There’s plenty of action -- it’s in the Stars

The American League has not lost an All-Star game since 1996 and oddsmakers have made the junior circuit a favorite to win its 12th in a row over the National League tonight at Yankee Stadium.

With the NL starting Milwaukee right-hander Ben Sheets (10-3 record, 2.85 earned-run average) and the AL turning to Cleveland left-hander Cliff Lee (12-2, 2.31), the AL is listed as a -145 favorite over the NL (+125).

In a run line bet for tonight’s game listed at Bodoglife.com, the NL is given +1.5 runs at -155, with the AL -1.5 runs at +135. The over/under combined runs total is 10 with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Here are several proposition wagers available at the Las Vegas Hilton sportsbook: Total number of players to throw a pitch -- over 16.5 (-150) or under 16.5 (+130). Total strikeouts by both teams -- over 13.5 (-110) or under 13.5 (-110). Total home runs by both teams -- over 2.5 (-150) or under 2.5 (+130).

Some others: Most hits and runs -- Florida’s Hanley Ramirez (+115) or Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki (-135). Most hits and runs and runs batted in -- Atlanta’s Chipper Jones (-110) or Texas’ Milton Bradley (-110). Will Texas’ Josh Hamilton strike out at least once? Yes (+170) or no (-200). Will the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez hit a home run? Yes (+400) or no (-600). Will Houston’s Lance Berkman hit a home run? Yes (+500) or no (-700).

* Tonight’s All-Star odds: American League -145; National League +135.

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