2012 MLB All Star Game: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Schedule and More

Say what you will about all-star games, but the MLB All-Star Game undoubtedly remains the most interesting, exciting and competitive such game in sports. The American League and National League will duke it out at the Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium for the right to have home-field advantage in the World Series.

Whether you like that stipulation or not, there is no question that it causes both teams to do whatever they can to win. The National League broke the American League's 13-year unbeaten streak in 2010, and the senior circuit managed to make it two wins in a row last season. There is no question that the National League, led by retired St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, would love to start a run of its own.

Here is all the information you need to know about when and where to catch the MLB All-Star Game, as well as rosters and players to watch to enhance your viewing experience.

Where: Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

When: Tuesday, July 10 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Live Stream: MLB.TV

American League Roster

C Mike Napoli, TEX

1B Prince Fielder, DET

2B Robinson Cano, NYY

3B Adrian Beltre, TEX

SS Derek Jeter, NYY

OF Josh Hamilton, TEX

OF Curtis Granderson, NYY

OF Jose Bautista, TOR

DH David Ortiz, BOS

P Ryan Cook, OAK

P Yu Darvish, TEX

P Matt Harrison, TEX

P Felix Hernandez, SEA

P Jim Johnson, BAL

P Joe Nathan, TEX

P Chris Perez, CLE

P David Price, TB

P Fernando Rodney, TB

P CC Sabathia, NYY

P Chris Sale, CWS

P Justin Verlander, DET

P Jered Weaver, LAA

P C.J. Wilson, LAA

C Joe Mauer, MIN

C Matt Wieters, BAL

SS Elvis Andrus, TEX

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE

3B Miguel Cabrera, DET

2B Ian Kinsler, TEX

1B Paul Konerko, CWS

OF Adam Jones, BAL

OF Mike Trout, LAA

OF Mark Trumbo, LAA

DH Billy Butler, KC

DH Adam Dunn, CWS

National League Roster

C Buster Posey, SF

1B Joey Votto, CIN

2B Dan Uggla, ATL

3B Pablo Sandoval, SF

SS Rafael Furcal, STL

OF Melky Cabrera, SF

OF Carlos Beltran, STL

OF Matt Kemp, LAD

P Matt Cain, SF

P Aroldis Chapman, CIN

P R.A. Dickey, NYM

P Gio Gonzalez, WAS

P Cole Hamels, PHI

P Joel Hanrahan, PIT

P Clayton Kershaw, LAD

P Craig Kimbrel, ATL

P Lance Lynn, STL

P Wade Miley, ARI

P Jonathan Papelbon, PHI

P Stephen Strasburg, WAS

P Huston Street, SD

C Yadier Molina, STL

C Carlos Ruiz, PHI

1B Bryan LaHair, CHC

2B Jose Altuve, HOU

SS Starlin Castro, CHC

SS Ian Desmond, WAS

3B David Freese, STL

3B Chipper Jones, ATL

3B David Wright, NYM

OF Ryan Braun, MIL

OF Jay Bruce, CIN

OF Carlos Gonzalez, COL

OF Andrew McCutchen, PIT

OF Giancarlo Stanton, MIA

American League Player to Watch: Josh Hamilton

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is a guy worth watching every time he steps on the field, but he is especially impressive in an All-Star Game setting. Hamilton is a true, five-tool guy and he shines among even the very best players in the game. Hamilton was the star of the festivities at Yankee Stadium a few years back as he was dominant in the Home Run Derby. Hamilton won't participate this year, but he should still put on a show in the game itself.

Hamilton was deservedly voted a starter by virtue of his .316 average, 26 home runs and 76 RBI, which put him on a monster pace for more than 50 homers and 144 runs batted in. While fans want to see a good game when they watch the All-Star Game, they are usually tuning in to see excellence in action. Hamilton can do some things on a baseball field that few others can, so he will certainly be in the spotlight.

National League Player to Watch: Carlos Beltran

Only one Kansas City Royal made the All-Star Game in the form of designated hitter Billy Butler, but another long-time Royal will make his return to Kansas City. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has turned back the clock this season and looks like the promising youngster he once was while playing for the Royals. Beltran played parts of seven seasons in Kansas City and had his best year in 2004 when he cranked 38 long balls and swiped 42 bags.

Beltran has been back periodically since being traded to the Houston Astros even though he has been in the National League ever since, but he has never played at Kauffman Stadium in such a grand spectacle. It will be very interesting to see what response he gets from the fans who may still feel like he abandoned them. Beltran has been dominant at the age of 35 this season with a line of .306, 20 home runs and 65 RBI, so perhaps the Kansas City faithful will appreciate what he is accomplishing at this point in his career.

Prediction

Anything can happen in the All-Star Game, and a lot of it may come down to which pitchers are eligible and which have to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, but I like the AL to get back on the winning track. The National League may have better pitching, but the American League's offense blows the NL out of the water and that will be the difference in a 6-3 triumph for the junior circuit.

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