All Star break

MLB is back after the all star break. Manny got a good reception in LA, but thats no surprise. The all star game was good. AL won it as usual. It was close and the game was quick too for an all star game. Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay were the starters. I loved the fact Halladay was named the starter for AL. He has always been an under-rated superstar in this game because he is in Toronto and every year, they got no shot against the Yankees or the RedSox. He is also now rumored to be on the trade block. I am sure fans of all the contending teams are asking for their team to trade for him on their local radio stations. Both Halladay and Lincecum gave up runs, but it was all good at the end.

The previous day was a big day for all vegetarians as MLB's only vegetarian slugger Prince Fielder won the home run derby. That guy has a violent swing. The derby is kinda lame, but it was good to see some new names and faces this season. The ESPYs was on the Wednesday after the all star game - the only "dead" day in the sports calendar. What a waste if time that is. ESPN seriously needs a competitor. The big news at the ESPYs was that Matt Kemp of the Dodgers got drunk out of his mind and fell down. I guess this is the kind of news sports stations cover to keep themselves busy around the all star break.

In other news, Blake Griffin is looking good in the NBA summer league and Brett Favre is almost back, but not quite. The Lakers apparently have taken the offer off the table for Lamar Odom. He wants 5 years and the Lakers want to give him a 3 year contract. It's interesting that they gave Artest a 5 year deal, but are not willing to do the same with Odom though both are of the same age. He may be expecting more money that Artest, but the Lakers are probably worried about Odom's effort level and motivation once he signs a 5 year contract. Most experts and fans are now saying the Lakers will take a step back without Odom. I agree. Odom is good. But even if they lose Odom, I think the Fakers will be good with Artest. Artest will not be as "easy" as Odom on tam chemistry though. Odom probably is not gone yet anyways. The market is soft because of the economy and Lakers may luck out at the end and sign him after all.