NL Notes: Brewers going strong

The All-Star break is next week (crazy, right?!) and the festivities will unfold at Marlins Park. Leading off the multi-day event is, of course, the Home Run Derby, and the overall uniqueness of the Marlins’ home digs should make it interesting. The Derby participants will be announced later on Sunday, as well as the All-Star rosters for both leagues. I’ll admit, I’d love to see Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger show their stuff, but I want to make sure both spectacular rookies don’t slow as a result of mashing 60 homers in one night.

Here’s what else is happening around the National League:

It’s now July, and the Milwaukee Brewers are still on top in the NL Central. However, don’t expect Milwaukee’s front office to necessarily go all-in on a division crown by trading for a star that’s only going to be around until October. Read about what to expect from owner Mark Attanasio and the rest of the Brew Crew brass, as the trade deadline approaches.

After such a strong start to the year, Mets outfielder Michael Conforto has suffered another setback, this time in the form of injury. Conforto will hit the 10-day disabled list with a hand bruise, forcing another rut into what has been an impressive campaign for the youngster. The Mets have won four in a row, but still sit quite a ways back of Washington at the halfway point of the season.

The Rockies, once filled with so much momentum, found themselves on the short end of another final on Saturday. The 6-2 loss to Arizona, Colorado’s ninth loss in ten games, featured sloppy defensive play and dismal offense opposite Arizona ace Zack Greinke. The Rockies’ road to the NL West title is certainly tougher now, but Rockies fans shouldn’t panic. Colorado’s Wild Card lead is still very much intact.

The argument for robotic umpires continues to gain steam, after an ugly called third strike ended Saturday’s Cardinals-Nationals tilt in sour fashion. Check it out for yourself, as Washington’s Adrian Sanchez appears to get robbed at the dish.