Trade deadline is always a crazy time in Sports with so many trades that happen. Through out the past few weeks Dodgers starting pitcher Hedki Kuroda have been involved in so many trade talks to contenders like the Yankees, Red Soxs, and Rangers. Last two starts people were saying that it would be his Last Start as a Dodger. Well today  Kuroda informed the Dodgers that he will not Wave his No Trade Clause and will remain a Dodger for the rest of the season. While some people loved it I also saw that some people had an issue with that. Some are disapointed because they felt Kuroda is blocking the Dodgers from building for the future and I happen to have an issue with that saying.

 Hediki Kuroda haven’t had the best of seasons this year. 6-13 3.11 ERA but some of the Dodger pitchers haven’t had a good year either. Kuroda in my opinion would have more wins than 6 if he can get the run support he needs. The last two games Kuroda has pitched very well but like most of his losses the Dodgers offense goes silent for the night. His last win was in Anaheim July 1st where he Shut out the Angels with his pitching.  Behind the Dodgers offense which was on that night.

 Yes while Kuroda would’ve brought prospects he wants to stay a Dodger and had a No trade clause in his contract. Shouldn’t bash him for that nor be disapointed. We all want to see the Dodgers get back to winning. But being disapointed in a player for using his no trade isn’t really the way. Thats just my thinking

 As we get to this point of the season we find our Boys in Blue in a place we didn’t think they would even be both on and off the field. Never in a million years would you or I think that this would happen including frustrating play as of late. I know people think is this going to last for a long time? I keep hearing that some people’s fear is that MLB will roll out 40 Scrubs for the Dodgers and that I can say is FAR from happening. Now the way I look at things the future is pretty bright for the Dodgers.  After taking the time to think it over and look into some stuff you can say that it is bright for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have Some good prospects in the Farm system and young players currently playing right now.  Yeah right now is a rough time but for the moment lets look at what e have going for us in the future.

 With current players you have Matt Kemp who maybe slumping right now but he made it clear that he wants to stay in LA and be a Dodger and why not. This is a loyal fan base, Historic franchise and its LA. I’m sure the Dodgers already know that they have to keep Kemp. Same goes for Ethier but it will be a lot more challenging with keeping him around. The Impressive play of Tony Gwynn Jr has also grabbed my eye.  Yes there are times he struggle but if you look at it he adds that base stealing threat for the Dodgers. Dodgers also had guys called up from the minors who excited the fans. Dee Gordon proved with his speed he was a major threat to steal bases and was hitting pretty good and was a fan favorite in LA. (Remember he got under the skins of some Angels fans in Anaheim). Jerry Sands was also a popular guy here in LA. A guy who could play outfield or First Base (Just like Juan Rivera is now). Also keep an eye out for Travyon Robinson who plays outfield and can hit the ball as well.

 Pitching future doesn’t look as bad either. We all know Clayton Kershaw is a monster and is getting better as his career goes but it’s the other starting pitching that we wonder about. If you look at it Pitch will need some work. If Billingsley can stop being inconsistent and imploding in the 5th 6th inning then we will have something going. Young Pitcher Rubby De La Rosa is already showing that he will be something special on the team with some work and development (Got that feeling that he could be like a Kershaw in some years to come).  Billingsley being consistent (If he isn’t moved), Kershaw being Kershaw and De La Rosa getting more velocity and control The Dodgers SP will be a crazy one to face. If you also look into the Bullpen Kenley Janson is getting better and better and proving that he can be something big as a set up pitcher/Reliever.  Javy Guerra has worn on me as our closer! I think so! He’s doing one hell of a job and can be something very special for us. With them in the Bullpen playing like this they will improve. Hopefully won’t decline. The Farm system also has tons of strength with pitching as well. Maybe Next season we’ll start to see some guys like Ethan Martin get called up and pitch. 3 guys you should keep a very close eye on when it comes to pitching and that is Zach Lee, Angel Sanchez, and Allen Webster.

 Yes the most important thing is to find a new owner we all get that but this is where the Matt Kemp factor comes into place. With him in the All-Star game maybe he has started doing some work to get the Dodgers back to World Series contenders by maybe recruiting players trying to lure them to LA. (Prince Fielder I’m looking at you). If Kemp can somehow play a role in helping LA get some Free Agent help then things will be looking up On-Field Wise…Off Field a new owner is really needed and that’s something MLB is fighting. My prediction? My prediction is that McCourt is gone by Winter Meetings if not after and MLB goes for a new owner, and the Dodgers sign Prince Fielder….Thats just me though. All I can say is that the Future looks bright on the field plenty of young talent with some already seeing Major League playing time. My hope is that None of them get traded away. But Lets Please Get The Thought That MLB will give the Dodgers Srubs to play with Please!! The Future on the Field is Bright.

 The Midsummer classic! the All-Star game where the fans get to see their favorite players (If the were voted in) In action. Al vs NL where the winner gets Home Field Advantage for the World Series. Wasn’t too long ago where we the fans were campaigning to get our star players in the games starting line-up. The MLB All-Star game has had some good games in the past and it looks like we could be in store for another one this year. Looking at the roster for both teams you can tell that it will be a close game. and a very good one at that. Lets go ahead and Dive in to both of the teams before I make my final prediction on this years All-Star Game.

National League

 This years National League team is filled tons of Talent for this year. In field you have Brian McCan, Prince Fielder, Troy Tulo and Ricky Weeks  which is pretty deadly and not to mention the outfield with Matt Kemp who been Destroying this season Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday from St Louis along with Carlos Beltran as a DH. Yeah that’s a pretty killer starting line up if you ask me. I think AL Manager Ron Washington as to know what they are capable of. When you go to the bench you have guys like Andre Ethier , Chipper Jones, Hunter Pence, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Justin Upton. List goes on and on. Good Pall Players through out.

Pitching is where I see the strength being at for this team. Roy Halladay will get the start and that could mean something when you have the best pitcher in Baseball starting on your team. But it doesn’t stop there because the NL is filled with Aces such as Clayton Kershaw, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamles, Jair Jurrjens, and (sigh) Ryan Vogelsong. Not to mention the closers as well. The NL Pitching could get them through this game alone if they have a good day. It all rest on how Bruce Bochy manages the game.

American League

  The AL team comes in with an equal chance to come out on top for this game as well. Looking at the line up with Asdrubal Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Adrian Beltre, Alex Avila, Adrian Gonzalez  which matches the NL line up then if you look to the outfield you have Curtis Granderson, Jose Batista, and Josh Hamilton which is a powerful Outfield. David Ortiz at DH just says it all right there. No doubt the AL has a killer line up. The reserves aren’t bad as well when you throw in Russel Martin who is having an All-Star year, Howie Kendrick from Anaheim, Miguel Cabera,  Jacboy Ellsbury, and Micheal Young. Without a doubt the AL can go head to head with the NL if you’re taking home runs and stuff.

Pitching to me doesn’t look as good as the NL but its something. Jered Weaver getting the start for this game is a good choice. Weaver is arguably the best in the AL (Yes coming from a Dodger fan I have to admit that) Not only do you have Weaver but you also have  Justin Verlander whos a monster, David Price, James Sheilds,  Cj Wilson,  Felix Hernandez and Gio Gonzalez. Throw in Josh Beckett  with closer Jose Valverde and you have something. This Pitching staff is truly good but in my eyes not as good as the NL but anything can happen in the All-Star game.

 Ok so lets break this down. Basicly I’ll break this down by Manager, Infield, Outfield, and Pitching to tell you who I think has the advantage in this game. Has nothing to do with my prediction just a break down.

Managing: Push- I think its even when you talk about Managers. Each of them brings their own special style to this game. It’s just who’s will be more successful.

Infield: NL- This was really close but I think the advantage goes to the NL. Prince Fielder, Tulo, Ricky Weeks in the line-up then you have Joey Votto right there waiting along with Brandon Phillips,  Chipper Jones,  and Starlin Castro.

Outfield: AL- Once again another hard one as I look at it Jose Batista, Josh Hamilton, and Curtis Granderson just did it right there.  Jacoby Ellsbury Micheal Cuddyer, Matt Joyce and Carlos Quentin as reserves is also pretty good as well.

Pitching: NL- The NL is just full of Aces when you talk about The Phillies 3 Pitchers, Clayton Kershaw, Jair Jurrjens….I’m just going to stop there. AL comes really close but NL has an advantage here.

Prediction: Like I stated earlier this is going to be a very good and close game. Can’t go wrong with these selections but sadly you have guys injured and replacing others. At the end of the day I think the NL will win this one for the 2nd year in a row. The Pitching to me is just too strong and will be the Stars of this game. This will come down to pitching and it will be a close battle. I’m being Non Biased about this one NL pitching is just too strong.

NL-5 AL-3

 Im really looking forward to this years All-Star game and praying that this one is very entertaining but I know afterwards its back to work for MLB especially for our Boys in Blue!! Everyone enjoy the All-Star game! Hopefully I am right about this game.