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Prince Fielder will probably start in the All-Star Game, Alex Avila's left knee is acting up, and Kurt is no longer the only blogger with a day job. These stories and R.A. Dickey's "violent woman" in today's Morning Prowl.
Tigers 1B Prince Fielder almost certain to start All-Star Game - The Detroit News, Tony Paul
It's nice to be on the other side of the line (for once) when it comes to popular players starting the All-Star Game over more deserving individuals. As good as Prince has been, Chicago's Paul Konerko is having a monster season.
Alex Avila having sore left knee examined - Beck's Blog
Avila had an MRI on his knee and discussed it with a doctor from the Texas Rangers late yesterday. We will probably hear an update on Avila's status sometime today.
As it stands, schedule would allow Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander to pitch in All-Star game - MLive, Chris Iott
I don't know if Verlander will start again this season, but it would be nice to see him mow down more National League hitters.
On My Debut Column at the Detroit Free Press - Walkoff Woodward, Josh Worn
Doc has pulled a Mensching and is now writing for the Detroit Free Press. His first column hits the web tomorrow. As the only person who writes for both sites, I think that I am most qualified to referee the pay-per-view cage match to determine who is the best blogger-turned-MSM-writer.
Don't Sell The Farm - Motor City Bengals, Sam Genson
This is the only post related to the trade deadline that I am linking today because it is reasonable and awesome.
Around the AL Central:
Out Into the Snowstorm - Past a Slightly Mobile Betancourt - Royals Review
Will McDonald of Royals Review is stepping down after nearly 7 years of work. As one of the best writers on the SB Nation network -- or in baseball, for that matter -- his work will be missed.
Twins 4, White Sox 1: A Minnesota welcome - South Side Sox, Jim Margalus
"The White Sox allowed 20 baserunners over eight innings, but limited them to just four runs."
Yankees Destroy Indians, National Innocence (Game 71) - Let's Go Tribe
"Tonight American lost its innocence, as the Evil Yankees did the unthinkable - they overcame the forces of hard work and guts and hit Josh Tomlin like a pinata."
Luke Oplakia Hochevar Roundhouses Rays - Royals Review
"Hochevar looked like the pitcher he is frustratingly capable of being. Completely dominant."
Twins Take Opener Over White Sox, 4-1, Pound Out 14 Hits, Only Score 4 Runs - Twinkie Town
"Tonight, Francisco Liriano was the Franchise. He was down right dominant. Of the 21 outs he got, 10 of them came on the groundball, and five of them were via the strikeout."
Elsewhere in Baseball:
R.A. Dickey believes his knuckleball is a ‘violent’ and ‘unpredictable’ woman - Big League Stew, David Brown
I'm not usually a fan of Brown's work, but references to Napoleon Dynamite and Seinfeld in the same post (not to mention quoting Bob Dylan) makes this an exception.
Marlon Byrd suspended for PEDs - HardballTalk, Craig Calcaterra
Byrd has been linked with Victor Conte, the BALCO representative that played a major role in the Barry Bonds saga.
Chicago Cubs to call up first-base prospect Anthony Rizzo - MLB.com, Carrie Muskat
Rizzo is the 22 year old savior of the Cubs franchise. He is hitting .342 with 23 home runs in AAA this season, so this doesn't appear to just be the Cubs rushing yet another prospect to the big leagues.
Mike Trout has built the profile of a potential MVP candidate - ESPN Insider, Keith Law
I'm not sure I agree with this assertion, but if a pitcher can win the award... [Subscription required]