Venom Strikes » 2011 MLB All-Star Game

Adrian Gonzalez Hits a Lot of Homers for a Boycotter

Scott Allen — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:21:57 +0000

So, Boston Red Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez decided to come to Arizona after all for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. After Arizona’s controversial passing of Senate Bill 1070, he was one of the first players to proclaim he would boycott Arizona if asked to come to the 2011 All-Star Game. Well, he came, not boycotting after all. Tonight, he hit a ton of homers to finish second in the annual July contest. Instead of tearing down fences in Arizona, he spent a lot of time Tuesday night hitting over them.

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Top 10 MLB All-Star Moments

Scott Allen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:04 +0000

Now that we are 1 day away from the 2011 MLB All-Star Game here in Phoenix, we are counting down the top 10 Midsummer Classic moments. MLB Network is doing the same thing, however, I have differing opinions as to what the top moments are. Today, we’ve finally made it to number 1.

It was 1993. Seattle Mariners, later to be Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson was facing Philadelphia Phillies slugger John Kruk. The Big Unit decided to have a little fun at Kruk’s expense. Kruk, a lefty stood in bravely against the tall left handed pitcher. Big Unit sailed a pitch right above his head…clearly seeing he had done that in jest and meant no harm. To me, it might have been not just the best moment in All-Star Game history, but the lightest moment at all. It showed to me guys can have fun while going out there and doing the job they need to do, even Randy Johnson, who rarely showed a smile while out on the field.



Home Run Derby Participant Profile: Adrian Gonzalez
Scott Allen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:08:06 +0000
For a guy who was going to boycott the All-Star Game in Phoenix a year ago, things sure have changed.  Not only is Boston Red Sox slugger Adrian  Gonzalez going to be in the game itself, he will also be a participant in the Home Run Derby on Monday night.  Gonzalez though deserves to be in it.
Gonzalez, who has hit 17 home runs so far this season, has hit no fewer than 24 in a season since 2006.  He can flat out hit.  he is also carrying an average of .352 and has 77 RBI.  I would look for him to hit quite a few out on Monday night.