EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Since we're bound to have some discussion when ESPN/MLB unleashes the picks in an hour, let's have a separate place to discuss them. Here are your 2006 Win Shares All Stars, as of 6/25/06. National League C: J. Estrada, Ari 1B: A. Pujols, StL 2B: C. Utley, Phi SS: J. Reyes, NYM 3B: D. Wright, NYM LF: A. Soriano, Was CF: C. Beltran, NYM RF: B. Abreu, Phi SP: B. Webb, Ari American League C: J. Mauer, Min 1B: P. Konerko, CWS 2B: J. Lopez, Sea SS: D. Jeter, NYY 3B: J. Crede, CWS LF: C. Crawford, TB CF: C. Granderson, Det RF: J. Dye, CWS DH: J. Thome, CWS SP: J. Santana, Min Some thoughts... -ESPN.com ran a roll asking for the fans' choices. They listed eight candidates for starting pitcher, NONE of whom were Johan Santana. For the record, Santana leads the AL in ERA, strikeouts, and is one back in the wins race. -There will be a lot of talk about "snubs." There's your list up top. If a player isn't the best at his position, I don't think he qualifies. Good players get left off of All-Star teams. It's not a merit badge for having a good season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 They just need to abandon the one player per team rule and it would solve several problems with putting together the teams. It's an idea that made sense when there was only eight teams in each league but not anymore. My modest proposal has been that the only team that should have a rep is the team hosting the game as those tickets aren't cheap and the fans deserve to have one of their own playing. There are a handful of teams every year that legitimately do not have a single player you could make argument that they should be an All-Star. Are Royals fans going to be more inclined to watch the game just because Mark Grudzielanek is there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 If there's a "Second Chance" vote, I'll definitely put as many votes in as Mauer as I can. Varitek really doesn't deserve to make the team let alone be voted as starter. I'm guessing Papelbon and either Schilling or Beckett will round out the Boston representatives. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 I think it's safe to say Mauer will make it on the team as the back up catcher from the player's vote. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Princess Leena Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Are Royals fans going to be more inclined to watch the game just because Mark Grudzielanek is there? I think many would care more about the game. I know for many NHL all-star games where there were no Sabres, there's not the same need for me to watch it. And does it really matter to any baseball fan if Cano, Loretta, Lopez, Iguchi, etc... is in over Grudzielanek. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Well I'm gong to have this entire selection show on mute so anyone feel free to post stupid comments by the usual group of idiots. A.L. Starters C: Ivan Rodriguez 1B: David Ortiz 2B: Mark Loretta 3B: Alex Rodriguez SS: Derek Jeter OF: Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Ichiro Suzuki Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Well I'm gong to have this entire selection show on mute so anyone feel free to post stupid comments by the usual group of idiots. A.L. Starters C: Ivan Rodriguez 1B: David Ortiz 2B: Mark Loretta 3B: Alex Rodriguez SS: Derek Jeter OF: Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Ichiro Suzuki Reserves Paul Konerko Well they threw up the graphic for Konerko that he was on the reserves, but they're talking like they dont know.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 It looks like it might as well be the Mets vs the American League? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 I could have sworn they put under Konerko's name that he was selected. Even without sound I can still get a stupid comment out of John Kruk: Raul Ibanez should be a starting outfielder. N.L. Starters C: Paul Lo Duca 1B: Albert Pujols 2B: Chase Utley 3B: David Wright SS: Jose Reyes OF: Carlos Beltran, Alfonso Soriano, Jason Bay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Kruk was bitching about Ortiz getting picked even though he's a DH, but he's one of the most popular players in the game right now playing for a team with a huge fanbase. Pudge must have had quite the rally to earn the starting spot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 The fans nailed six of eight in the National League. That's pretty impressive. EDIT: And now Kruk's complaining that Andruw Jones should've gone over Carlos Beltran. This is what's annoying me about this selection pick. Regardless of who you think is the deserving choice, they really should talk more about the guys who WERE chosen. This is their showcase. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Kruk was bitching about Ortiz getting picked even though he's a DH, but he's one of the most popular players in the game right now playing for a team with a huge fanbase. Pudge must have had quite the rally to earn the starting spot. It's a fundamental argument. Kruk argued that the All-Star game should just carry the DH, and I agree with that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 The DH in the All Star Game when its in a NL park was fine because it was every other year, but MLB has done away with alternating AL/NL sites since next years game is in SF. They might as well (err..edit: ADD) the DH in the All Star game too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 The DH in the All Star Game when its in a NL park was fine because it was every other year, but MLB has done away with alternating AL/NL sites since next years game is in SF. They might as well get rid of the DH in the All Star game too. How come? Does the world demand a pitcher at bat in the game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 The DH in the All Star Game when its in a NL park was fine because it was every other year, but MLB has done away with alternating AL/NL sites since next years game is in SF. They might as well get rid of the DH in the All Star game too. How come? Does the world demand a pitcher at bat in the game? I goofed it up, see my edit. KC's rep is Mark Redman.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 A.L. Pitchers Mark Buehrle Jose Contreras Roy Halladay Scott Kazmir Mark Redman (yes, please get rid of the one player per team rule) Kenny Rogers Johan Santana Barry Zito Jonathan Papelbon B.J. Ryan Mariano Rivera Bobby Jenks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Im guessing, the Os only Rep will be Tejada..I was holding out hope for Chris Ray as well..but nope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 I'm troubled more by the exclusion of Francisco Liriano than by the exclusion of Curt Schilling. Mark Redman may have surpassed Ken Schrom as the worst All-Star in recent memory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Again mute on but is Steve Phillips really arguing Jose Contreras is better than Roy Halladay or Johan Santana? Gee can't believe he's still not a GM. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 On a side note, I'm really hoping Ryan Howard goes to the Home Run Derby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Again mute on but is Steve Phillips really arguing Jose Contreras is better than Roy Halladay or Johan Santana? Gee can't believe he's still not a GM. He's 8-0. It's not about being the best pitcher, just having the best track record. How can you really argue against 8-0? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk 34 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Again mute on but is Steve Phillips really arguing Jose Contreras is better than Roy Halladay or Johan Santana? Gee can't believe he's still not a GM. His logic wasn't that Contreras was "better" but if the game "matters" and you have to win, pick the guy who hasn't lost a start this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mole 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 No Schilling? Bull. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Wow, no Travis Hafner? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 N.L. Pitchers Pedro Martinez Bronson Arroyo Chris Carpenter Tom Glavine Brad Penny Jason Schmidt Brandon Webb Carlos Zambrano Trevor Hoffman Tom Gordon Brian Fuentes Derrick Turnbow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Wow, no Travis Hafner? Havent done reserves yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Is it ultimately stupid to try and pick which pitchers will pitch in what innings a week+ from the game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk 34 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Is it ultimately stupid to try and pick which pitchers will pitch in what innings a week+ from the game? You gotta do something to stretch this show out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 A.L. Reserves Joe Mauer Paul Konerko Jim Thome Robinson Cano Jose Lopez Michael Young Miguel Tejada Troy Glaus Bruiser had inside info...no Travis Hafner. Absolute joke. Gary Matthews Jr. Jermaine Dye Alex Rios (injured) Grady Sizemore Vernon Wells Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2006 Im kinda bummed that Chris Ray and to some extent Ramon Hernandez didnt get picked but thats how it goes. I knew Ramon wouldnt get picked with Mauer playing the way he is, and Chris Ray is in his 2nd year.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites