Dunk Contest

I thought that last night was pretty awesome. First of all, power soccer went very well. I think that the team played pretty well, and I also thought that I did relatively well. Then, I got to come home and watch the Slam Dunk Contest along with the other All-Star events. I think that we all knew that Blake Griffin was going to win. First of all, how would he not win the popularity contest? Of all of the players in the dunk contest, I would daresay that he was by far the most well-known, so obviously people will vote for him. That being said, I think that he won the final round deservedly. I loved how he jumped over the car and all of the theatrics that went along with it, but it didn't even look that hard for him. I also thought that any time a guy dunks from the free-throw line, he deserves a 50. The TV announcers seemed to agree with me. The three-point shootout went well, but my money would have been on Ray Allen just because he is ridiculous. However, that didn't happen, and I was honestly happy with the underdog pulling it out.

Photo by joshme17 on Flickr

Camden Yards

Again, we are hitting the road for Phillies game tonight as they play the Dodgers. I would wait and write after that since I am betting it will be a Phillies victory to write about, but I'm not especially up to writing at midnight. So, that will be tomorrow. However, today we are going to talk about baseball in Baltimore.

I have been to Camden Yards three times before. There is a certain charm with the warehouse in right field that I remember something about Ken Griffey Junior busting a very high window in the Home Run Derby. Too bad I don't remember more than that, but it was nevertheless a giant homerun. The rest of the ballpark bears a striking resemblance to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Also, if my memory serves me, some of the people in the design process worked on both ballparks. If there is a bad seat, I was unable to find it as most seats have excellent sight lines to all areas of the field. Of course there are certain blind spots present at certain seats, but really they're very good most of the time. So, I guess I would say that if you're in Baltimore, you might as well stop by. It's one of the nicer parks I have ever been to.
Photo by Shoshanah on Flickr

All-Star Celebration Continued

First of all, congratulations to David Ortiz on winning the Home Run Derby. Despite a somewhat disappointing year, this was a good night for David and will hopefully signify a large turnaround. Tonight, we have the All-Star game with Ubaldo Jimenez and David Price squaring off as the chosen starters. I must say that I think that Charlie Manuel and Joe Girardi made the right choices on this. Both of these guys are young and exciting, and I believe that showcasing up-and-coming stars is a big part of the festivities. I also think that the National League will win tonight. I feel like they have very good pitching as well as a solid lineup led by Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard in the middle that will drive in several runs and give the Phillies the home-field advantage in the World Series. Yes, I just made that prediction. I feel like after sweeping the Reds the Phillies will turn a corner and finally start playing like we all know they are capable of. If Joe Blanton can turn around, JA Happ can return from injury, Chase Utley can eventually come back, and Placido Polanco returns as well as wall as he was going before injury, we will be ready to go.
Photo by Ed Yourdon on Flickr

All-Star Celebration

The All-Star Break is upon us. Some of the best baseball has to offer are converging in Anaheim to fight for home-field advantage in the World Series. Tonight of course is the Home Run Derby. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching this event, but it often seems like if a player has an amazing day, the rest of the year is not quite as stellar. Does anybody remember Bobby Abreu's monster day at the Derby? If you do remember, you will remember that he was amazing. However, the end of the year was not quite as amazing and eventually led to him being dealt to the Yankees. It was as if he burned all of his home runs in one night and then couldn't keep up with it the rest of the year. I hope that doesn't happen to anybody this year. Do you know what else should not happen again this year? I vote for no more ties ever in the All-Star Game. I know that this is a few years old, but we are still making jokes about it. It was a joke, and I hope it never happens again. Enjoy the break, then tune in tonight!
Photo by Evan Wohrman on Flickr