As has been well documented over the years, the NL hasn't performed very well in the all-star game. In fact, they haven't won it in 14 years. The disparity between the two leagues has been obvious- a product of many different factors, including the presence of the DH in the A.L. and excessive Yankee-Red Sox spending that has forced many teams who can't compete financially to step up their player development and scouting (which in effect, ushered in the era of sabermetrics).
But despite the remaining disparity, and the head-scratching selections Charlie Manuel made in shaping his end of the team (Lefty Specialist Arthur Rhodes?), The NL may have it's best chance in a long time to take the game and home field advantage in this years World Series. The reason fortune may change for the senior circuit is actually it's young, dynamic crop of pitchers. A staff featuring Ubaldo Jiminez, Josh Johnson, Tim Lincecum and Adam Wainwright could account for 6-7 strong innings before Manuel would ever have to turn to a Roy Halladay or a Chris Carpenter. The A.L. has its fair share of young talents, but the crop the N.L. features this year is quite impressive.
In a game where every pitcher is used as a reliever, the ability to strike people out is an especially important facet of the game. Of the 4 young N.L. studs listed above, Jiminez, a 15 game first half winner (for what that's worth) actually has the worst strikeouts per 9 innings (8.01) and the worst FIP (3.13) and he's the starter. On the American League side, starters who can boast a k/9 rate higher than 8 include Jon Lester, Jered Weaver and Phil Hughes. However, only Lester has what could be considered comparable "stuff" to the N.L. guns. Obviously, one bad inning from one of these guys could spell death for either team, but having a fair amount of young, over powering pitching can't hurt.
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