Opinion

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.

We are in awe of the incredible feats of strength Major League Baseball players show, both in games and during batting practice, but not all power is created equal.

In the case of the 2014 Home Run Derby, Target Field isn't a hitter's paradise, so having extra pop is essential to winning. 

The home stretch is always the most difficult.

In this instance, that refers to the complex machine that is the MLB trade rumor mill as the deadline looms at the end of July. It can also refer to the fact that the Midsummer Classic is upon us, meaning franchises are more willing to wheel and deal for the postseason push after the break.

The Cleveland Indians have some work to do at the upcoming July 31 trade deadline. The team currently sits at 45-46, 7.5 games back of the division-leading Detroit Tigers and 3.5 games back of the Seattle Mariners for the second wild-card spot.

There are many traditions in baseball that make it America’s pastime, but none have the history and excitement associated with the MLB All-Star Game. The 2014 edition of the Midsummer Classic will live up to the lofty expectations.

With many of the top players in the league taking the field at the same time, fans will be treated to an amazing battle between the best pitchers in baseball and the elite hitters in the sport.

It lifts. It cradles. It cools. 

It’s Derek Jeter’s secret underwear brand, and it’s here to revolutionize the groin comfort game. Yes, this is real. 

Mara Siegler of the New York Post reports that Jeter is now a partial owner of Frigo RevolutionWear, a company specializing in pricy, artisanal men’s underwear.

Earlier in the 2014 season, pitcher Brandon Maurer’s future with the Seattle Mariners was in serious doubt.

Much like the year before, Maurer was forced into the starting rotation due to injuries and struggled, posting a 7.52 ERA (5.37 FIP) in seven starts while walking nearly as many as he struck out.