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All-Star festivities are coming to the close and baseball is only two days away! Before the second half of the season begins, who were the most valuable players? Jose Fernandez can't legally drink in the States but he's already endured a long and dangerous defection from Cuba and been crowned an MLB All-Star. Michael Weiner talked to reporters yesterday and unveiled some interesting notes about the ongoing Biogenesis investigation.
Previously on Beyond the Box Score
First Half MVP Awards by Matt Hunter | Beyond the Box Score
Matt picks first half MVPs based off RE24 and his own version of WAR/RAR, nicknamed 'mhRAR.' Although some players may have more mhRAR than others, Matt uses it as a guide but not a end all metric. You may be surprised by his first half picks. Take a look!First Pitch 07/16/13: Zombie All-Stars by Bryan Grosnick | Beyond the Box Score
This is great. Bryan puts together his own 'Zombie' All-Star team with players that were deemed done or far below replacement level that have surprisingly been productive in 2013. Be sure to leave some feedback on our new feature!
Around the Sabersphere
Marlins rookie pitcher Jose Fernandez on his journey from Cuban defector to MLB All-Star by Jordan Conn | Grantland
Fellow Cuban defector, Yoenis Cespedes, just dominated the Homerun Derby but there's another player who has a very inspiring story of perseverance in Jose Fernandez. Not turning 21 until July 31st, Fernandez was stunningly promoted from High-A to the majors by the Marlins in April but has seemingly gotten better as the season progressed. His journey from Cuba to the majors was long and tough but he's already succeeding at a major league level at just 20 years old.It's Time for Some AL Midseason Awards by Jonah Keri | Grantland
Jonah Keri highlights the midseason Most Valuable and Least Valuable Player as well as the Cy Young for the American League. Also included are awards for the team who has been the biggest surprise this season and most disappointing. Looking towards the second half, Jonah predicts that the Yankees are going to fall off while the Tigers will surge.
Around SB Nation
MLB All-Star Game 2013: The haters guide to the All-Star Game, the pointless years by Steven Goldman | SBNation.com
Steven puts together highlights from various All-Star Games.MLB Biogenesis scandal: Suspensions may not be bound by JDA norms by Nathan Aderhold | SBNation.com
MLB union head Michael Weiner said Tuesday that the pending suspensions of the players tied to Biogenesis could be anywhere from 5 to 500 games because they didn't stem from a positive test.
Outside the Sabersphere
How Many Consecutive Pitches Can A Typical Baseball Fan Watch? by Sam Miller | Deadspin
I thought this was a pretty funny study. When at the ballpark, sometimes people seem to be focused on phones, newspapers, iPads or books more than the actual game. Sam Miller looks at some spectators and tries to find the average amount of consecutive pitches a typical baseball fan can watch.
