These all-stars are diverse, but know when to say when

It took me a minute to realize I was, in fact, still in the same decade when I returned from a vacation last week.

The confusion: A guy named Bo was big news in baseball, the Terminator was back at the movies and the Cubs were in first place.

But then there's the All-Stars, where two foreign players were leading the Majors in the voting. It may seem incidental to a lot of fans, but not to the future of baseball. The fan-voting part of the All-Star selection process is the equivalent of a high-school student council election: It's a popularity contest. So what does this say about the stars of America's pastime?

Diversity will only add to the future and competition of the game, but it certainly detracts from the image of the American baseball player. Let's hope Bud Selig doesn't get any ideas with the Expos playing in Puerto Rico. Could you imagine a team outside of the United States in the MLB?

Anyway, after a two week vacation welcome back your week ahead -- or, Bienvenidos tu semana:

Wednesday

In case the upcoming series with the "Dads" inspires you to take your father or grandfather or uncle up to a Cards game this week, here's a quick tip: If a drunk guy sits next to you, just let him talk to you -- it's good entertainment. The Cards host the Padres and Dodgers in the final week before the All-Star Game.

Friday

The Blues and Cardinals will compete in a charity softball game at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon before the Rascals host the Gateway Grizzlies. Among the ex-big-leaguers competing: Randy Martz, Greg Matthews, Jim Donohue, Neil Fiala, Scott Terry, David Green, Curt Ford, Danny Cox, Marc Hill. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the softball game from 6 to 6:30 and an autograph session to follow.

Saturday

Andy Roddick may have been stopped short of his first Wimbledon final last week, but he'll take out his frustrations on Kansas City. Roddick was undefeated in singles last year for the St. Louis Aces and is making his only home appearance at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. Tickets are $35.

Sunday

The final game before the All-Star break begins with a giveaway honoring a Cardinals All-Star (from Columbia). It's Edgar Renteria bobblehead day, and the first 30,000 fans receive one. The Cards host the Padres at 1:10 p.m.

Down the road

In case any of you decide not to take the eight-hour train ride to Chicago for the All-Star game, you could consider a three-hour car ride. The Triple A All-Star game is in Memphis on July 16 at AutoZone Park.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School (where he makes C's in Spanish). His column appears every Monday.