Ah, the three day gala where Major League Baseball presents the studs of the industry is finally here. The red carpet roles out tomorrow night as everyone prepares for the annual power competition known as the Home Run Derby. The American League trots out Justin Morneau, rookie Evan Longoria, Grady Sizemore, and the feel good story of the year Mr. Josh Hamilton. On the other side, the National League will be represented by Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, Lance Berkman, and the second year sensation Ryan Braun. You read that right, two second baseman will be representing the National League. It is a hard field to choose from, as I think Chase Utley, Evan Longoria, and Lance Berkman will put up good fights. I am looking for this to come down to Braun and Hamilton, however. Hamilton winning the derby leads to the made for TV movie that has become Hamilton's dramatic turn around. A lot of respect is handed to Hamilton who knew only he could change what he messed up, and did just that!
As for the All- Star Game itself, I look forward to seeing the laid back feeling the players have amongst themselves. Even though the winning team wins home field advantage for the World Series, this game continues to feel like an exhibition, but still the only watchable exhibition in pro sports. Even though the teams are already stacked with talent, there are currently some players who were "snubbed" in the sense that there are not enough spots to give to the top tier players in the game. Here is a "short" list of players I think should have got in, but were not given the nod.
National League:
1) You have to go all the way back to 1948 to find the last time the National League Home Run and RBI leader did not become an All- Star. Well, Ryan Howard takes away that sixty year stretch and becomes the next power hitter on that list. Howard (28 home runs, 84 RBIs) has not been one of the greatest hitters this season, batting a dreadful .236, but when he hits the ball he is getting the job done (.333 batting average with runners in scoring position.) Even thought his average is low, he is doing the job putting the runs on the board, better then anyone in the National League.
2) Another Phillie deserving of a spot would be left fielder Pat "The Bat" Burrell. Pat is hitting .275, with 23 home runs, and knocking in 57 RBIs. Not to shabby for a guy who bats after Ryan Howard! His numbers are definitly arguable with all- star Ryan Ludwick. Pujols was already chosen to be the Cardinals representative, so let the Ludwick- Burrell argument begin.
3) The New York Mets are usually stacked when it comes to all- stars, this year Billy Wagner was the only player chosen to represent the team. David Wright also slipped into the game as an injury replacement. Shortstop is such a stacked position in the National League, but Jose Reyes could give a cause for reason year after year. He is batting .302 and has stolen 32 bases. Some believe Reyes still has not played up to his potential, but his numbers are still all- star qualified. That is scary!
4) Another outfielder to throw into that Burrell- Ludwick discussion would be the consistant Carlos Lee from the Houston Astros. He has the average beat on both those guys (.302), and has comparable power numbers (21 home runs, 76 RBIs). Another player on the last vote ballot to not beat out Corey Hart.
5) The Phillies are in first place of the National League East going into the break, and that is even with a very inconsistant rotation. The only promise lies within left handed ace Cole Hamels. This season, Hamels is 9-6 with a 3.15 ERA. He has also struck out an impressive 126 batters. Not too shabby playing at a very hitter friendly Citizens Bank Ballpark.
6) The Balitmore Orioles have two position players who could make an argument to make it into the Summer Classic. Outfielder Nick Markakis has been impressing many the last couple years. This season he is hovering around .300, has hit 15 home runs, and drove in 50 RBIs.
7) The other Oriole to mention is second baseman Brian Roberts, who has been a quality second basemen for years in Baltimore. Roberts is also hovering around .300, has knocked out seven home runs, drove in 33 RBIs, and has shown his speed stealing 27 bases. Very impressive numbers from the lead off hitter.
8) No one can argue the dominance of Royals' closer Joakim Soria this season. He is definitly worthy of an all- star trip. However, Zach Greinke has finally shown the ace like material the Royals' are in desperate need of. Greinke is 7-5, with a 3.48 ERA, and has struck out 104 batters in 124 innings. For a Royals' pitcher, those are some decent numbers.
9) This season, who has thrown a no hitter and shut down the New York Yankees in the Bronx? Hmm, Boston Red Sox pitchers Jon Lester, who skipper Terry Francona chose not to pic kas an All- Star this season. Like Josh Hamilton, Lester is another great story but with different variables. This season, Lester is 7-3, with a 3.38 ERA, and has struck out 82 batters. Impressive numbers that are worthy of being nominated an all- star canidate.
Even without these nine players, expect an entertaining event worthy of being watched. Just hope that the game never reaches a tie, we know how that ends! Thanks Bud!
