In any sport, the betting odds change significantly when replacements fill in for the starters. It is not often the case when a team has better odds after they replace starters, but that may end up being the situation with the American League All-Star team. The starters and reserves were announced last weekend for the All-Star game, and several players were snubbed because of the fan voting. Most notably, Adrian Beltre and Asdrubal Cabrera were left off the American League team because of the selections of New York Yankees teammates Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. On Friday, both Jeter and Rodriguez pulled out of the game, citing precaution in dealing with injuries sustained in the first half. Jeter has just come back from a stint on the disabled list, and Rodriguez has been playing on a bum knee for several months. Kevin Youkilis and Jhonny Peralta were the chosen replacements, and Beltre and Cabrera moved into the starting lineup. The two replacement starters have had better stats through the first half than Jeter and Rodriguez, causing odds makers to consider what the changes mean to gamblers. The American league has been favored in All-Star games for over a decade straight. Until last year, the American League had dominated the game in the new millennium. Last year, the National league finally broke through, and the home field advantage in the World Series helped San Francisco capture their first-ever championship. This year, the National league comes into the game with a strong chance to repeat their winning performance of 2010. Injuries will also be a factor in their dugout, with Jose Reyes out of the game, and Ryan Braun questionable. Reyes is leading the major leagues in hitting so far this season. On the mound, missing from the American League team will be CC Sabathia. The Yankees ace appears on his way to a Cy Young season, but he was left off the All-Star squad. Several other pitchers that should have made the team will be absent due to their pitching on Sunday. Another Yankee withdrew his name from the game this week. Mariano Rivera will take the beginning of the week to rest, with Angels closer Jordan Walden filling in. The National league could get a big boost if Albert Pujols is able to make his way to the game. Shane Victorino went to the disabled list for the Phillies, and he will miss the game. Andre Ethier will replace Victorino on the National league team. Ethier had a thirty game hitting streak earlier this season, and has been one of the most feared hitter in baseball this year.

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