Seriously, who was voting for the MLB All Star game this year? While I was happy to see many deserving players be selected to the All Star game for the first time (ex: Josh Hamilton), I was morbidly disappointed to see some undeserving names (ex: Jason Varitek) be selected over more deserving players.
So yea, let’s start with the backup catcher, Jason Varitek. Let’s take a look at his stats as of this date:
Jason Varitek: AVG: .219, HR: 7, RBI: 27, SB: 0
As any fan of baseball would attest, these are not All- Star caliber numbers. Heck, these really aren’t even decent numbers, and a lesser established player would likely be demoted to the minor leagues with such flaccid production. Not to mention, Varitek is a mediocre defensive player at a position at which defense is a premium.
Furthermore, given that the All- Star game is at Yankee Stadium this year, in the final year of the stadium’s existence, when there is any doubt of what player to select, I believe the voters should be inclined to lean away from Red Sox players and more towards the New York Yankees, simply out of respect for the situation.
With all of these factors in mind, I feel it is disgraceful that Varitek was selected to the 2008 MLB All Star Game.
So, if Varitek wasn’t selected to the game, who would go in his place? Well, how about the New York Yankees backup catcher, Jose Molina? Yes, I know he would be a long shot, but keep in mind; in Posada’s absence this year, Molina has thrown out 23 would-be base stealers. Jason Varitek, who carries an equally anemic bat, has thrown out only eight base stealers. See the point?
Or, what about Ivan Rodriguez? Here are his stats as of this date:
Ivan Rodriguez: AVG: .282, HR: 3, RBI: 28, SB: 6
As I see it, I-Rod hits for a much, much higher average, has more RBIs, and he steals bases. Not to mention, his defense is on another level in comparison to that of Varitek’s. I feel its safe to say that he would have been a more formidable selection as well.
Another pick that I have a problem with is Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants. Do you even know who he is? I bet many of you don’t. Well, Brian Wilson is the closer-by-default of the San Francisco Giants. Here are his stats:
Brian Wilson: W-L: 0-1, ERA: 4.37, SV: 24
Ok, so those are All Star numbers, how? In a year in which many of the games best relievers have ERAs under one, I do not see how you can justify a player being selected as an All Star with an ERA over four. Furthermore, Brian WAS NOT selected by default due to being the only candidate from his team; Tim Lincerum was selected from the Giants as well. With this in mind, I can imagine that there are about 50 relievers more deserving of this slot than Brian Wilson.
Finally, I would like to take a look at a couple of omissions from the All Star lineup; Mike Mussina and Rick Ankiel. First, let’s take a look at Mussina. Here are his stats:
Mike Mussina: W-L: 11-6, ERA: 3.64, K: 63
Ok, so how does a potential future hall of famer, who is nearly leading the league in wins, and playing for the team that is hosting the All Star game not get selected to play? It beats me. I do understand that there were better starters out there, so I can’t complain too much about this one. However, Mussina wasn’t even a candidate for the final vote! To me, that just doesn’t seem right.
Now, let’s take a look at Rick Ankiel. I can’t say enough about this kid, because he turned his career around to have an unbelievable season thus far this year. Currently, here are Ankiel’s stats:
Rick Ankiel: AVG: .265, HR: 18, RBI: 45, SB: 1
Considering this kid was a pitcher a few years ago, the aforementioned stats are absolutely mind boggling. Not to mention, Ankiel has become one heck of a defensive center fielder. Now I could understand that there may have been a few better candidates for the All Star roster in the outfield. However, there is no question that Ankiel’s name belongs on the Final Vote list.
So that’s my thoughts on the All Star voting for the 2008 game. Feel free to let me know what you think.
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3 months ago
I completely agree about Varitek and Mussina. Varitek has all but disappeared from being the offensive catcher he was in years past, he shouldn't be in the running at all. The only thing that got him in was Red Sox nation, plain and simple. The NL reserves only took 4 closers, compared to the AL's 6. Mussina should have replaced Joakim Soria as a reserve.
What hurt Ankiel's chances was Ryan Ludwick. Since they're both playing in the outfield, the were essentially playing against each other. Ludwick edged out Ankiel in batting average and RBI's, so he deserves to go over Ankiel.
What I REALLY hate is Ichiro being elected to start over Carlos Quentin. Ichiro may have the batting average but Quentin is killing him in home runs and RBI's. In Ichiro's case, it was just about a popularity contest because he's Japanese. THAT is plain and simple.
from 3 months ago
Very good points. I wish Ankiel would have made the team, although Ludwick did deserve his spot. As far as Ichiro and Fukodome are concerned, it is clear that they were voted in primarily through their popularity in Japan and among Asian Americans. However, they are still both very good players, especially Ichiro, so I don't have too much of a problem with their selections. Thanks for the comment.
3 months ago
Varitek has been TERRIBLE. When the announcements came today, my roommate and I gave each other a really puzzled look, and then started shouting "Why?" a la Nancy Kerrigan. Somebody who has hovered around the Mendoza line all season does NOT deserve an All-Star berth. Pierzynski, Pudge, Molina, are would be more capable replacements for him. Right now, Varitek's numbers are only slightly better than those of Brandon Inge. Not impressed.
from 3 months ago
Nice to see that more people agree with me on the Varitek pick. Honestly, given the lack of production by AL catchers this year, I truly think Jose Molina should have been selected. His defense has been incredible this year, and in some ways you can argue him to be the MVP on the Yankees thus far purely for that reason. I mean, just tonight, he through out his 24th basestealer, compared to Varitek's 8th. And since the all star game is in NY, why not give it to a Yankee who has really come through this year? All the other guys you mentioned though would all be more deserving than Varitek. Thanks for the comment.
3 months ago
I agree COMPLETELY about Varitek, although I don't think Pudge deserves a spot more than AJ Pierzysnki (who has comparably better stats).
from 3 months ago
Yea, AJ would have been a good pick as well. Long story short, Varitek was pretty much the worst possible pick for the all star game. The even sadder and more unbelievable thing is that Varitek actually has a gold glove from a couple of years back. I guess any type of award that requires people to vote will never be very accurate. Thanks for the comment.
3 months ago
Varitek being an All-Star is a disgrace. Hope Navy gets to play more, but I doubt it. Wouldn't doubt that he don't play at all. Also hope that Longoria gets the last spot. Highley doubt it. Giambi will probably get it cause he's a Yankee.
from 3 months ago
Good call. Being a Yankee fan, I am kinda pulling for Giambi to win the last all star spot. However, Longoria is having an incredible year, and I def wouldn't complain if he is voted in. That kid is really gonna be something special.
3 months ago
73 243 18 53 13 0 7 27 87 26 70 0 0 .300 .358 .218
Do Those look like All star numbers. I don't think so he doesn't deserve to even play on the Redsox neverless the A.L All Star team. Jason Varitek doesn't need to prove a thing he is automatically an allsat because he is the captin of the Redsox. People need to stop voting for just Redsox and Yankee players and start voting for deserving players.
3 months ago
Varitek a Joke. Voted onto the team by the PLAYERS? Having said that, I am sick to death of the MEGA-hype surrpounding this game. The NEXT all-star game ay Yankee Stadium will be played on a field looking pretty much the same. How about a little more hype for the amazing Rays?
3 months ago
giambi is also a big joke all stars should be picked by performance only not popularity
from 3 months ago
First off, Giambi was not selected to the all star game, although he is a candidate on the final vote list. Secondly, I do believe that Giambi is a legit all star candidate. If I'm not mistaken, he currently has 17 home runs, and an on base percentage around .400. Those are certainly solid numbers for any player.
2 months ago
I went Busch stadium it's debut year. As I'm sure you'll all rememver it was Ankiel's rookie year as well. He started the game, and the anticipation of perfection swarmed the Saint Louis fans. Not only could this kid pitch (he threw gas) he pinch hits. He's the next Ruth, Cardinal fans truly believed or at least thought it possible. Well he bombed out. If I remember corectly he was taken out after 2 and a third innings. We all know what the rest of the season was like. Cardinal fans I learned are awesome. True, traditional, old school baseball fanatics. I don't think they've gotten over what happened those years ago with Ankiel. The dissapointment was to much. Now with that said who is going to vote for Rick Ankiel other than true baseball fans and Cardinal fans. I truly don't think he got any votes from Cardinal fans. This is why he wasn't in the All Star Game. Me I'm a Cubs fan who along with all of you think that sucks. By the way for those who mat have forgotten Ankiel was the first round draft pick and Hamilton was number two. Great story with Josh Hamilton but without Ankiel at the 2008 All Star Game it just felt incomplete and cheapened. I used to love Cardinal fans I don't anymore. Rick Ankiel is a 2008 MLB All Star in my mind and in the hearts and minds of a real baseball fan.
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