The All-Star Game Snub-O-Meter
Another year, another All-Star Game announcement with the usual outrage. There were many surprises for the 2012 all-star teams including Pablo Sandoval starting, plus Brian LaHair and Ian Desmond making the team. I understand Ron Washington taking his guy in Matt Harrison, but I think there were better options, including everyone who ended up in the A.L. Final Vote. For the Snub-O-Meter, I will not include any player that made the Final Vote. P.S. #VoteChipper!
Johnny Cueto, Reds
In my opinion, the most egregious snub for the 2012 All-Star game. Cueto is 4th in ERA in the National League and only trails R.A. Dickey in WAR among N.L. pitchers. Cueto has the top ERA in the National League over the past two seasons and deserved to go over Jonathan Papelbon or Lance Lynn.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 10 of 10
Zack Greinke, Brewers
The other big name N.L. pitching snub and from my projected roster last week I had a feeling this was going to happen. Greinke is 3rd in WAR behind Dickey and Cueto, but isn’t in the top 10 in either ERA or WHIP. Looking deeper into the numbers though shows that Greinke has been great with an xFIP 2.72 and is top ten in K/9. If the players didn’t vote in Lynn, he still would’ve been snubbed by Cueto.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 7 of 10
Brandon Phillips, Reds
Phillips has a case that he should be going to Kansas City, not just for his offensive numbers, but for being one of the top defensive players in the game. Dan Uggla got the fan vote, while Jose Altuve was a well-deserving All-Star from the Astros. Aaron Hill also has a case over Phillips, but still has a chance in the Final Vote. Phillips got squeezed in a deeper than you think National League second base pool.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 3 of 10
Jed Lowrie, Astros
Lowrie’s case is tied into his better power numbers than other N.L. shortstops as he leads them in home runs and OPS. Ian Desmond goes to K.C. over Lowrie as a 3rd shortstop. Hard to make a case to have to Astros on the team. I can’t believe that Desmond went as a 3rd SS over this next player as a utility player.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 3 of 10
Martin Prado, Braves
Why take Desmond who can only play one position over a guy who is versatile and has played the outfield, third base, second base, and first base over his career. He’s definitely more worthy than actual backup first baseman Brian LaHair. Prado is top ten in batting average, hits, and position player WAR in the National League.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 8 of 10
Tyler Clippard, Nationals
Player A: 34.1 IP, 39K, 1.83 ERA, 0.90 WHIP Player B: 29.2 IP, 37K, 3.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP Want to take a guess on who is who? Player A is Tyler Clippard who has been the go-to guy in the bullpen for the Nats with the absence of Drew Storen, the implosion of Henry Rodriguez, and the expulsion of Brad Lidge. Player B is Jonathan Papelbon who is going to Kansas City over Clippard. It’s not Clippard’s fault that he wasn’t the closer for the saves the entire season. The first-place Nationals have three All-Stars, while the last-place Phillies also have three All-Stars. Makes no sense to me either.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 8 of 10
A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
I understand the picks of Matt Wieters for his defense and Joe Mauer for his offense at American League catcher, but Pierzynski is having the best overall year of any catcher in the A.L. Pierzynski knows he’s unliked and that it played a factor into him not making it. If only the fans hadn’t voted in Mike Napoli he might have had a chance.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 9 of 10
Josh Reddick, Athletics and Josh Willingham, Twins
I feel bad that these two get lumped together just cause of their first name, but oh well. I thought Willingham was going to be Twins lone representative over Joe Mauer. While Ryan Cook from the Athletics is deserving from the Oakland bullpen. Here’s how it should’ve played out. Pierzynski goes for Mauer, Willingham goes for Wieters, not sure why they need three catchers when two will suffice. I can’t fault Mike Trout or Mark Trumbo going to the game over either of these two or the next player on this list.
Snub-O-Meter Rating:
Reddick: 4 of 10
Willingham: 6 of 10
Austin Jackson, Tigers
An injury probably cost Jackson his chance on the team, but he’s been no less deserving. Jackson is top 5 in the American League in both batting average and on-base percentage. He also plays a Gold Glove center field in spacious Comerica Park. If a spot opens up, I could see Jackson being scooped up as a replacement.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 6 of 10
Jason Kipnis, Indians
Ian Kinsler has been solid this season for the Rangers, but I thought there were enough already on the squad. Kipnis has been a great power-speed combo for the Indians and I believed he would make his first appearance. The players voted Kinsler and Kipnis’ teammate Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop instead. Can’t really hate on that too much.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 4 of 10
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays
Encarnacion was on the ballot as a designated hitter, but he’s less of one than David Ortiz or Adam Dunn who made the team are. Encarnacion could fill-in at third base or first base. His credentials are pretty amazing too. 5th in slugging, 6th in OPS, 3rd in runs created, 5th in RBI, and 5th in home runs. That sure sounds like an All-Star to me.
Snub-O-Meter Rating: 10 of 10
Who were your biggest snubs for the All-Star Game? Let me know in the comments!
-Bryan Mapes (@IAmMapes)
Three Up, Three Down 
Is that a picture of Andruw Jones?
The AP article I got it from said Martin Prado, but you’re right it definitely does look like Jones. Changed it to a picture where you can definitely tell its Prado. Thanks.