July 5/6: Quick Takes on the All-Star Selections
It’s always a fun day when the annual All-Star squads are announced.
Scanning the rosters for flaws and wrong calls is a tradition that invites disagreement, nitpicking, and second-guessing. It’s part of the deal.
Here are my initial reactions. I may add more later, so feel free to check back. And please add your comments. Tell us your No. 1 snub, tell us who didn’t deserve to be on the teams, and tell us what the voters missed. I look forward to reading your opinions.
Thanks.
* This game will have a fresh look: We’re seeing a turnover of talent. Some of the fixtures of recent All-Star Games aren’t in the mix this time around. Instead the 2009 All-Star Game will have an influx of 23 first-timers on the two squads. That’s awesome. Plenty of iconic names are included on the rosters, giving us the starpower that’s required of this event. But the representatives of baseball royalty — Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Ichiro Suzuki, etc. — will be joined by a large delegation of newbies who will love every minute of being a part of this. Emerging stars such as Ryan Zimmerman, Ben Zobrist, Zach Greinke, Felix Hernandez, Matt Cain, Hunter Pence, Justin Upton, Josh Johnson, Adam Jones and others get to take the stage for the first time. That’s great for them, and great for the game.
And there is another wonderful component to that first-time list. We’ll also seeing some first-timers who had to wait many years to make it to an All-Star Game and you know how special this must be for Boston pitcher Tim Wakefield, who is in his 18th season, and now an All-Star for the first time. Same with Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin, an All-Star for the first time at age 36. And Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez, age 37. They probably appreciate this more than the guys who have made multiple All-Star Game appearancs. Franklin sure does. Franklin wept when his Cardinals teammates gave him an ovation in the clubhouse Sunday after learning that he’d made the NL squad.
* This game has so much St. Louis flavor, they should serve toasted ravioli and Crown Candy ice cream to the players: Pujols was the leading vote-getter. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was voted in as the starter in what will be his first All-Star Game. Franklin is on. Three Cardinals, not bad, but that’s not all.
There are more connections. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is one of the NL coaches. Former Cardinal player and manager Joe Torre is an NL coach.
And native St. Louisans Ryan Howard (Phillies 1B) and Mark Buehrle (White Sox starting P) are coming home to play in this game. The rosters include ex-Carinals Jason Marquis (Rockies starting P) and Danny Haren (Diamondbacks starting P). Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler has a chance to make the AL team in the fan vote that determines the final roster spot in each league, and he’s an alum of the Missouri baseball program. While growing up, AL manager Joe Maddon (Tampa Bay) was a passionate fan of the Cardinals and all STL sports teams (and still is), so we can adopt him.
And then there’s the Fox Sports broadcast, with St. Louisan Joe Buck on the play-by-play and former Cardinal Tim McCarver providing analysis. Because of his long assosciation with the Cardinals, McCarver told me last week that calling this game would be “right at the top” of his favorite moments as a broadcaster.
The only thing missing is St. Louisan Ron Kulpa working the game as an umpire.
* Four 1st Basemen for the NL? Yes. Pujols, Howard, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder. I don’t know how Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (the NL skipper) plans to get them all into the game, but I hope good-guy Charlie remembers that the game is in St. Louis, and fans expect Pujols to get multiple at-bats.
* A tale of two closers: last offseason the Cardinals offered free-agent closer Brian Fuentes a multiyear deal worth around $9 million a season. He rejected it and signed with the Angels instead. The Cardinals went to spring training with no established closer, and tried rookie Jason Motte on opening day. Motte was overwhelmed, and La Russa turned to Ryan Franklin to close games. Fans and media (including me) were skeptical of Franklin’s ability to pitch the ninth inning, but he’s been as good as any closer in the majors so far this season. Interesting that Fuentes and Franklin are both All-Stars. One difference: the Angels are paying Fuentes $8.5 million this season; Franklin’s salary is $2.25 million.
* Four New York Mets are on the NL Team? Yes. More Mets (4) than the first-place Cardinals (3), Dodgers (3) and Phillies (3). It’s undoubtedly a good thing that the Mets are only 39-42. If they had a winning record there would be 12, 13 Mets on the NL roster.
* Only one Chicago Cub, pitcher Ted Lilly, made the NL squad. That’s a nice $135 milllion payroll you got there at Wrigley Field.
* Some baseball pundits are knocking the selection of Ryan Howard, but I’ll be a hometown apologist for Howard. I understand what the critics are saying. That his 20 HRs rank only 7th in the NL. That he’s batting only .254. That his slugging percentage ranks 15th in the NL. That his onbase percentage is poor (.328). But this is a game for stars, and it’s a game for sluggers, and the fans want to see the boppers. Howard has established himself as one of the great power hitters of his generation, and he gets the benefit of the doubt. But here’s my closing argument: the big man loves to hit at Busch Stadium. He loves to come home and send screaming, towering homers into the stands. In 63 career at-bats at Busch, Howard has 7 homers, 29 RBIs, a .381 batting average, a .536 onbase percentage and a .746 slugging percentage. Let’s just say it’s a close game. It’s late. The NL is down by a run. There’s a runner on base. You need a bomb. Given Howard’s traditional fireworks shows at Busch, is there a better pinch-hitter to send up in that situation? I don’t think so.
* The fans did an excellent job in their voting of the NL starters: I can’t really quibble too much with any of the choices. There were many outstanding outfield candidates, and only three can be starters. But Ryan Braun, Carlos Beltran and Raul Ibanez, the three selections, have legit credentials. Personally I think Brad Hawpe warranted a starting nod; he has the second-best OPS (behind Ibanez) among NL outfielders. But it’s not as if the fans voted in a bogus candidate like Alfonso Soriano ahead of Hawpe.
* The fans didn’t do as swell of a job in the voting for the AL starters: please allow me to nitpick. Through Saturday’s games, Mark Teixeira (NYY) didn’t lead AL first basemen in any major hitting category and he’s fifth among 1B in OPS. Several second basemen deserved to start more than the fans’ choice, Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox). Take your pick; I would have gone with Aaron Hill (Blue Jays) or Ian Kinsler (Rangers). Both have 19 homers and 50+ RBIs and have a superior OPS in comparison to Pedroia, who is 7th among league 2B in that category. Jason Bartlett (Rays) blows out Derek Jeter (NYY) in the statistical matchup. But Jeter is a huge star, and he’s having another good season, and in that context the vote is understandable. These are minor slights compared to the whopper of them all. There’s only one word to describe the selection of Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton: pathetic. A joke. Easily the worst pick in this field. Maybe one of the worst choices in the history of the voting. The dude is injured. He’s played in only 35 games. And when Hamilton has played, he’s batted .240 with a .290 onbase percentage. But Hamilton put on that memorable show at last year’s Home Run Derby, and I guess he’s still riding that exhibition to unwarranted recognition. Not his fault, though. The voters were lazy on this one.
* I am sorry to be a grouch, and I am happy for Tim Wakefield, but … c’mon now. He isn’t one of the AL’s best starting pitchers. He wouldn’t even be in the discussion. Wakefield’s ERA (4.30) ranks 29th in the league. Wakefield got in because of his 10-3 record, but it’s the result of pitching for the mighty Red Sox. Wakefield is getting the second-best run support in the AL; the Red Sox back him up with tons of offense. And that’s why Wakefield has 10 wins. Several pitchers come to mind as better choices. Here are two: Jered Weaver (Angels) who is 8-3 with a 3.10 ERA. And Kevin Millwood’s strong comeback season is part of the reason why the Rangers are keeping up with the Angels in the NL West. Millwood is 8-5 and had the league’s fifth-best ERA (2.80) and somehow that escaped attention. There were already five Red Sox on the AL team, and the Red Sox deserve the recognition because they are having a superb season. But was it really necessary to wedge a sixth Boston player onto the roster? Wakefield’s 4.30 ERA is higher than Brian Bannister’s for gosh sake.
* I am sorry to be a grouch, and I am happy for Jason Marquis, but … please. The Rockies’ pick was covered with Brad Hawpe. So why was Marquis tabbed for the NL pitching staff ahead of the Reds’ Johnny Cueto or Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo? Here we go again: because the AL players (and manager) who vote take a quick look at the easiest stat (win total) and don’t do any other homework. That’s why. Marquis leads the league with 10 wins, so he’s on. Cueto and Gallardo each have eight wins, only two fewer than Marquis, and they’ve done it with less run support than Marquis. According to STATS LLC, Marquis’ Run Support Average is 5.35, Cueto’s RSA is 4.51, and Gallardo’s RSA is 3.70. Cueto’s ERA (2.69) is 4th-best in the NL and Gallardo (2.75) isn’t far behind. Marquis? He’s 25th in ERA (3.87). That said … on the personal side, I’m glad the former Cardinal can return to Busch on such a high note. Marquis is a good guy.
* About Chris Carpenter: The ERA is outstanding (2.32) but the Cardinals’ ace was doomed by two things: (1) a stint on the DL that limited his IP to 77 and; (2) poor run support that cost him two or three wins. Both of these things kept Carpenter from showing up more prominently on the radar screen.
* Other compliants and protests: Still can’t believe that the DH isn’t used in the All-Star Game; it’s mindless … all 30 teams must be represented. Understood. But can the AL people at least pick the right guy from a team? How in the world did the AL settle on reliever Andrew Bailey as Oakland’s rep? Bailey strikes out a bunch of hitters, but he’s blown four saves in 13 attempts this season. The A’s best pitcher is starter Dallas Braden, who has the ninth-best ERA in the league (3.13). Strange … somehow, the AL had to find a spot for Seattle closer David Aardsma, who has saved 17 out of 18 with a 1.41 ERA … after all that he did to keep the Dodgers’ offense rolling during Manny Ramirez’s 50-game suspension, outfielder Juan Pierre should have been included on the five-man online ballot for the “Final Man” voting. Pierre has a .391 OBP, 4th in the league. During Manny’s absence Pierre swiped 21 bases, scored 32 runs and drove in 21 runs…the Giants’ Pablo Sandovar (.333, .388., .566) was a surprising omission; I suppose that’s the price of having four first basemen…you can make the case that Brian McCann rated the nod at catcher over Yadi Molina, but recognition for Molina is overdue, he’s having a good season, and he’s the best defensive catcher in the business. So it’s OK. It’s not as if McCann is Johnny Bench, or something… Toronto’s Scott Rolen should be the second AL third baseman instead of Michael Young (Texas).
* Finally, a prediction: I think the NL will get it done this year. I think the NL will end the American League’s 12-game unbeaten streak. Both teams have a load of offense, and I’m taking a risk in picking the NL because the NL’s staff has a lot of young arms, and you don’t know how they’ll react in a showcase event. But it’s time. It’s going to take something special, and those young NL power arms will have lightning bolts shooting from their fingertips. I also believe the NL bullpen is a little deeper. The game is back in St. Louis for the first time since 1966. The NL won the 1966 game, 2-1, and the triumph was part of an eight-game winning streak by the National League. It’s time for the NL to turn back the clock, and what better place than St. Louis, home of the National League’s most storied franchise? I just hope it’s a little cooler than than notorious 1966 All-Star Game.
Thanks for reading …
-Bernie
Hey Bernie, you’re right, why wouldn’t they use the DH in the All Star game? It doesn’t make sense at all. I agree, Pujols should actually play the whole game. Back in the 70’s when I started watching the All Star games as a kid, managers didn’t concern themselves with getting everyone in to play, a lot of times they’d let a few of the stars play the whole 9, or the starting pitcher would go the first 3 innings — it was great. You got me thinking about the selection of Josh Hamilton, here’s a link that has an article on it’s list of the 10 worst selections in baseball All Star history —
http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/top_10_mlb_allstars/
Have a good week!
Here’s one more link I found for 10 worst all star selections………it has an interesting note on Kirk Gibson
http://baseball.about.com/od/allstargam1/tp/worstallstars.htm
Hopefully Manuel will remember the 2007 ALSTAR game when TLR chose to use Jason Werth (of the PHILLIES) over Pujols late in the game with a chance to win it. Pujols was the only NL positional player who did not get into that game. If the game is close in the late innings it would be nice to see Pujols stay in the game for the NL. As a starter he could be gone after his first at bat with lots of game to play. GEEEEESH, what an advantage to the American league to see the best player in baseball leave after the 2nd or 3rd inning…DAAAHHHH. How can the NL even give themselves a chance to win when our best players are substituted early in the game? In the past the American League could do that and keep the edge where the NL player dropped off a bit. The other First Basemen can be utilized to hit for the pitchers or in situational spots. I agree with you that Howard would be a great threat to hit when the game is on the line late, (just like Pujols could have had the opportunity in 2007 if TLR would have used him). With that said some of the AL “deserving starting” players won’t be starting but they will be on the bench. So the AL may be fielding a better team when the subs start to rotate in the game. Even so, I have a feeling the NL is going to come out on top…for what little that is worth. For better or worse it would sure be nice to see Pujols play most of the game.
great read, bernie..i agreed with pretty much everything you said there..especially about ryan howard..he does love hitting at the new busch and steps up his game in his hometown
I was so disgusted with the All-Star game selections last year when the small bears and Lou P. sent EIGHT all-stars in the game. EIGHT. This year’s selections have avoided such wholesale embarrassments.
Would have been nice to see Rolen in there,..he is doing well. Kinda glad Carpenter isn’t in there and let him rest some, they’re gonna need him in the second half.
The biggest highlight I am looking for is for, “Yadier to Pujols” at first base and catch a AL player napping. That would be as big as any homer in the game for the home town fans seeing how Pujols is probably gonna get 3 innings and 1 at bat with four 1b’s.
And good for Franklin, hard work pays off.
Is Pujols going to bat 3rd? Whats your batting order B-man?
Why don’t they use the DH? Well, there are 33 players on the team (and they keep adding more every year). The only way a pitcher comes to the plate in this game is if we reach the 14th inning or if Tim Lincecum gets lit up in the 1st.
Totally agree that Wakefield and Marquis don’t belong, but your argument against Teixeira is weak. He’s a notorious slow starter who once again had an awful April (.200-3-10). Then A-Rod returned and he went nuts (.330-13-34 in May). Which AL 1B would you rather have on the roster in his place (or are you simply saying Cabrera should be starting instead of him)?
And if “this time it counts,” I’d much rather have a reliever like Oakland’s Andrew Bailey over starter Dallas Braden. (In truth, I’d rather have neither, but if everyone has to be represented…) BTW, 3 of his 4 blown saves came while he was a mid reliever. Since taking over the full time job last month, he’s 6-for-7. Nothing stellar, but if he had been closing since Day 1…
Juan Pierre? You must be kidding. There’s a reason he’s back on the bench — LA has 3 superior OFers, so why let Pierre into the Last Five vote over Kemp/Ramirez?
Other than that, no “compliants.”
Four 1st basemen is strange. I’m hoping that Howard and Fielder will be strictly pinch-hitters, and after at least 3 Pujols ABs, Gonzalez will come in as a late defensive replacement and maybe get 1 at-bat.
How does Marquis look if you put some sort of park factor in? High ERA and high run support would be expected for a Colorado pitcher, right?
“* Only one Chicago Cub, pitcher Ted Lilly, made the NL squad. That’s a nice $135 milllion payroll you got there at Wrigley Field.”
Priceless.
Bernie great points mang! It was a very good and interesting lead, and do you think Rolen was snubbed or just a product of a tough 3B field over in the AL? Going into Sunday he was second in the League in Batting Avg., 9th in On-Base Percentage. 8th in doubles, he is 19th in the League with hits with 88 which is more than starter Evan Longoria one that is rather shocking is he is 14th in the league in Walks per Strike Outs. And when looking at how he stacks up against other AL 3B, He is 3rd in Hits and Doubles, 1st in Batting Average and On-Base Percentage, and 2nd in OPS and in BB/K’s lastly he is 3rd among 3rd baseman in Extra Base hits. Looking at all that he’s having a great season, along with many other 3B, but I thought it would be another nice story, with some more “St.Louis Flavor”
3B in the American League isn’t that strong of a position. I think Rolen is better than Michael Young (Texas) and deserved the nod. Rolen is No. 3 in the AL in OPS behind Longoria and A-Rod and A-Rod missed time at the beginning with an injury.
-B
kinda silly to moan about all-star picks like wakefield. that’s the all-star game, it’s not all about stats…ozzie made a few too many all-star starts b/c that’s what fans wanted to see. wakefield throwing some knucklers will make the game more interesting, i gotta believe fans are behind that. as for maquis…some guys just get better run support by their team, bob forsch comes to mind…i think it’s telling when a team scores a lot for a guy.
Ah, fan voting. Where emotion gets in the way of good judgement. And is anyone surprised?
Bernie, I read you in the Post every day, follow you on Twitter, read all your blogs. I’m a Bernie junky, but I work and can’t catch you on 101.1. Many of my friends in same Berniedickament. If you cannot move show to drive time, can you have an evening replay? We’re fortunate to have such intelligence and character on our airwaves.