Well, Its been awhile...

The "long-awaited" return of this blog is officially underway. As of now, I'm sitting in Oklahoma City trying to find a channel to watch the All-Star Game. Speaking of All-Stars, this year's roster seems to be missing a few perennials, such as Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and all of the pitchers that pitched this past Sunday. The MLB All-Star game has essentially become a joke due to the absence of the real "Stars." It is a shame that the fanfare around the game has become so strong that a few voted-in All-Stars do not want to attend. (Yes Jeter, I'm talking to you.) But more specifically, Aramis Ramirez. What the heck? He was invited by NL Manager Bruce Bochy of the San Fransisco Giants, but declined the invitation because he was going to visit family in Puerto Rico. I understand that he was invited on Friday, but other All-Stars, such as Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and Miguel Montero of the Arizona Diamondbacks were invited AFTER Ramirez, yet they're still attending. Considered an All-Star is supposed to be an honor, yet the top players in the league are declining to even go to the fanfare before the game. Last year, Troy Tulowitzki was injured, yet he still attended the ceremonies before and after the games. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez didn't even bother to show up to the festivities. I am essentially saying that the All-Star Game is supposed to be an honor, and if you have no desire in attending the fanfare, request for your name to be taken off the ballot. There are plenty of players willing to play in the All-Star game, but don't get the chance to do so.