It’s true that next week’s All-Star Game is an exhibition game that doesn’t count in the standings or decide home-field advantage in the World Series.
The game does matter, though, as baseball’s best get to showcase their talents on the big stage. For fans of the National League West, we offer one reason per team as to why you should make sure to watch:
D-backs
The reason to watch: Ketel Marte
The All-Star selection is the realization of a lifelong dream for Marte, so you can expect him to want to make a statement in the big game.
Whether he does or not, the excitement and enthusiasm he will show at simply being a part of the event will remind you that the players love the game every bit as much as you do and that there’s something special about the Midsummer Classic.
Dodgers
The reason to watch: Cody Bellinger
Let’s not overthink this one, OK? Anytime you have the chance to watch Bellinger play baseball, you should jump at it, because the man is one of the best -- and it could be argued he’s the best -- all-around players in the game today.
Bellinger’s homers are majestic, and even his outs are typically loud or find their way to the deepest parts of the park. On the defensive side, his sprint speed allows him to get to balls others can’t, and his cannon for an arm is every bit a weapon as well.
Oh, and the Dodgers have the NL's likely starting pitcher in Hyun-Jin Ryu, too.
Giants
The reason to watch: Will Smith’s trade value
As the Giants enter their rebuilding stage, getting as much back for some of their veterans is crucial if they hope to inject some talent into their farm system.
One of their more valuable trade chips is their closer, Smith, and the All-Star Game will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his stuff against the game’s most dominant hitters. An impressive performance by the lefty could have the general managers for contending clubs thinking he certainly would look good in their bullpens.
Padres
The reason to watch: The Yates/Hand reunion
Right-hander Kirby Yates arrived in San Diego three seasons ago on a waiver claim. He developed an unhittable pitch (his splitter), and he became one of the top closers in the sport. Brad Hand also came to San Diego via waiver claim. He, too, developed an unhittable pitch (his slider) and became one of the best closers in the sport.
Hand represented the Padres in the All-Star Game the past two seasons before being dealt to Cleveland. Now he and Yates -- two dominant bullpen arms as well as close friends -- will reunite next week at Progressive Field. Chances are they'll be called upon for some high-leverage situations late in the game.
Rockies
The reason to watch: Nolan Arenado raising the bar
Baseball is full of standout third baseman, but Arenado has been considered the gold standard, with six Rawlings Gold Glove awards in as many seasons. Every now and then, though, arguments from other corners crop up. Is the Cubs' Kris Bryant more valuable? Why doesn't the Nationals' Anthony Rendon get more attention?
And that's just the NL. In the AL, Oakland fans think Matt Chapman, Arenado's onetime teammate at Lake Forest (Calif.) High, is at least his equal. Will Arenado pull of some magic with his glove or bat this year to remind everyone that he’s still the best?