Your MLB Knee Jerk Reactions

> Boston's Hideki Okajima wins the fan balloting for the last AL All-Star spot.

What are the odds that the Red Sox guy would win a popularity contest? Shocking.

> The All-Star Injury Dance Begins

Bonds, A-Rod, Smoltz... because, let's face it, it's a heck of a lot nicer to be named to the team than to actually play.

> ChiSox finally score, win.

Of course. I had the pitcher who faced them tonight.

> Tigers crush Indians.

Of course. I had a bet on the Tribe.

> Josh Beckett wins his 12th.

Finally, the Mentoring Effect of Bloggy McBloggermouth can really be seen.

> The Mets break a losing streak in Houston.

The Astros are a pale version of the Giants - instead of Bonds chasing the record, you had Biggio chasing 3,000 hits. Both teams are old, bad, and saddled with a bad bullpen. But at least the 'Stros aren't on the hook for $20+ million of Roger Clemens.

> The Pirates beat the Brewers again.

And this is why the 4 games under .500 Cardinals, with a starting rotation where Mike Maroth is an upgrade, think they've got a chance. (They also lost Bill Hall tonight.)

> Brad Penny has a blister issue, then got blistered.

13 baserunners and 6 earned runs in his first four innings tonight. On the other hand, he did have 3 RBIs. Bet the AL to win the All-Star Game.

> Bobby Crosy, after being buried in FTT, hit a go-ahead home run today against the Mariners.

Keep making us look bad, Bobby. We'll hate you to Cooperstown. For the good of the team.