The best players in the National League square off with their counterparts from the American League in baseball’s Midsummer Classic. In one of the many bone-headed moves that former MLB commissioner Bud Selig made, the winner of the All-Star game bestows home field advantage in the World Series on the team from that league that makes it. So that adds a little extra spice to the outcome, although that can also come back to haunt pitchers. It was C.J. Wilson’s awful pitching in the 2010 All-Star game that led, in large part, to a National League victory, and Wilson’s team, the Texas Rangers, entered the World Series with a better regular-season record than their opponents, the San Francisco Giants, but still saw the Giants enjoy the home field advantage (and a 4-1 series win). Be sure to check out for more betting lines by clicking here.
Taking a Look at the 2016 MLB All Star Game Expert Pick
When: Tuesday, July 12, 2016, 8:15pm Eastern time
Where: Petco Park, San Diego
TV: FOX
Radio: ESPN RadioLive Stream: MLB.tvMLB Odds: American League (+100), National League (-120), O/U 7.5
Pitching Matchup: TBA
Why should you bet on the American League?
The American League’s roster reads a lot more like a collection of iffy propositions, particularly in the pitching staff. You have Chris Sale and Steven Wright, as well as Cole Hamels, but then after that you get a group of pitchers who are new to the Midsummer Classic or are having to be replaced anyway because of injuries (Marco Estrada, Craig Kimbrel and Danny Salazar). Ned Yost really put together a head-scratcher of a roster this year. Obviously, he’s a little handcuffed by the fan voting for the starters and the requirement to feature every team, but position for position, this is a side that will have a tougher time of it.
Why should you put your money on the National League?
If you like the Chicago Cubs (and you should, as they have the best record in the National League), then you’ll love the NL All-Stars, as the entire starting infield comes from the North Side. With Buster Posey behind the plate, and an outfield that consists of Bryce Harper, Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler (yet another Cub), this is a tremendous National League lineup. There are no weak beats in that lineup. In contrast stands the American League starting lineup, which features three Boston Red Sox who, while an offensive powerhouse this year, have been fairly up and down. Jackie Bradley Jr. is a solid hitter, but Xander Bogaerts is more about defense. Also, the National League stacked its pitching staff with starters, a good idea should things go to extra innings, while the AL pitching staff has nine relievers.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction
I like the National League to prevail in this Midsummer Classic. I’m predicting a 7-4 win for the senior circuit..
