Braves catcher Brian McCann won the 2010 Ted Williams All-Star MVP award last night as the National League finally defeated the AL 3-1 in Anaheim. McCann's 3-run double in the 7th off a Matt Thornton 98mph fastball proved to be the only runs needed as the senior circuit held the home team to just one unearned run. McCann's rip down the right field line ended the NL's 13-year All-Star winless streak. Not surprisingly, there's been very little local media coverage of the game so far this morning. I'm going to really go out on a limb and suggest that if a Yankee or Met..or even or a Red Sox (Red Sock?)..won MVP, we'd be seeing a lot more coverage of the entire game. Shocker.
The bases clearing double was the first in All-Star game history and was McCann's first hit in 5 All-Star appearances. Mac had just missed a three-run home run in his previous at bat, having drilled a Justin Verlander pitch to the warning track in right field. McCann became the first Braves to win the MVP trophy since Fred McGriff earned one in 1994 with a pinch-hit two-run home run to tie that game up in the bottom of the 9th. It might make sense for Atlanta to pick up a few more 'Mc' players. Just sayin.
This win marks the first time the National League earned World Series home-field advantage since the 'this one counts!' rule was adopted in 2003. It's perhaps even more important for the Braves this year as they sit in first place in the NL East with the league's best record. Martin Prado, who started at second base, went 0-3, but had solid at-bats. Neither Tim Hudson nor media whipping boy Omar Infante made it into the game.
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