(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
If you were to look where Yahoo! Sports would rank Rollins in terms of SS performance thus far this year, you would find him more than halfway down the first page of 25, at No. 16.
Jimmy Rollins, usually deserving of the spot, has hit .222 this year. He only has three round-trippers, and has hit 15 other runners in. His stolen bases exceed Hanley's by two, and his runs trail him by two, thank you very much Raul Ibanez (leading OF vote-getter) and Ryan Howard.
Aside from Ramirez, the same list designates seven starting short stops putting up better offensive numbers than J.R.
In a day and age where the All Star Game has the potential to affect who wins the championship, and whose fans get to see more games in person, should not the leagues trot the most deserving players out there?
If you ask the commissioner's office, the answer may be no.
Bigger names, like Jimmy Rollins, draw more attention to the game, much like controversy in the ballots draws attention to them. More attention in the game translates to more dollars for Fox and MLB.
And let us not forget, the teams that often source the undeserving players are often the most popular, large market teams. Their fans buy more apparel, their teams spend more money, and they are more likely to get to the big dance in October. Do not for one second think Bud Selig would rather see a Reds-A's series than an Angels-Mets duel.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Well, Mr. Selig, whether Manny or Lastings last to the final ballot, or Hanley starts, it is evident this year more than ever the system is broke, so get to fixin'.
I know that in an economic downtown you are desperate for all the cash you can get, as evident by the fact you were one of few commissioners not to take one for the team on pay or benefits over the last year, but fans are equally desperate for enjoyable, affordable, quality entertainment. Has the game become all about your bankroll, or do the fans and the players still matter?
By the way, the Reds and the A's players are desperate for votes, too.
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