The Upper Deck

Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare.

#HUGWATCH

We're on #HugWatch people pic.twitter.com/VAwjxVuK2q

— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) July 18, 2017

It’s that time of year, when ball writers pull all-nighters and fans hang close to Twitter for the hashtag Hug Watch that usually signals a trade is a-coming. Last night, hug watch hung over the White Sox and Tigers. Read about those deals here and here.

LONG GAME

So this happened a few hours ago! pic.twitter.com/I5pO6UUbdN

— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 19, 2017

While their hated neighbors to the south make deals, the Red Sox are playing long games of late. After a 16-inning loss to the Yankees Saturday, Boston went 15 on Tuesday but emerged with a win to keep its two-game lead over Tampa Bay.

STARS ALIGN

“Got you, @Bharper3407.” – @MikeTrout, definitely. pic.twitter.com/49UgmGYXXD

— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2017

“Hey, @MikeTrout.

First AB, hit a home run to left-center.”- @Bharper3407, probably. pic.twitter.com/X7RjjLhMjs

— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2017

Orange County is not Hollywood—not by a long shot—but the stars were out Tuesday night, nonetheless. Bryce Harper and Mike Trout shared the stage in Anaheim and did not disappoint. Both homered in the same inning, but Harper’s Nats came out ahead, 4-3.

ELLO, GUV’NOR?

Chris Christie catches a foul ball, is immediately booed by #Mets fans. pic.twitter.com/NZeiQTcDbh

— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) July 19, 2017

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has seen better times, as he now ranks as the least-popular governor in the United States. That was evident Tuesday when he caught a foul ball at a Mets game and then was immediately booed. And Christie is an avowed Mets fan; imagine if he pulled a Giuliani and rooted for the Yankees! Sticking to sports, Christie just auditioned for Mike Francesa’s soon-to-be-vacated role at WFAN and received mixed reviews after a combative performance.

FIND IT AT BASEBALLAMERICA.COM

On Tuesday, we rolled out our Midseason Top 10 Prospects for the AL Central, with NL Central dropping this morning. Find them all here.