Unlike the NFL, MLB‘s All-Star game actually means something: the winner earns home-field advantage in the World Series. So all the story lines heading into the 2013 popularity contest should make this year’s game one of the most interesting in a while.
For starters, it’s Mariano Rivera‘s last hurrah. The legendary New York Yankees closer will make his 13th and final appearance in New York, which couldn’t be more fitting.
Secondly, the future of major-league pitching will be on display as Matt Harvey and Max Scherzer will start on the mound for each league. It’s obviously a big deal for the 24-year-old Harvey as he’ll start the All-Star game on his home field, so to say the lights will be bright on this rising New York Mets star is an understatement.
The youth trend also applies to the 30 first-time All-Stars playing in this year’s game. Up and comers like Travis Wood, Everth Cabrera, Matt Carpenter and Jean Segura headline a list of players who are sure to be perennial All-Stars starting this year.
Of course, the best part is trying to pick the winner? So are you taking the American League or the National League All-Stars? Be sure to comment below and let us know!
