MLB

The Boston Red Sox have had a very disappointing 2014 season.

No team likes to consider itself out of contention, especially when the standings say that, with a hot streak and a bit of luck, a team could find itself leading in its league's respective playoff race.

Only seven of MLB's 30 teams sit at least 10 games out of a playoff berth, and with so many clubs still believing that they've got a chance to play meaningful baseball in October, even the most astute and experienced general manager can fall victim to poor decision-making.

Most fans will be looking forward to the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, but on Sunday, July 13, another exciting tradition will be rekindled during the MLB All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game.

Some of the biggest names in baseball history will join forces with some of the top personalities from other sports and from the world of entertainment in a celebrity softball game. With the event taking place in Minnesota, there is a local feel to the stars participating.

Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, and the 2014 edition of the MLB All-Star Game has the unenviable honor of trying to live up to the high standards of the annual event.

Fortunately for hardcore and casual fans alike, the rosters for both the American and National Leagues are stacked with elite hitters and dominant pitchers. The game should be a fierce battle with home-field advantage in the World Series on the line.

Predicting the MVP of the MLB All-Star Game is like sticking your hand in a beehive and trying to guess which of the little suckers is going to sting you first.

There's probably some rhyme or reason to it, but mostly, it's pretty random.

Nevertheless, we'll take a look at the list below and try to focus on three players most likely to do damage on Tuesday at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The 2014 MLB All-Star Game will take place Tuesday from Target Field in Minneapolis. While Derek Jeter will be participating in his 14th and final All-Star Game, there's a large group of players who will be making their debuts in the Midsummer Classic.

At least three of them figure to be perennial All-Stars in their careers, provided injuries or other issues don't derail their careers.

All-Star Week isn't only for Major League Baseball veterans.

The 2014 Futures Game kicks off Sunday's action at Target Field with many of the world's most talented up-and-coming players set to take center stage.

This season isn't looking too great for the Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox in the standings, but the two teams sure know how to engineer an online campaign to get their stars to the MLB All-Star Game.

The winner of the All-Star Game MVP award is more unpredictable than the regular-season award. If you look at the last 10 years, there's been a diverse mix of elite superstars, one-year wonders and retiring closers who have been bestowed the honor. 

As the 2014 All-Star Game approaches, the list of potential MVP candidates that you can rattle off the top of your head is vast.

Do you choose the best player in the sport (Mike Trout)?

How about the best pitcher (Clayton Kershaw)?

The final weekend of the first half of the season is upon us, baseball fans. Unlike many years, the sport didn't coast into the All-Star break this time around. With big-time performances, major injuries and season-changing moves, the baseball world has been turned upside down as the vast majority of those immersed in the game take a few days off.

Here at Bleacher Report, we don't ever take time off from baseball. After watching the games, analyzing the numbers and dissecting the rumors, the most important narratives from the week have emerged.