I ended up taking several videos from the Home Run Derby on Monday, and, with this being an off day and all, I thought I'd share them to keep me from writing any elaborate dissections of the All-Star Game.

My initial reaction to yesterday's game: it was alright. I thought the pregame tribute to All-Stars Among Us was incredibly classy and moving, but I would have liked to see something more done with Stan Musial. It seemed appropriate for the kind of man Stan is - quiet, endearing, and humble - but the fan in me wishes they gave him an even greater spotlight, as this is probably one of the last times Stan will be on such a national stage.

As far as the game goes, it was a good, old-fashioned contest without the flashy home runs. In old school fashion, solid defense and baseball fundamentals won the game. The NL looks a lot more promising for the future though. In the next few years, I think we're going to see a turning of the tides. I know, we've all heard that before. No, really. They'll turn.

Some vids:

Albert Pujols in the first round of the Derby. Listen closely for the Drunk Guy: "Let's Go, Albert, Let's Go, clap clap clapclapclap. Are we in St. Louis? Yeah, we're in St. Louis. Are you kidding me?"



This is when Albert decided he would start trying, as he hits two home runs to tie Joe Mauer and Carlos Pena with five.



Pay attention to the crowd as Albert is batting in the tie-breaker round. Notice that NO ONE wanted Mauer or Pena to win.



Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the off day.