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Fifteenth Inning: The end is near in All-Star Game. But how?
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It's getting down to the nub. This 2008 All-Star Game will either end now or it will be a repeat of Milwaukee 2002, which brings up a whole bunch of other issues. Or the managers use a position player on the mound (and a pitcher in the field) to finish off what would be a ludicrous ending. The managers don't want to risk hurting the arms of a position player either. It's a dilemma that the Commish is going to have to solve - soon.
15th INNING: Scott Kazmir comes in and strikes out Dan Uggla, who is having a ugla game. Terry Francona is in personal turmoil, trying to balance his team's competition spirit to win while holding Kazmir to a limited pitch count. What can he do? What can Clint Hurdle do? Kazmir throws a few more pitches than anyone wanted but gets out of the 15th. . . .Brad Lidge takes over for Brandon Webb, who worked one quick inning. Lidge can't go more than two. Then what?
That's when someone has to make an executive decision. . . .All the batters are looking like Josh Hamilton in the final round of the Home Run Derby. Exhausted. . . .Justin Morneau opens with a single off Lidge. Ian Kinsler tries to be the hero but Ryan Ludwick makes a nice diving catch in left. No one's giving up. You got to like it, hey Bud?. . . .Dioner Navarro singles with one out, putting runners on first and second with J.D. Drew, the odds-on MVP favorite, up. He walks to load the bases. Michael Young has the best chance. He comes through with a sac-fly to right, Morneau slides in safely.
It's 1:37 a.m. EDT. The AL continues its 11-year run of winning decisions - and World Series home-field advantage. Kazmir wins it Terry Francona is off the hook. Clint Hurdle is off the hook. Bud Selig is breathing again. Who could possibly be the MVP? No one would be a nice idea. How about the home plate umpire who finally allowed someone to score. It's J.D. Drew. Whatever.
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