2011 MLB All-Star Game: 11 Reasons the American League Needs This Win More

Last season we watched the San Francisco Giants defeat the Texas Rangers 4-1 in the Fall Classic.

And yes, pitching was a huge factor, as it always is.

But, home-field advantage is also very important.

Now, it may not always guarantee that the league winning the All-Star Game wins in the World Series, but it never hurts to have home-field advantage.

Think about it. Would you rather not have home-field advantage?

That said, this year may be one of the most important for the American League because the National League is stacked.

So, for 2011 here are 11 reasons the AL is in a must-win situation. 

Philadelphia Phillies Rotation

Starting Rotation

Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.44 ERA, 131 Strikeouts, 136.1 Innings)

Cliff Lee (9-6, 2.92 ERA, 128 Strikeouts, 129.1 Innings)

Cole Hamels (10-4, 2.40 ERA, 115 Strikeouts, 124 Innings)

Kyle Kendrick (4-4, 3.64 ERA, 26 Strikeouts, 59.1 Innings)

Come playoff time skipper Charlie Manuel could give Kyle Kendrick the mound in a game or two, but chances are he goes with a three-man rotation.

Either way the Phillies are set with pitching, and by season's end, it may not matter where they're playing.

But, it would be a relief to face them with home-field advantage, as opposed to in Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia Phillies Offense

For one, they have a ton of postseason experience, and their team chemistry is arguably the best in baseball.

With players like Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Placido Polanco, experience is extremely evident.

Then, with a guys like Ben Francisco and Wilson Valdez coming off the bench, Philadelphia only looks that much better.

The Phillies only rank 20th in batting average and 15th in runs scored, but with their starting pitching, they don't need to score six or seven a game.

However, they are effective enough to capitalize when it matters most.

San Francisco Giants

They're the defending World Series champions, what more do you need to say?

Pitching is definitely their best aspect, as they rank third in quality starts, fifth in ERA and fifth with a 1.23 WHIP.

With Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner (36 combined quality starts), and Brian Wilson as closer, it's basically a lock.

And, although it goes under the radar, Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo combine for 27 holds. 

After the injury to catcher Buster Posey the offense did take a hit.

However, as long as Pablo Sandoval, Freddy Sanchez (hopefully gets healthy sooner than later) and Cody Ross continue to improve, then you know Miguel Tejada and Aubrey Huff will pick it up. 

Atlanta Braves Pitching

The offense in Atlanta could be a lot better, but even if it was, it wouldn't be any comparison to the Braves pitching.

They rank first in ERA and BAA, and have 45 quality starts between four guys (Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe).

Not to mention all four combine for a record of 35-19.

Closer Craig Kimbrel has 27 saves, and relievers Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters combine for 36 holds.

Just make a note that when playing the Braves, the A-game better come to face them.

St. Louis Cardinals Offense

In contradiction to the Atlanta Braves, the St. Louis Cardinals offense can dominate just as much.

They're fourth in runs scored, third in batting average, third in on-base percentage and seventh in slugging percentage.

Take a look at their lineup with Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday, Colby Rasmus, Ryan Theriot and Yadier Molina.

Add in the talents of Nick Punto and David Freese, and the Cardinals are never out of an NL pennant race.

Milwaukee Brewers Hot Spots

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently right behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central.

That said, the Brew Crew have a few pieces of the puzzle put together to make some noise this season.

With Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Zach Greinke, the Brewers have no reason why they can't contend for a division title.

Then count the stellar play of pitchers Shaun Marcum, Yovani Gallardo and John Axford along with Greinke, and playing Milwaukee won't be easy by any means.

However, they significantly struggle on the road, and are 16-29 through 45 road games.

Home-field advantage is crucial against them. 

Dare We Say the Rising Pittsburgh Pirates?

Don't look now but the Pirates are 45-42, and 1.5 games out of first place in the NL Central.

What's even more ridiculous is that they're just as good if not better on the road than at home.

With rising stars in Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata leading the way along with Ryan Doumit, Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia, Pittsburgh is back.

And, you can expect them to keep it up for the near future, so just be very aware of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Sneaky but Dangerous Cincinnati Reds

In 2010, no one expected the Cincinnati Reds to win the NL Central, and this season they have lacked a bit.

However, you can't count them out with players like Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Jonny Gomes, Scott Rolen, Bronson Arroyo and Francisco Cordero.

And just like last season, Joey Votto is a contender for the NL MVP.

Although they are 44-45, the Reds are only three games back on the St. Louis Cardinals.

In addition, Cincinnati plays fairly well on the road, and a bit better at home.

It would definitely be an advantage to face them at home.

AL Inconsistency

The AL is rather awkward this season.

Yeah, the Yankees and Red Sox are going back and forth, but both have hit slumps that were very concerning.

Additionally, their pitching has very strong parts, but overall is not near the caliber of Philly, Atlanta, Pittsburgh or San Francisco.

Move to the AL Central and the Indians and Tigers are dueling on a daily basis, while the preseason favorite Minnesota Twins have fallen off.

The AL West has the Texas Rangers again atop, but that is arguably the weakest division throughout the bigs.

To sum it up, the AL doesn't have those one or two signature teams like Philly and San Fran of the NL.

Until someone really sets themselves a part, the AL is up in the air.

AL Home vs. NL Road

With the exception of the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seven AL teams all have home winning records.

Taking a gander at the NL and its top eight teams, (other than Milwaukee) all have very solid records on the road.

Even the Pittsburgh Pirates (have been terrible forever) and the New York Mets (off-the-field issues) have winning road records.

Here, the AL is in better position since its teams play better at home than on the road, as opposed to the top NL teams, which play very well on the road, but even better at home.

The All-Star Game is important to the AL, because giving the NL home-field advantage will be scary.

NL Home vs. AL Road

The best AL road team is the Tampa Bay Rays (28-18), but they are third in their division.

Only four AL teams have winning records on the road.

The National League is extremely dominant at home, as two teams pose records with 30 or more wins (Phillies 32-14, Brewers 31-13).

Even the Washington Nationals are solid at home with a 27-16 record.

Obviously the Nats aren't making the postseason, but it's definitely worth noting.

Only the Mets might be the team the AL would want to face on the road as they are 19-22 in NYC, but the Atlanta Braves are 28-18 at home.

In any event, the NL is better at home than the AL, and better on the road.

However, it's a much closer comparison between the AL home vs. NL road records, as opposed to the NL home vs. AL road records.