Fan News

The 2010 Home Run Derby competitors are gradually being unveiled, and it should all lead up nicely to the typical, power-packed slugfest.

Thus far, the participants include Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, David Ortiz, Vernon Wells, Corey Hart, and Matt Holliday.

These six certainly represent a great variety of home run hitters but the lineup could stand to take on a little pizazz.

L.A. Angels ace Jered Weaver was officially named to the American League All-Star team this afternoon, according to MLB.com and confirmed by the Angels.

Weaver will be replacing New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia, who manager Joe Girardi says will not be able to pitch due to the way their rotation schedule is playing out.

Weaver will probably not be able to pitch for the same reason, unless tonight's game against the Chicago White Sox is postponed. The game is currently in a 45-minute rain delay.

Prior to June 12, 1997, the concept of a National League team playing an American league team during baseballs regular season was merely an idea or something that some people thought they could only dream about.

Then it happened. Interleague play became a reality and has been a staple on the Major League Baseball schedule since.

When the idea became reality, it was a grand and glorious spectacle. Stadium attendances skyrocketed and television ratings were the highest they had been in years. The sports world was abuzz with baseballs crowning new achievement.

We're just a week away from the Midsummer Classic, which, despite the bastardization of the game by Bud Selig, remains a "must-see" on the sporting calendar. Unfortunately, due to roster limitations and obligations, not all of baseball's finest get the opportunity to participate in the all-star spectacle. This has spawned the concept of the inaugural Whatifsports.com 2010 Fantasy All-Star rosters . Our selection committee was given two simple guidelines when constructing the starting lineups for both leagues:

1. Let the numbers speak for themselves.

The year 2010 has been the year of rookies and farewells.

Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward make their mark, while Key Griffey, Jr. and Chipper Jones make their final path around the bases. Likewise, the steroid era finally seems past us as home run totals are shrinking and pitching is making a comeback.

When it comes to the Home Run Derby, this makes it harder to expect pure dominance.

As the All-Star Game approaches, let's take an updated look at Ben Sheets' season.

Last night, Sheets had his longest outing of the season, going 7.1 innings in a tough 3-1 loss against the mighty Yankees. This was his second-best outing of the year and his best one in a month, as he faced a very deep lineup.

The game displayed the ups and downs of his season. Sheets pitched a great game, except the home run that he gave up to Mark Teixeira, but still lost.

What does it mean to be a "slugger?" We all know the answer, don't we?

Being a slugger means gripping it and ripping it. It means hitting the crap out of the ball and not even waiting around to see where it falls.

It means pointing to a spot in center field and then hitting it there. It means putting dents in signs. It means splashing down in McCovey Cove.

Yovani Gallardo of the Milwaukee Brewers has been officially placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 5 with a strained left oblique he suffered in the bottom of the third inning on Sunday. Fantasy baseball owners will greatly miss the 8-4 Gallardo with his 2.58 ERA and 9.83 strikeouts per nine innings.

Jordan Schelling of Brewers.com noted that despite being recently named to the National League All-Star team, Gallardo will not take part due to the injury.