Long-suffering Kansas City Royals fans may find themselves feeling a bit nostalgic tonight (TUE) as they watch the Major League Baseball All-Star game. After the disappointment of seeing hometown slugger Billy Butler excluded from the Home Run Derby last (MON) night, Royals fans could now be wondering about "what might have been," as they see some familiar faces in tonight's (TUE) National League starting lineup. Two-thirds of the National League outfielders are former Royals...Melky Cabrera and Carlos Beltran. Cabrera was traded last winter to the San Francisco Giants for pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, who has had a disappointing season, with only one win for the Royals. Carlos Beltran was traded eight years ago. Beltran says the business realities of baseball can sometimes seem to overshadow the good feelings and fond memories traditionally associated with America's pastime.
This is the seventh time Beltran has been selected as an All-Star. Five of those appearances came while he played for the New York Mets. The All-Star game starts after 7 tonight (TUE) at Kauffman Stadium.