Which GMs are facing the most pressure? (cont.)

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11. Dan O'Dowd, Rockies: There were folks calling for his head early this year when the Rockies looked headed for a long season. But with O'Dowd's contract expiring at year's end, the Rockies rallied big-time. The turnaround with the change in manager from O'Dowd's longtime ally Clint Hurdle to Jim Tracy has been stark (Colorado's 29-13 behind Tracy, after starting the year at 18-28 with Hurdle). The trade of Matt Holliday for three players, including Huston Street, looks pretty good now, too. And so does the deal of since-released spare reliever Luis Vizcaino for All-Star Jason Marquis.

12. Brian Cashman, Yankees: By definition, he has the most pressure-filled GM job. He won three World Series titles his first three years on the job, setting a fairly high bar. The Yankees have had a nice first half and appear to be on the postseason track again after a rare year out of October in 2008 -- though with talented Tampa lurking, the threat to miss the playoffs two straight years is real. Still, Cashman has a contract that runs through 2010, the support of main new boss Hal Steinbrenner and a reservoir of good will.

Why is it now the AL-Star Game?

The American League's dominance is undeniable. The 12-0-1 record in the last 13 All-Star Games is no fluke. Here are some possible reasons:

1. The biggest-spending powers, the Yankees and Red Sox, are in the AL.

2. They have an advantage in closers, with Joe Nathan, Jonathan Papelbon and especially the Great Mariano Rivera (though the Eric Gagne-Billy Wagner-John Smoltz trio for the NL was pretty strong at one time).

3. The presence of the DH on their teams, and the DH in games played at AL cities, gives the Junior Circuit a little more chance at firepower.

4. They've had a couple players known for rising to the occasion in big moments (Derek Jeter and Manny Ramirez, who has yet to play for the NL).

5. Two fewer teams means two fewer obligatory picks. (For instance, the AL doesn't have the Nats, who have to be represented.)

Around the majors

• Jays star pitcher Roy Halladay sounded like a man ready to accept a trade when he said the other day, "I think at this point I'm ready to take a chance on trying to win." He also sounded very open to the National League when he said, "I'd rather hit than face Derek Jeter, A-Rod, (Hideki) Matsui, (Mark) Teixeira and all the other guys." He probably also knows the NL is the preferred place for the Jays to trade him. As much as the Yankees and Red Sox might try, the Jays don't want to face him the next year and a half.

• The Phillies made a good deal getting Pedro (the Philadelphia Inquirer reported it's $1 million plus $1.5 million in incentives). Funny, Pedro took a deal that at first glance looks a lot like the Tom Glavine Braves deal he said he'd never take. Of course, Martinez did get to sit out half a year, and he is starting in first place, two big pluses for a player who really doesn't have to worry about loot, anyway.

• Could Mark Mulder be the next idle pitcher to sign up? Mulder is saying now that he is 95 percent back, agent Gregg Clifton reports.

• The Red Sox reportedly have begun contract talks with All-Star Jason Bay, and it's hard to imagine them not getting something done. Bay said about Boston, "The atmosphere is second to none. Having been there for a year, it's hard to imagine not having that." Doesn't sound like a guy about to leave, does it?

• The Reds need to begin a hunt for outfielders after Jay Bruce fractured his wrist just before the break. Even before Bruce went down, they were looking.

• "There's Albert Pujols, and then there's everyone else," Mark Teixeira said. Maybe Teixeira's teammate, Alex Rodriguez, will stay hot and show he belongs with Pujols. But at the moment, it's tough to argue.

• Bud Selig is saying he wants to prevent players still under suspension from playing comeback games in the minors, and that's fine. "I believe that (rule) should be changed," Selig said. But as Selig conceded, it was a negotiated 50-game suspension. If it's 50 plus rehab time, that's really 60. If a change is needed, it's more about appearances.

• While arguing that Major League players are doing quite well at the writers' luncheon, Selig called on right-hand man and general counsel Rob Manfred to remind us what the average salary is. "Three point two million," Manfred reported. "I rest my case," Selig said. "I rest my case."

• Golden Spikes winner Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 pick of the Nationals, suggested in interviews that the Nats have yet to make an offer. If he's signed a minute before the deadline, it'll be an upset. Speaking about Strasburg and the Nats, Selig said, "That's a decision they have to make ... I have very strong feelings on that subject." In other words, he isn't favoring going too far above Mark Prior's $10.5 million record for guaranteed money.

• If Selig has strong negative feelings about the Nats' troubles, he wasn't saying. "I have faith in (the club-owning Lerners) and the Nationals," Selig said. "They are on the right track. And they need to continue on that track." What's he going to say? That they're currently a mess? Well, President Obama was a bit more blunt, saying about baseball, "every team has a chance ... except for the Nationals."

• My tweeting highlight of the week (year?) was this comment from noted baseball aficionado @Alyssa_Milano in response to me introducing myself to her at the All-Star Game and complimenting her tweets: "Got to meet @SI_JonHeyman on the field ... He is awesome." I can't top that. Follow me at on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman.