Well that was a fun All-Star Game. I wish I could say my Cubs were in contention to benefit from the home-field advantage come October and World Series time. But we’re having an abysmal year. There’s not much else to say.

But if there’s a bright spot or something looming, it came in front of all baseball fan’s eyes. Marlon Byrd, the Cubs representative, cut the tension in last nights 81st annual Mid-Summer Classic by one of the smartest, most exciting plays I’ve seen in a while on the diamond. It wasn’t a web gem. You wouldn’t oooh and ahhhh. It was what you call being “baseball smart,” which is sometimes overlooked in the game.

Bottom of the 9th, Toronto’s John Buck was up to bat with David Ortiz on first. He hits a lazy popup to right field, one you want to dive for and make that incredible catch if you’re the right fielder. Byrd was indecisive. Dive or play the hop? He knew Ortiz’s positioning, between first and second, and he was waiting for the balls result. Byrd let it drop, corralled it in his glove, and threw a seed into second base for a force out. At the time, I gave a quiet fist pump, like Byrd in the picture.

So while I thought Marmol deserved to be the Cubs representative, Byrd turned out being the true All-Star, especially in this game. I can’t forget his aggressive and bold base running on Brian McCann’s three-run double that was enough for the game. Byrd was all out. I’ve honestly never been impressed by him until now. He hustles and plays the game the way it should be played. And thanks to him, Chicago has a little life.