The All-Star Break serves as the unofficial midway point of the MLB season and is also a time when most players get a chance to relax and recharge the batteries. The only guys who do not get some time off are the ones who are voted into the AL and NL line-ups. These players a are a combination of the best in the business, as well as a few coaches picks who get in because of their body of work over a long career. While the 2018 All-Star Game is really nothing more than a glorified exhibition game, there is also something at stake, which is home field advantage in the World Series for the winning league.
While there are some fans who don’t really care for that reward, you cannot deny that it has added some spice to a game that was beginning to lose some of its lusters. The 2018 version of the All-Star Game is set for Tuesday night in the nation’s capital. It’s going to be a dizzying array of stars on display, but who will shine the brightest?
For example, you have Aaron Judge hitting at the bottom of the order, so there really is no respite. If the NL is to get some hits, look for the likes of Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp to make it happen. Also, look out for Bryce Harper in his own building.
2018 MLB All-Star Game Odds & Betting Preview
These lineups are STACKED.
Which squad has the edge? pic.twitter.com/X9GwbKq7Jd — MLB (@MLB) 16 de julio de 2018
- When: Tuesday, July 17 at 8 PM EST
- Where: Nationals Stadium, Washington DC
- TV: FOX
- Radio: ESPN Radio
- Managers: Dave Roberts (LAD) / A.J. Hinch (HOU)
- Wins: American League 43 / National League 43
- 2018 MLB All-Star Game Odds: American League -135 / National League +115 (Total 7)
Why bet on the American League?
If you look at the players on display for both teams, it would certainly appear that the American league has the bigger names stepping up to the plate. Given this seeming disparity, it is probably not a real surprise to learn that the AL has won this game in each of the last 5 years. They have some major weapons in every position in the line-up, and also have arguably the best player in baseball in Mike Trout. It is a team that is absolutely stacked with power hitters, although the game changer in this line-up may well be Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros. He has an uncanny ability to get on base, and also to make some exciting things happen once he gets there. This may well prove to be the Manny Machado show, though, for several reasons, as this may be the last time we see him representing the Baltimore Orioles.Why bet on the National League?
If the National league are to somehow halt the losing skid at the All-Star Game, you get the feeling that they are going to need to get the job done via their pitching staff. Max Scherzer will serve as the starting pitcher for the NL, and he has a real opportunity to shut down those big bats before the AL manager starts to change out the starters with the other guys in the squad. As good as Scherzer has been, though, he, or any pitcher for that matter, has been asked to face a line-up that is this loaded with talent.
For example, you have Aaron Judge hitting at the bottom of the order, so there really is no respite. If the NL is to get some hits, look for the likes of Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp to make it happen. Also, look out for Bryce Harper in his own building.
