While Justin Verlander might have been the only logical choice to start the MLB All-Star Game last night, he certainly wasn’t the smartest choice. Verlander is a pitcher who relies on repetition and building up his arm in each start. Last night, he didn’t have that luxury and instead of coming out with his 92 MPH fastball, Verlander tried to ramp it up to 99 MPH and lost command of his pitches. And the American League, before they could bat, lost control of the game.

The National League won 8-0. Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera won the MVP award, though his Giants teammate Pablo Sandoval easily could have won the award. In fact, the entire National League pitching staff could have shared the award. They allowed 0 runs on just 6 hits against the American League’s best hitters. Only Clayton Kershaw surrendered more than 1 hit.

With the win, the National League’s champion will have home-field advantage in the World Series. The National League has won the previous two All-Star Games and the previous two World Series championships.

Dwight Howard has not been traded yet.

So, the Botelho Bulletin will likely not appear over the next few days. There are no Major League Games between now and Friday night. There’s a AAA All-Star Game tonight, but, really no one should care about that, outside of Royals prospect Wil Myers.

If something big happens over the next few days, like a Dwight Howard trade, I will update.