We know that Michael Cuddyer is the lone representative for the Minnesota Twins in the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game tonight at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. But will he have an impact on the game? It will be interesting to see if he can play a role in securing home-field advantage for the American League in this year's World Series, which the AL would secure with a victory.
Cuddyer's versatility would give American League manager Joe Girardi some options in the late innings if he wants them. Cuddyer has played in the outfield for the Twins this year, while also seeing time at both first base and second base. When it comes time to put Cuddyer into the game, the American League can substitute him in pretty much anywhere and get a favorable result.
Here is everything else you'll need to know for tonight's Mid-Summer Classic, which is set to get underway here momentarily, thanks to the good folks at SB Nation.
-SB Nation has the rosters for both sides for you. There were 84 different players selected to be All-Stars this year, and if you're not there to buy a program, this is a heck of a way to figure out who they all are.
-If you missed Monday night's Home Run Derby, there was an incredible live stream of the festivities going on at Baseball Nation. Be sure to check it out!
-Over the Monster, SB Nation's Red Sox site, debates whether or not there were too many All-Stars this year. I don't know. . .they managed to leave me off the team somehow, so maybe 84 is just fine.
-Baseball Nation has come up with some ways of fixing the All-Star Game.
-Are "snubs" from the All-Star Game something to be taken seriously? At least one person thinks that they are.
If you're a big fan of Twitter, be sure to follow all of the updates for tonight's Major League Baseball All-Star Game over at @SBNationLive. Enjoy the game, ladies and gentlemen, and go Michael Cuddyer!