All-Star Game 2015 Game Thread: Four Orioles to cheer on

Let's be honest here. The All-Star Game doesn't matter for the Orioles' fortunes this season. Have you been watching? They're not going to be in the World Series this year. That doesn't mean it might not be fun to watch the various stars and Alcides Escobars of baseball get to face off against one another in ways that they don't get to do in the regular course of affairs.

If you're out there thinking that Adam Jones might be better off having had these four days off, you're probably not wrong, but instead he's starting out in left field, batting sixth. Let's hope that shoulder doesn't get any more dings, and that the next two days off will give him a chance to rest it - not that five days rest were sufficient when he missed a bunch of games.

We'll certainly see Jones, almost certainly see Machado, and maybe won't see either O'Day or Britton in action. Royals manager Ned Yost, helming the AL squad because the entire Kansas City metropolitan area sacrificed their firstborn children in a dark ritual to fuel the Royals' World Series run last October, has already signaled he has other relievers, who are very good relievers, to be sure, lined up for the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings.

The Fox broadcast will be horrible, as is the nature of Fox broadcasts. Just remember, if you're reading this blog, Fox broadcasts aren't for you. They're for the people who get excited when American Idol winners show up in the stands.

One cool thing about tonight that you might have heard is that this is the first All-Star Game in history where there isn't a Yankees or Red Sox starter. No tears will be shed for them here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

1. Mike Trout, CF, Angels
2. Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays
3. Albert Pujols, 1B, Angels
4. Nelson Cruz, DH, Mariners
5. Lorenzo Cain, RF, Royals
6. Adam Jones, LF, Orioles
7. Salvador Perez, C, Royals
8. Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
9. Alcides Escobar, SS, Royals
Dallas Keuchel, SP, Astros

NATIONAL LEAGUE

1. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pirates
2. Todd Frazier, 3B, Reds
3. Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals
4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
5. Buster Posey, C, Giants
6. Anthony Rizzo, DH, Cubs
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS, Cardinals
8. Joc Pederson, LF, Dodgers
9. DJ LeMahieu, 2B, Rockies
Zack Greinke, SP, Dodgers

These lineups won't be operative for long, but they will work for a little while, at least. The full rosters with all of the reserves and what not can be found here.