2010 MLB All-Star Game

The 2010 season has been an exciting one, in case you haven't noticed. There have been two perfect games*, a couple of no-hitters, and rookie phenoms Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg, and Mike Stanton dominating headlines.

On July 13, the best players that step onto the field will come together at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Today, rosters were announced, and there were some questionable picks as to who wasn't invited to the roster.

This slideshow examines the American League and who got snubbed.

Three Reds were named to the All-Star Game Sunday night.

It was a proud moment for a team that isn't used to having an abundance of all-stars, but the name that was left off made it bittersweet.

Reds' first baseman Joey Votto was not on the final National League roster, despite being in the top five in the NL in all three major statistical categories, with a .312 average, 19 home runs, and 57 RBI.

The Oakland Athletics have a few players that are deserving of an All-Star invitation, including Kurt Suzuki, Ryan Sweeney, and Andrew Bailey.

Despite how great all of these players are playing right now, Trevor Cahill is the most deserving of any.

The 22-year-old right-hander is from the Southern California area and should be returning there to represent the A's in Angel Stadium. Cahill is 7-2 on the year with an impressive 2.88 ERA.

Of his 12 starts, 10 have been "quality starts," and the team has won nine of the games started by Cahill.

The grades are in as we approach the halfway mark of the 2010 season.

What teams have lived up to the hype in the American League West, and which have laid an egg and why?

Here is a team-by-team breakdown recapping the first 81 games (almost), and what to watch for in the second half.

Who will be the movers and shakers in the second half?

We are nearing the halfway point for the MLB season, which means it's almost time to play the All-Star Game.

Who deserves to make it over the guys that will make it just because of their name? Which players are having the most under-the-radar seasons?

Check out this slideshow to find out the 34 players who will be making the trip to Anaheim in a couple of weeks to represent the AL in the All-Star Game.

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There are more skills required to play baseball than there are for any other sport.

Just think about what it means to be a "five-tool player." Only a few dozen people in the world can both hit and hit for power, let alone run, throw, and catch. That's without even considering pitchers.

Yet, the MLB All-Star Game features just one skill competition: The Home Run Derby.

In this slideshow are 10 contests that MLB could add to its All-Star festivities that test some of the game's neglected skills. A description of the event, five players who could compete, and my predicted winner.

It is the most ridiculous thing in sports to have the fans vote for the MLB All-Star Game. Fans vote for their favorite players even if they have horrible numbers.

This year has been a prime example thus far of the stupidity of fans.

Big-name players that have been hitting very poorly, with three or four guys way more deserving of an appearance, are not only in first or second for their position, but are miles ahead of everyone else.

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Stephen Strasburg is one of the most hyped pitchers baseball has seen in a long time. So far, he's shown his dominance in his first three outings, and seems to be living up to the hype. In fact, some columnists, such as MLB.com's Mike Bauman, are saying that Strasburg should be in the All-Star game on July 13.

After taking a look at the American League All-Stars for this year's game, I will now take the time to discuss who should be suiting up for the National League.

Once again, a few of the current voting leaders do not deserve to be in the starting lineup. Here is who should be taking the field first:

Catcher: Miguel Olivo

The Rockies catcher is off to a great start. He is hitting about .300 and has some nice power every time he steps to the plate.

The 2010 MLB All Star weekend voting deadline is on the horizon. So this morning, I logged onto the Internet and compiled a ballot of my own.

When it comes to fan voting, I have to admit that I am a believer in the system. I obviously hate when a popular player makes the starting lineup who is either having an off year or who has been injured. With that said, it's nice to have the fans make their case heard and have their players begin the game.