There are countless reasons to watch the All-Star Game.
Everyone wants to see the biggest stars in the game on the same field going head-to-head for league pride. It’s the biggest showcase of the summer and it’s so much fun.
And when that game is held at one of the stadiums in your favorite team’s division, well, that makes it even more special. You know the ballpark, you know the players and you know what to look for in the Midsummer Classic.
Here is one reason to watch next week’s game in Cleveland for each American League Central team.
Indians
The reason to watch: How will the home crowd welcome first-time All-Star Carlos Santana? In his 10th season, Santana has finally earned his first trip to the Midsummer Classic and it’ll likely be an emotional few days. After he attempts to become the first Indians player to win the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday night, Santana will be the first member of the Tribe to start at first base in the All-Star Game since Jim Thome in 1999.
When the 33-year-old Santana found out that the fans voted him in as a starter, he broke down in tears, realizing a moment that he envisioned over the last few weeks was actually going to come true. He spent the first eight years of his career in Cleveland before leaving for Philadelphia last season, but the slugger never sold his house in Northeast Ohio. After a warm reception in his first game at Progressive Field this season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the host city rallies behind the hometown hero during the All-Star festivities.
Royals
The reason to watch: Royals general manager Dayton Moore says that he likes “action” players, and no one epitomizes that more than Whit Merrifield, who led the Majors in hits and stolen bases last year, can hit for power, can hit-and-run and can steal a base. He is a throwback -- a super-utility player who can play any position but catcher, and play it well. Merrifield has a chance to electrify the crowd, so fans should pay attention once he steps on the field.
Tigers
The reason to watch: The Tigers' biggest question is, how will All-Star manager Alex Cora use Shane Greene?
The tricky part about being a closer on an All-Star roster is that there’s no guarantee when, or if, you’ll pitch. But while Greene is Detroit’s lone All-Star representative, he’s also a reliever in demand heading into the July 31 Trade Deadline, and this is a showcase event. Among the many teams in need of bullpen help are Cora’s Red Sox, who can get a sneak preview of Greene in situational work against a star-caliber hitter. A dominant inning could enhance Greene’s resume, and an enhanced body of work could further boost the Tigers' return as they try to accumulate young talent for the years ahead. All eyes will be on Greene, for more reasons than one.
Twins
The reason to watch: Jorge Polanco will be the first Twins infielder to start an All-Star Game since the '70s, so that’s reason enough to keep an eye on him.
The Twins have waited for some time to see a player appear in the AL starting lineup, and now it’s Polanco’s time to shine. The 25-year-old shortstop will be the first Twins player elected to start a Midsummer Classic since 2013 (Joe Mauer) and will be the first infielder from the club to start since 1979 (Roy Smalley). He’s an electric player and the rest of the baseball world will get to see why Twins fans adore him.
White Sox
The reason to watch: Will Lucas Giolito pitch to James McCann?
Giolito certainly has the impressive statistics to back up an All-Star starting nod, and it would be fitting for him to enter the game when McCann does, since the first All-Star appearance for each has been tied together. Giolito deserves a great deal of credit for the work put in to bounce back from a miserable 2018 -- when he topped the AL in walks and had a 6.13 ERA -- moving now to an 11-2 record and 2.72 ERA. But Giolito also has given a great deal of credit to the preparation and game-calling from McCann, who has caught every pitch Giolito has thrown this season. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo.