All-Star surprises

I've both blogged and talked about how losing the Shreveport Captains/Swamp Dragons lessened this area's connection with the major leagues and that in itself goes without saying.

Sunday, this area saw another link to the majors cut off -- at least for the time being.

After having at least two representatives with area ties in the last two All-Star Games, Shreveport-Bossier City has none this year. No Joe Nathan. No B.J. Ryan. No other former Captain/Dragon.

That being said, there were the usual tough decisions managers Jim Leyland and Tony La Russa had to make regarding their rosters. And given the game's antiquated "every team will be represented" rule, they did just fine.

The only real surprise in my eyes was Michael Young representing the Texas Rangers. Nothing against Young, the 2006 All-Star Game MVP, but Sammy Sosa is having a more productive year for the Rangers and Young's first half has been substandard by his lofty standards.

Now I'm off to cast my vote on MLB.com for the final player vote.