So, the All-Star Game is tonight, so here are some questions that will be answered tonight:

1. What non-Met will get the biggest cheer? It’s a given that the Mets will get the biggest cheer, but who will get the biggest cheer outside of them? I’m going to guess Mariano Rivera, making his final All-Star Game appearance.
2. How will Matt Harvey do? The last time a starter started in his “home” park for the ASG, it was Roger Clemens in 2004. That didn’t go well for the then-Astro, as he gave up six runs in the first inning. Harvey has to do better than that, I have to think.
3. The Youth Movement: This is the first starting appearance for Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, and the first All-Star Game period for Manny Machado, amongst other young players who are expected to be mainstays in these games for years to come. As the All-Star Game is often a place where players on lesser-seen teams are first exposed to the wider world, how they show themselves is going to be important, as first impressions mean alot.
4. Who’s gonna do this seriously? There are two types of All-Star participants: those that buy into the concept and play more-or-less like they would any other game, and those that just get their innings done and then get on their plane back home after a few quick interviews… possibly before the game even ends. Similarly, there are varying degrees of All-Star managers- there are those that are trying to win and will try to keep most (but not all- there will still be some defensive replacements and pinch-hitters early on no matter what, especially for players who have some injury problems) of their position player starters in for at least two or three plate appearances before trying to get everybody in in around sixth or seventh inning, and then there are those that start putting in everyone they can find in, like, the fourth or fifth inning. Possibly earlier, if they get an early lead.
5. Mariano Rivera’s farewell inning: With the Yankees’ playoff chances in perilous position, it’s possible this will be his last appearance before a national audience. Even if the game is a blowout, this should be a good reason to stay up.

See you tomorrow, everyone.