This year's MLB All-Star game has too many storylines to count as baseball fans get to witness the league's best all on the same field at the same time. The starting pitching really kicks things off as both the American League and National League had an array of stars to choose from. The game will all feature a heartfelt sendoff to one of the game's most respected players. Meanwhile several big bats look to make a statement as both divisions fight for home-field advantage in the World Series.
Adam Wainwirght and Clayton Kershaw were the obvious picks to start for the National League, both holding impressive season resumes. Kershaw is currently on a role with a 1.78 ERA and just off a 41-innings scoreless streak. However, Wainwright and his 1.83 ERA and 12-4 record get the start, making him the first St. Louis Cardinals pitcher to start an All-Star game since Chris Carpenter. For the National League, Felix Hernandez gets the nod. He is the first Venezuela pitcher to start an All-Star game with his 11-2 record and a 2.12 ERA.
The National League is looking to improve off last year's disappointing showing. The team managed just three hits in the 0-3 loss, eventually going on to lose the World Series to the Boston Red Sox. Big bats like Chase Utley, Freddie Freeman and Yasiel Puig intend on changing that this time around in hopes of getting the National League a much-needed win.
The biggest storyline of this year's All-Star game comes at the hands of Derek Jeter who is making his final appearance. The New York Yankees' captain is retiring at the end of the season making his 14th All-Star game his last. Several players have had a similar sendoff to the one the 40-year-old will receive. Chipper Jones waived goodbye two years after pinch hitting in the sixth innings. Mariano Rivera got an emotional goodbye when he pitched the eighth innings while all of the players left the field for a moment. Jeter's goodbye is expected to be equally as memorable.
