The guys looks like he could use a vacation. Unfortunately, fans decided he is one of the top 3 outfielders in the National League (which he isn't) and so he is in New York right now dealing with the media and playing more baseball.

This has really been the debate surrounding this evening's "Mid-Summer Classic" and the 2008 Chicago Cubs. As much as I recognize the incredible honor that playing in this game is, I can't help--forgive me if I'm reaching here--caring a bit more about the Cubs having a good second half and winning the World Series.

Well, if that's the case, maybe I should care about the all-star game. After all, the winner receives home field advantage for its league in the World Series, which seems critical in a season where the league's best have been dominant at home. I think it's a legitimate concern thinking the Cubs would maybe have to play at Fenway (where they haven't played yet in interleague history I do believe) or at that shack they call Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. If the Cubs played either of those teams in the World Series today without home field advantage, they would not be the favorite (Tampa's losing streak of late aside).

But taking it one step at a time, the Cubs need to make it through September before they start worrying about home field advantage in the World Series. Considering what has happened of late to Fukudome, who at the beginning of the season established a tempo for this team by taking more pitches, and Carlos Marmol, who after 50 innings pitched hopefully just has a small hill to climb over (pardon the Rich Hill reference) to get back to his form of dominance. These are key pieces of the Cub puzzle and it would be nice for them to rest before what looks to be a much more intense second half of baseball. I'll explore that more tomorrow.

The most any Cub fan can do is hope that these players, despite still being around baseball for another few days, are actually getting a break and in some way recharging their batteries for MLB 2008 Part II. Only time will tell.