The Final 9

By Scott Miller

NEW YORK -- The old lady is gleaming now, all gussied up and spit-shined for one more night out on the town.

She's gaudy as ever. She's loud and abrasive and -- there's no way to put this graciously -- she's big. I mean, capital B-I-G. How big? Let's just say, good luck wrapping your arms around her.

But for three or so hours on what is predicted to be a gorgeous night in New York City, folks are going to try, beginning with the first pitch Cleveland's Cliff Lee throws in Tuesday's 79th All-Star Game.

What we've got here is a collection of some of the world's greatest players. Josh Hamilton is in from Texas with a gold-plated first half. The Chicago Cubs have sent eight players, including Japanese sensation Kosuke Fukudome and ace Carlos Zambrano. The Red Sox are checking in, of course, with three starters -- outfielder Manny Ramirez, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

And yet, here comes the old lady, all dolled up in lipstick and heels, intent on stealing the show.

What else would you expect from Yankee Stadium?

Ruth's House going out as American monument....