it drastically. 

Jonathan Papelbon not making the team -- A true All Star should be able to come through when his team most needs it. Pap blew three saves in one week, two of which were against the Nationals, a NL East division rival, who is ahead of the Phillies. 

Manny Machado making the AL team -- The AL has plenty of good third baseman, but I'm glad Machado was able to make the team. Evan Longoria and him were tightly contested, but I'm glad Jim Leyland helped have Manny on this AL All Star team. 

Bryce Harper winning the starting spot -- As I stated in my last article, Harper plays with a lot of heart. And while injuries have kept him from playing the whole first half, Harper still deserved a starting spot, as he plays the game of baseball the right way.

That Jose Fernandez made the team -- Jose has been the ace of the Marlins staff, and he's only 21 years old. With a 2.72 ERA and great stuff, Fernandez has been one of the best pitchers this season. Besides, what other Marlin is going to make the team? 

Dislikes:

That Hunter Pence didn't make the team outright -- Hunter Pence has been an anchor for this Giants team who cannot even buy a run. He doesn't deserve to go up against Yasiel Puig in the Final Vote, especially since Bruce Bochy is the manager for the National League team. 

Not much else -- This All Star game has the makings of a good one, because of the mix of veterans and rookies. An all time high of 30 new All Stars is exceptional, showing that baseball will continue to have bright futures for many players. This game will be tightly contested, unless Justin Verlander returns to his 2012 All Star game form.