The All-Star Game is usually a snooze and shouldn't count for anything more than flashbulbs. The Home Run Derby is way too long and way too "produced." Major League Baseball shows the world how to choose entertainment that is incredibly out-of-date and out-of-touch with its audience. I still don't really understand the pink cadillac. I could go on for days pointing out the things that are all wrong with these festivities. Despite all that, there is still something amazing about seeing "the best" of the game standing on one diamond.

Now that the days of the home run phenoms and steroids are in the past (almost), the HR Derby has become a place for some lesser known ballplayer to have a coming out party. Last year it was our own David Wright, although many would have done without all that fuss in exchange for better power numbers in the second half. This year served the same type of party for Alex Rios and Matt Holliday. Although they may not have created as big a spectacle, they made their faces known to the casual fans coast-to-coast. Many of us get so engulfed by our own teams, we overlook the talent that is on other teams, especially if we are in the NY bubble.

The All-Star game itself has set the stage for celebrations honoring the game's greats. Last night was no different with the Willie Mays tribute. Those moments of him mingling with today's best are the things I will remember from the All-Star game, not that Pujols didn't bat in the 9th.

The first half of the 2007 season has already brought the baseball fanatic many things to celebrate: 600 HRs, 500 HRs, 500 saves, 3,000 hits, 200 wins, unassisted triple plays, 2 No-Hitters, the Yankees falling behind in double digits, a few good fights from the Cubs, the resurgence of Griffey Jr., the Phillies serving as a makeshift grounds crew in Denver, etc. The second half will not disappoint with many more milestones and unpredictable moments yet to be celebrated.

As a Mets fan, many of us are wondering what kind of team we have. They have been the model of inconsistency throughout the first half. But even despite a lackluster June, we've had our moments in the first half: 8th inning comeback in the home opener, GW drag bunts from Endy, 9th inning comeback against the Cubs, Joe Smith striking out Derek Jeter, John Maine's 10 wins, Beltran's uphill catch. Seeing Reyes, Beltran, and Wright flank Bonds and Griffey jr. last night and the bright spots of the first half should serve as reminders that Mets fans still have a lot to be excited about. We know the Mets can play ten times better than they have, but we are still in 1st place and should keep our whining to a minimum. As a true baseball fan, no one wants to see their team fall short, but a good division race makes for great baseball in the second half. So today serves as a break from everything baseball. But tomorrow, it's time to get this show on the road.