Casual Sunday: The Week That Was

It certainly wasn't the most exciting week of sports. The World Cup was over, baseball took it's midseason hiatus, and golf was still golf. Still, there were a few bright spots. Here are the big stories from the week that was in sports:

NL All-stars def. AL All-stars, 3-1
It was the NL's first midsummer classic win since 1996, and it followed the theme of the year in baseball: pitching. The league's best hitters combined for just 13 hits against Major League Baseball's finest pitchers. Great if you like low-scoring duels, hard to watch if you like a good slugfest.
What it means: The NL will have World Series home field advantage. So, when the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Tigers, or Rangers win the AL, that team will get to finish a World Series sweep at home. Because the NL can't hold a candle to the AL, plain and simple.

Louis Oosthuizen Wins The Open Championship By 7 Strokes
I didn't watch it, but ESPN told me so it must be true.
What it means: The recent trend of lesser-known players winning on the pro circuit continues. Not only was this Oosthuizen's first major championship, it was the second time he'd made the cut in a major in 9 tries. Ultimately, it means we're headed for an era of relative parody in golf. Don't be surprised if Tiger fails to win a major for the next several years.

New York Red Bulls Sign Thierry Henry
The Red Bulls have brought the French superstar to the MLS. He'll debut for the team on Thursday in an exhibition against English team Tottenham Hotspur. Henry's signing is highly reminiscent of the L.A. Galaxy's acquisition of David Beckham several years ago.
What it means: Sadly, not much. Henry will be marketed much like Beckham was, and he sure will increase jersey sales. But the guy is past his prime. The MLS is in danger of become a place where good careers go to die, and until the league lands a high-profile player still in his prime, deals like this one will ultimately proceed from hype to disappointment.