I realize that I'm a bit of a homer. I will of course cheer for the American League tonight when they field the 2006 All Star Game. Afterall there's a lot riding on this, in case you haven't heard it from MLB.

This would mean that the Sox would get home-field advantage should they make it to the World Series.

Reasons to cheer the All Star Game and the A.L. in particular:

1. There are three representatives from the Red Sox.

First, David Ortiz. He has more home runs and rbis than anyone in baseball at the moment. You could say he was the MVP of the first half.

Second, Mark Loretta - this is a bit of a stretch, but looking at the reserves (Cano and Lopez) and surely he is the best of the three.

Three, Jon Papelbon - His 0.59 ERA is quite something even for a closer. He also holds the record for saves by a rookie. He has converted 26 out of 29, this far.

2. In the last 20 years the A.L. has one 15 out of 20 with on tie.

3. All of the first year participants. I love seeing the "newbies" play. I love seeing their expressions when introduced.

4. Pittsburgh's baseball park. What a sight! What they have done with these new parks is something special. I love seeing the backdrop of the city's skyline.

5. I'm not one for uniforms, but I do like what Pittsburgh has done. For the first time I can see the connection with the host team.

6. Chance to see the league's best of course. Even on the N.L. the stars will shine.

Reasons not to cheer:

Manny Ramirez isn't in the lineup. He has opted instead to rest his weary bones. Ortiz in a very subtle way during the Home Run Derby contest called out Manny. He basically said that Manny should be present for the fans who in fact voted him in. Yes, he did try to back track a bit after making the statement, but it was out there for all the fans to hear.

BTW: Ortiz is becoming a great ambassador for Major League Baseball. As I looked at all the other contestants in the derby, he wasn't the biggest or the most popular, but he was the best received.

2. New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be starting. That stinks. Anyone who is booed in his own ballyard, by his team's fans shouldn't make it to the All Star Game - talent or not.

3. Fans love the underdog and certainly the A.L. is not that.

4. Potential injuries. This game always worries me. I remember when Bobby Abreu posted numerous homeruns, only to experience a drought after his return to the regular season. These types of things can happen. I worry about the pitchers the most.

5. Bud Selig. I am not a huge fan. He represents everything good and bad in baseball.

6. It's my wife's birthday. A baseball-free night may be a nice gift for her. I guess that's why God invented DVRs.

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