All-Star Rage: Jeremy’s Take
Look, there are a lot of things I hate about the MLB All-Star Game. The fact that it determines home field advantage in the World Series, even though fans vote. That each team has to have one representative, as if this is some high-fiving, everyone-gets-snacks-after-the-game Little League.
And many, many more. But usually my All-Star Rage doesn’t extend this deeply into my soul. Some things happened this year that are just inexcusable and you can blame the system, the fans, the PR Departments of certain teams, etc.
Whatever you want to do, that’s fine by me. But the fact remains: the National League will lose this year’s game.
Why? Because that’s what happens when you have David Wright on the bench.
That’s what happens when you have Johnny Cueto and Zack Greinke left off the roster.
That’s what happens when your reserve outfield is slightly more talented than your starting outfield.
And that’s what happens when one of your “stud” closers is on the team, holding the spot of a much more reliable, relaxed guy who would actually be able to hold a lead in a pressure situation.
I promise – I won’t even get into the A.L. I won’t talk about the snubs of Josh Reddick and Josh Willingham. Or the blasphemy that is Curtis Granderson and Jose Bautista starting over Mike Trout and Adam Jones. I won’t even point out that A.J. Pierzynski, the best overall catcher in the league from day ONE, isn’t even on the team.
And as much as I want to…I won’t mention the 2.2 million votes Giants fans cast for Freddy Sanchez, who hasn’t played an inning all season. Or that we were probably 12 hours of voting away from Brandon Crawford’s .230 average starting at shortstop for the National League.
Instead, I will focus on the guys who DID make it. Let’s talk snubs, shall we? And point out exactly why the National League is doomed for the 2012 All-Star Game:
1. Pablo Sandoval starting over David Wright
This is just straight ridiculous. I understand that Sandoval is popular in San Francisco. But Holy Toldeo. Wright has been the best third baseman on both sides of the ball in ALL of baseball in 2012. He should have won by a landslide. Instead, we get to watch a guy (very talented, no doubt) who is streaky, overweight and questionable on defense.
2. Dan Uggla starting over anyone
Uggla has power. Captain fantastic. How about the Astros’ (and All-Star reserve) Jose Altuve’s big numbers? Or Aaron Hill’s two cycles in one month? Both less popular names, for sure. But unless Uggla hits a big home run in the game, people should be kicking themselves for this choice.
3. Chipper Jones going to the Final Vote…
…against his own teammate, PLUS David Freese, PLUS Bryce Harper. I mean. My goodness, MLB. Is this your version of a cruel joke? The future first-ballot Hall of Famer needs to be on the N.L. roster, for multiple reasons. Yes, he’s in his final season and it’d be nice to see him there. But he’s hitting .294! When healthy, he’s still one of the best in the game. Now he has to split votes from a Braves fan base with Michael Bourn, and hope to beat out two of the most popular young players in baseball today in Freese and Harper. Ugh. Chipper better get the nod, people. Or kittens will be punted.
4. Buster Posey starting over Yadier Molina and Carlos Ruiz
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I agree. Buster deserves to be in the All-Star Game. He’s been great for the Giants this year. But better than Molina for the Cardinals and Ruiz, one of the best hitters in baseball thus far, for the Phillies? Give me a break. Posey is a great player who can rake at the plate, plays solid defense and handles a pitching staff exceptionally well. And he’s STILL not as good as Molina in general, Chooch in 2012. That says a LOT about Molina and Ruiz.
5. Jonathan Papelbon on the team over Tyler Clippard
Mapes touched on this in his snub-o-meter as well. Papelbon has the star power, the intensity, the fastball, the confidence…wait, stop. Doesn’t he also have a penchant for blowing it in big situations? And isn’t Clippard having the better year anyway? Yes, and yes. The last guy on this entire All-Star pitching staff that I, as a fan of a National League team, want on the mound in the 9th inning with a 1-run lead? Papelbon.
Well, there you have it. A very mild version of the rage that has been swirling inside my head since the final rosters were announced. So, did I miss anything? Will the National League pull a miracle and win this game? Who else got snubbed? Comment below and let me know!
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– Jeremy (@Jamblinman)
Three Up, Three Down 