MLB All-Star teams (predictions, then actual selections)

Because Rich Harden is a lot better.

 

And if he has any self-respect, he'll decline the invitation ... citing an acute case of the suckass.

 

Carlos Zambrano

 

I hope the players are questioned today about why they put Varitek on that roster.

This should put their role in selecting the team in serious jeopardy.

Yes, the American League catching field isn't very deep this year. But Pierzynski, for example, would have been a much better selection. Several guys would have. But the players didn't want to put that kind of work into it - so they went with the guy they've known for a long time, who is "respected." If they aren't willing, collectively, to do a minimal amount of research when it's time to make a more difficult selection, then they should forfeit the right to vote.

I hope someone writes that tomorrow. I hope a lot of people do.

BTW, I believe that they chose Varitek over Navarro, correct? Francona had to add Navarro, batting 100 points more than Varitek for the best team in baseball, over "The Captain."

 

Aramis Ramirez - .283, .379 obp, 15 homers, 60 RBIs

David Wright - .288, .385 obp, 16 homers, 66 RBIs.

They probably should have taken Wright, but Ramirez certainly wasn't a "bullshit" selection, especially considering how much Ramirez's defense has improved. He's now one of the league's best over there (I NEVER thought I'd say that until last season).

There's no way in hell Fukudome should even be on the team, though.

 

LOL Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Toronto combine for 4 players.
Boston gets 7 players... what the hell.

 

Fans did a better job with the starters than the players did with the reserves, which I find really damning.

There was a time when a Josh Hamilton, a Ryan Braun wouldn't have been on the fans' radar to the extent where they could have been voted in, mainly because they don't play in one of the media centers. The public vote has gotten smarter.

Certainly isn't perfect, but it's better than it was.

 

Hell, I think both the fan vote and the player vote sucks.

Not sure what the solution is -- frankly, I think this is about as good as we're going to get -- but I don't think it's a great process by any means.

That said, it's an exhibition no matter what The Used Car Salesman says. If people (on the field or off) want to see Varitek there, so be it. Or, in years past, a washed-up Cal Ripken, etc. I've got no problem with that.

 

"This time, it counts."

Selig said so.

Who are you to disagree with him?

 

Since when does Buck Weaver swallow anything a commissioner says?

 

Take that back.

 

Didn't you read SI? Fukudome changed the way they play! He takes pitches and everything!