Perhaps the most interesting part about this All-Star format is seeing which players are considered the best among their peers and were chosen early on in the draft, and which have yet to establish a name for themselves and were therefore left to wait until the later rounds to be selected.  Another interesting aspect of the show was listening in on the mic’d up players, as they discuss everything, from the players being selected to the blonde smokeshow handing out the jerseys.

Patrick Kane took a moment to discuss the latter while sitting alongside Florida Panthers’ defenseman Brian Campbell.  You can listen to that and many other sounds bytes from last night’s festivities in the video below (Kane’s approval of the blonde comes at the 1:42 mark).

…On second thought, it appears as though the boys at The Basketball Jones have done just that for Bargnani, via the following All-Star campaign video.

Check it out.

Hat Tip – [The Basketball Jones]

The 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game goes down tonight at Chase Field in Phoenix. Most people will probably get tired of Tim McCarver’s nonsensical rambling after 3 innings and flip over to America’s Got Talent. However, I will be watching the whole game, and not just because I can’t stand Sharon Osborn. No, I’ll be watching the whole game because, even though the format is stale and the definition of “star” is pretty loose these days, you still never know when something truly memorable will happen. Sure, I’ll probably be let down when Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers is batting against Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals in the top of the 9th, but a guy can dream, can’t he? So, in honor of tonight’s Midsummer Classic, whatever it holds in store for us, here are 9 of the most memorable moments in the history of the All-Star Game.

9. The Battle of the Mullets in 1993

Menacing lefty Randy Johnson was about 7’15” and threw the ball about 125mph. He was an intimidating foe no matter where his pitches went, but he was especially intimidating when they happened to sail over a batter’s head. Just ask John Kruk.

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8. Cal Ripken’s Home Run in 2001

As Bob Costas explains in the video, “[In a totally spontaneous, entirely unscripted moment that happened to be caught on tape by the mic he was wearing,] Alex Rodriguez insisted [Cal Ripken] take his place at shortstop, the position where he’d become a legend.” Of course, you know if A-Rod wasn’t mic’d up, the convo would’ve been more like “hey, they said I have to let you play shortstop, so, like, whatever.” But, hey, at least A-Rod was on the field at all. If it were the bottom of the 4th he would already have been in his Benz on his way to a strip club. Luckily, not even A-Rod could ruin this nice moment from Cal Ripken, Jr., one of baseball’s true class acts.

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7. The Babe Hits the First Ever All-Star Game Home Run in 1933

The Great Bambimo’s career was winding down when Major League Baseball introduced the All-Star Game in 1933. But that didn’t stop him from hitting the very first ASG home run off National League pitcher Bill Hallahan in the bottom of the third inning at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. There couldn’t have been a more fitting person to achieve this feat than the Sultan of Swat. Not a bad piece of trivia, either.

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6. Reggie’s Bomb in 1971

The 1971 ASG at Tiger Stadium in Detroit featured home runs from five other Hall of Famers, but the most impressive came off the bat of the future “Mr. October,” Reggie Jackson. His monstrous bomb in the bottom of the third was still rising when it hit a light standard above the right-center field roof, 380 feet from home plate. They estimate the ball would have gone about 520 feet if the tower hadn’t gotten in the way.

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5. Williams’ Walk-Off Home Run in 1941

Ted Williams had one of the most storied careers in Major League Baseball history; however, he never won a World Series with the cursed Boston Red Sox. That’s probably why Williams, the Splendid Splinter, the last man to hit .400 in a season, has called this walk-off ASG homer one of the finest moments in his career. Of course, it also helps to remember that back in 1941 the All-Star game was important to players and fans alike.

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4. Musial’s Walk-Off Home Run in 1955

Stan the Man’s walk-off bomb in 1955 just narrowly beats out William’s walk-off shot in 1941 for three little reasons. First, Stan’s home run came in extra innings, which is just a tad more exciting than William’s 9th inning home run. Second, this is the greatest All-Star Game moment from the man who played in more All-Star Games (24) than anyone else in the history of the game. Third, in addition to being a baseball legend, Musial is by all accounts an exceptional human being, whereas Williams had the reputation of being somewhat of a cur. So, when it’s all said and done, advantage Musial.

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3. Carl Hubbell Strikes Out 5 Hall of Famers in a Row

People talk a lot about the dominant performance of Pedro Martinez in the 1999 ASG, when he struck out four consecutive players (Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire) to start the game. But in 1934, in just the second ASG ever played, pitcher Carl Hubbell struck out five consecutive players who later made it to the Hall of Fame, including perhaps the greatest hitter of all time. That’s right, Hubbell struck out none other than Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin.

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2. Pete Rose Collides With Ray Fosse in 1970

Good old Charlie Hustle never played a baseball game he didn’t try his damnedest to win. Case in point: the 1970 All-Star Game. The NL and AL were knotted up at 4-4 in the bottom on the 12th. Pete Rose of the hometown Cincinnati Reds was on second base when Jim Hickman of the Chicago Cubs smacked a base hit to center field. Rose rounded third and chugged toward home, where he completely flattened catcher Ray Fosse of the Cleveland Indians. Game over, National League wins 5-4. As for Fosse, well, he fractured his shoulder on the play and would never be the same again.

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1. Tie Game in 2002

Is this moment of infamy really more memorable than all the others? Well, it’s certainly not the greatest moment—in fact, it is almost certainly the worst moment in the history of the All-Star Game. But the end of the 2002 game is memorable in the sense that more than any actual game highlight in recent years, it represents what the MLB All-Star Game has become: a softball game at a company picnic. Only one or two players take the game seriously, and everybody gets a turn no matter what. And that’s how the game ended in a tie: trying so hard to make sure every player got to play. The managers used up all their pitchers by the 11th inning. But I’ll make a deal with MLB: you let Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame, and I’ll remove this moment from the top spot on this list. Deal?

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The NBA’s Spite Slam Dunk Contest is set to take flight tonight in Los Angeles, and the energy building around this year’s event couldn’t be much more electric.  Not since Vince Carter was chosen to participate in 2000 has there been so much hype surrounding the event, and it is all because of one man…

His name is Blake Griffin.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ super-rookie has taken the league by storm this year, averaging 22.8 points per game and 12.6 rebounds per game, but what has caught the attention of most players, coaches and fans of the league is the style in which Blake has recorded many of those points – with his high flying dunks.

We are hoping the former first-overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft has more highlight reel dunks in store for us tonight.  He gave us all a little sneak preview during last night’s Rookies vs. Sophomores game, but I have a feeling that his best is yet to come.

Here is a video of last night’s bounce-pass alley-oop from John Wall to Blake Griffin, in case the GIF above was not enough to fully satisfy you.

I have always been a fan of Nelson and I really hope he can play through the injury.  It would be a shame if this guy were lost for the year because Orlando has a serious lack of depth at the point guard position.  Their number 2 point guard is 11 year veteran Anthony Johnson, who is well past his prime.

If Nelson is done for the year, they will have to make a trade for guard.  They can also look at the possibility of signing (cough, cough) Stephon Marbury.  I`ve never been the biggest fan of this guy, but he can score in bunches and I`m sure he will have no problem throwing the ball up for Superman to slam into the basket all game.

Jameer Nelson has had a great season thus far and deserved to make the All-Star game, its too bad he might be done for the year.

This entry will take a look at some of the players, 10 to be exact, who either increased their value or surprised many of us. So, if you’re looking for Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin you wont find them on this list.

Lets take a look at the 2008-09 NHL First Half Fantasy Studs.

C – Ryan Getzlaf – Anaheim Ducks: It’s no surprise he’s one of the bright young players in the league, but no one expected him to do this well. He currently sits tied for 4th overall in the league for points with 56 (17 goals & 39 assists). He’s also managed to rack up 85 penalty minutes and 26 power play points.

C – Jeff Carter – Philadelphia Flyers: Carter had a promising rookie campaign back in 2005-06 but had troubles improving on it the last two seasons. That all changed this year as he’s currently 2nd overall in the league for goals scored with 30.  He’s also managed 21 assists for 51 points on the season so far.

LW – Zach Parise – New Jersey Devils: For being on a team not known for scoring, Parise is having himself one helluva season. Zach is tied for 5th overall in the league for points with 55 (28 goals & 27 assists). He also has a +/- rating of plus-20, 193 shots on goal and averaging 1.17 points per game.

C – David Krejci – Boston Bruins: Look up the word “surprising” in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of this man right beside it, although most people probably don’t even know what he looks like. Krejci has played a big part in the Bruins success thus far and if you don’t believe me just look at his stats. He’s in the top 10 in the league for points with 52 (17 goals & 35 assists), has a +/- rating of plus-25 and has put up 15 power play points.

RW – Devin Setoguchi – San Jose Sharks: A team like the Sharks already stacked with players like Thornton, Marleau, Michalek and Boyle no one really expected anything out of sophmore Setoguchi. However, he’s already more than doubled his points from last season in the same amount of games, 44 points in 44 games, and has a +/- rating of plus-16.

D – Dennis Wideman – Boston Bruins: Just like Krejci, Wideman has played a big part in the turn around of the Boston Bruins this season. He’s tied for 6th amoung defencemen in the NHL for points with 31 (9 goals & 22 assists) and has a +/- rating of plus-26.

D – Shea Weber – Nashville Predators: On what has been an up and down season for the Predators they’ve been able to rely on one constant the whole season, Shea Weber. Weber is tied for 5th amoung defencemen in the NHL for points with 32 (14 goals & 18 assists). He’s also managed 11 points on the power play and has a +/- rating of plus-6, which is pretty good for being on a not so good team.

D – Rob Blake – San Jose Sharks: Just when it seemed like Blake was on the decline of his career he goes and proves everyone wrong. Blake currently has 29 points (7 goals & 22 assists) and a +/- rating of plus-13.

G – Steve Mason – Columbus Blue Jackets: Not even the Blue Jackets expected this one. He started out the season in the AHL but due to an injury to Pascal Leclaire he was called up and never looked back. Mason has collected 17 wins, and posted a league leading 2.05 GAA, .926 SAV% and also leads the league with 6 shutouts. Oh, and I forgot to mention he’s done all of that in just 30 games so far on a weak Columbus team who are fighting for 8th in the West because of his great play.

G – Scott Clemmensen – New Jersey Devils: When Martin Brodeur went down due to injury everyone thought the Devils season went down with it. However, a man by the last name of Clemmensen had something to say about that. In 30 games so far he’s collected 19 wins while posting a 2.29 GAA and a .922 SAV%.

Remember to check back tomorrow to take a look at our 2008-09 NHL First Half Fantasy Duds.

“We just felt it was the right time to change our team,” Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Associated Press. “Iverson gives us a dimension that we haven’t had here and we really think it’s going to help us.”

In a trade with the Denver Nuggets, the Detroit Pistons will send All Star forward Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Nuggets for Allen Iverson. 

The Nuggets are hoping that Billups, a native of Denver and past star at the University of Colorado, will be a better fit with All Star forward Carmelo Anthony.  Chauncey Billups should mould into the Nuggets style of play and boost them to the elite of Western Conference teams.

The Detroit Pistons are gambling with 33 year old Allen Iverson at $20.8 million.  Iverson is in the final year of his contract, and the Pistons will free up $20 million for free agents next season.  This should greatly improve on the Pistons scoring, but we all know Iverson is far from his prime.  The Pistons will remain atop the Eastern Conference and they hope this will give them the advantage of a natural scorer to compete with the Big 3 of the Boston Celtics. 

We believe that the real winners of this deal right now are the Denver Nuggets because Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess are team oriented players, and they will complete the Nuggets as a whole.  If Iverson could find his form form his Philly days, this could make the Detroit Pistons a really dangerous team.  We’ll just have to wait and see!