Who will be our All-Star?
by mathalot on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM EDT
47 comments
All-Star voting ends at 11:59 PM ET on July 2, 2008, so there are less than three weeks left before the All-Star starters are chosen. It goes without saying that the Orioles won't get a sniff at a starting position. According to this article on MLB.com (scroll down to the bottom), the highest ranking Oriole is Brian Roberts at 2B, and he is in fifth place, waaay behind Red Sox (surprise) second baseman, Dustin Pedroia.
The managers' selections will come out a few days after the starters are announced. So, here's the question: since every team must be represented, who will be the Orioles' representative at the All-Star game? The only reasonable options for position players would have to be Roberts and Markakis, right? Since the OF positions are always jammed with potential selections, and since Roberts is having a relatively quiet year, I don't see Terry Francona picking either of these two guys.
So that leaves a pitcher. Just from my observations it would appear that the one-and-only-one teams usually end up getting their closer chosen. I could see Sherrill getting the nod from us, since he's currently second in the majors in saves (21, behind Francisco Rodriguez's 27). Frankly, I don't like this, as I would be willing to bet money he gives up a home run in the game (assuming he ever gets into it). As SC pointed out yesterday, he "has a tendency to make it exciting," and the Orioles have been enough of a laughingstock on the national stage for my taste without an All-Star game debacle.
I couldn't see any other pitcher being chosen.
So, for those that care about such things, any opinions?
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Flat Cap
Sherrill is the only logical pick. Guthrie deserves to be picked but won’t be because W-L records, unfortunately, obliterate all rational thinking.
by Lothar on Jun 12, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shutdown will be named
and then never sniff the field. He won’t get in, so don’t worry about being embarrassed.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 12, 2008 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed not
Francona’s gonna make sure Mariano throws at least 40 pitches
You can't fix stupid. Stupid is forever.
by sluggo 2.0 on Jun 12, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he'll face one lefty and leave the game.
Wolf, wolf, wolf.
by birdman on Jun 12, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Long Legs
Cabrera would have been in the running if he hadn’t fallen off over his last three starts
by Dr Orpheus on Jun 12, 2008 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He still probably has 3 or so starts to get back on the horse....
and don’t mean Jay Gibbons.
"Chickens are hard to catch." Jennifer Scott (Luuuuuuuke's Mom)
by dayzd toe on Jun 12, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it will be Sherrill
He’ll pitch one out, if at all.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by SC on Jun 12, 2008 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, the glimmer of this prospect is dimming fast...
Rah Rah Rasputin / Lover of the Russian queen
There was a cat that / Really loved Birds. -- Boney M
by Titov on Jun 16, 2008 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Rod we trust.
"He’s in trouble. Whatever he throws me, I’m going to hit it."
-- Alex Cintron
by BrianS on Jun 12, 2008 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JJ
"Whether your name is Gehrig or Ripken, DiMaggio or Robinson, or that of some youngster who picks up his bat or puts on his glove, you are challenged by the game of baseball to do your very best day in and day out. That's all I've ever tried to do."
by spike2131 on Jun 12, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rod Carew never wore the orange and black. Jackass.
Aren’t you out to sea yet?
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
by Ghost of Floyd Rayford on Jun 12, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who will be our All-Star?
Amber TheoHarris.
Wolf, wolf, wolf.
by birdman on Jun 12, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree....
it’s definitely going to be Shutdown. I hate how the all-star voting is a poplularity contest. I mean lets compare Pedroia’s stats to BRob’s stats.
Roberts- AVG-.278 HR-4 RBI-24 SB-18
Pedroia- AVG-.264 HR-4 RBI-29 SB-6
Fuck Red Sox Nation!
Geaux Eaux's
by NawlinsOriole on Jun 12, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't even tell half the story
Pedroia’s OPS is low (although mostly due to his low BA) and while that will balance out by year’s end and I wouldn’t vote for him. I voted for Ian Kinsler at 2B. I did vote for 3 Sox though: Youkilis, Manny and Drew, who is really having an outstanding year.
by Awesome Mike Awesome on Jun 12, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
I did not vote for Ortiz even though he’ll probably win because he rules and even being injured no other DH is in his neighborhood. I voted for Frank Thomas because I’d like to see him get a start. As for pitchers, Papelbon will make it, maybe Beckett if his ERA keeps dropping, and possibly Lester if he keeps pitching well. Youkilis, Manny, Drew and Papelbon definitely deserve to go at this point.
by Awesome Mike Awesome on Jun 12, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And don't even look at OBP or SLG%
Pedroia is having a pretty bad year; him making the ASG is a joke.
I think Roberts and/or Markakis will go. Too many solid closers for Sherill to get picked. KRod, Papelbon, Rivera, Nathan, Jenks, and Soria have all probably have a better argument than Sherrill; unless you just look at Saves (which Francona may).
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Jun 12, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
UNless Kakes gets the average to at least .310
he won’t sniff the ASG. Too many “names” out there to pick. But once he makes it, he may be going back more than a few times. But getting that first one is gonna be tough, playing for a team that’s not PHN or MFY.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 12, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's getting to the point where he is a name
His stats warrant it. 4th among OF’ers in OBP and 7th in OPS. His arm has gotten a lot of press this year and his SB are very good for a player that can actually hit. Really not that many OF’ers having very productive years.
He many not make it; but I think he’s going to get taken before Sherrill and same with Roberts. My guess is it’s going to be Kinsler, Roberts and Pedroia at 2B.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Jun 12, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're thinking rationally
and we have the manager of the PHN making the picks. I’m betting the two don’t mix well together.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 12, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got no beef with Francona
He seems like a good dude.
"We’re not concerned about what other teams think. I know teams come in here thinking we’re playing the Orioles. And then 9 innings later, they got the loss, they know what we’re about." ~Adam Jones
by Stacey on Jun 12, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
after the fan voting, player voting, the one player per team requirements and the last man, the manager gets to make about one or two picks. In fact, last time Francona managed the All Star team, he could’ve easily taken Mike Timlin, who was having an excellent season, and did not.
by Awesome Mike Awesome on Jun 12, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My rankings
1) Honeybear
2) Flat Brim
3) B.Rob (did anyone figure out what that shitty Creed song is yet?)
...and my dark horse? The Buzzsaw, your Golden God and Mine, Jim Johnson. Too bad we actually have decent candidates this year; we could pull off a Lance Carter ‘03 All-Star-style berth.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
by Ghost of Floyd Rayford on Jun 12, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Markakis
a lot of the top OFers are having down years
Nick Markakis: The Actual Greek God of Walks
by wickedwitch on Jun 12, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jon Heyman's No-Star Team???
So, Roch pointed out this article called the No-Star Team by Jon Heyman from SI. He picks out the biggest busts and suckiest players of the year for his No-Star Team.
For some reason, he picks ADAM JONES as his center fielder… I don’t know what to say. Wow.
by Y Not on Jun 12, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Say this
“Yet more proof Jon Heyman doesn’t know what the fuck he talking about.”
Say it loud, say it often.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 12, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No-Stars?
That’s the biggest bunch of hackery I’ve read all day.
And I’ve read some real hackery today.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.
by Ghost of Floyd Rayford on Jun 12, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I sent him...
How do I say this politely?Uh…
ARE YOU ON DRUGS?
Adam Jones, no star? Have you even WATCHED an O’s game this year, or are you just taking what ESPN et.al. feed you in highlights?
He’s a 22-year-old kid still learning to hit a curve. And getting better at it. The kid makes plays in the CF we haven’t seen since Mike freakin’ Deveroux, and the hitting is getting better. He’s learning on the job, at age 22. Did I mention he’s just 22? We O’s fans are having patience, why can’t you?
“Lots of big names, some with huge contracts, populate my team of the least productive players so far this year.”
He wasn’t a big name going into this year. God knows he doesn’t have a big contract. He’s 66th in OBP of everyone who’s had an AB in the OF. Granted, not great. But he’s 22!
Where’s Garrett Anderson on your list? His OBP is a mere .293, but he doesn’t get ridiculed. How about Emil Brown and his hefty .289 OBP?
NO, you have to pick on a kid who’s learning at the MLB level on a team rebuilding for 2010. Way to go out on a limb, Important Media Guy.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 12, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice job.
I’d like to write him too, but they haven’t yet created a profanity to express how I really feel about his article.
by Y Not on Jun 12, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wrote him as well
and reminded him that he was also singling out one fifth of the return for Erik Bedard. It wasn’t exactly a Jones for Bedard trade so why would he expect Jones to come in and hit .300. I also mentioned 22!!!
I've got two nickels and a paradigm. - RWH
by BPinOK on Jun 12, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
did Erik Bedard make the team?
I can’t “be arsed” to read Jon Heyman’s tripe.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by SC on Jun 13, 2008 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope.
SP—Justin Verlander, Tigers (2-9, 5.05); Jarrod Washburn, Mariners (2-7, 6.09); Carlos Silva, Mariners (3-7, 5.79); Boof Bonser, Twins (3-6, 6.00); Nate Robertson, Tigers (4-6, 5.88).Dontrelle Willis can’t make the game since he’s currently pitching for Class-A Lakeland, but two other Tigers pitchers can. The Mariners could have three in this rotation; Miguel Batista (3-7, 6.00) has been pretty bad, too.
So, teh 22 y.o. kid (one of FIVE players traded for Bedard) learning on the job does, but the the guy the Mariners gave up FIVE GUYS for doesn’t. Hmmmmm…...
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 13, 2008 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The more pissed I am
the worse my typing gets.
:)
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 13, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mariners and Tigers rule
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by SC on Jun 13, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My letter:
I realize this No-Star Team was a harmless article on your part. And your opinion. Fine by me!
So when you chose Adam Jones for your No-Star Team – I wasn’t bothered by your opinion on this matter…
... I’m just surprised that you have a job as a baseball analyst/reporter for a respectable sports news organization.
——-
Thanks for contributing
Thanks for your mailbag submission!
Come back soon to see if your question is among those selected.
by Y Not on Jun 13, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odd
What seems odd to me is that he says it’s the worst of the worst, and then it gets to Jones it just says “Jones is learning on the job”. That doesn’t seem to be much of knock. 22 year olds will do that. He many pan out; he many not; but he isn’t the worst of the worst.
And instead of picking a guy who learning on the job; why not take a guy Cuddyer who is actually making big money, is in his prime years, and has far worse numbers. Or Guys like Crawford or Rios who are far bigger names and have been putting up simiar stats.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Jun 12, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone
catch during last nights game when they were talking to Trembley during the “wired wednesday” portion of the show and that ball gets hit to deep center and Adam makes a great play on the ball and Trembley never misses a beat when he throws in “That kid can play.”
I've got two nickels and a paradigm. - RWH
by BPinOK on Jun 12, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i like the orioles.
what about you guys?
Yes, I should say that, which, I should say that.
by thewaywardO on Jun 12, 2008 5:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Must Pick
Well, if you had to pick an Oriole for this No Star Team, who would it be? Not counting whatever baloney rules of eligibility our buddy Heyman might cook up, it would hands down be Trachsel, right? And ducking for cover with riot gear second in line, Freddy Bynum?
On another note, I felt so freaking bad for Dontrelle the other night getting rocked by the broken-down Indians. Eyes shifting to the dugout, getting taken yard, eyes opening up like deer in headlights, Coach Dust-breath coming out and Dontrelle nodding his head like a turkey. Have fun in Class A, buddy. Heck of a contract you took Detroit for. Maybe I don’t feel so bad after all!
by blawk359 on Jun 13, 2008 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No star?
Whoever the Shortstop-For-A-Day is that day.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 13, 2008 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say Razor Ramon...
But he is in the best shape of his career, so that can’t be right.
by Brotz13 on Jun 13, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One last time...
Yeah. Trapezoid.
"I wasn't here for the losing years. But it feels a little like the days with Earl in charge and John Lowenstein smashing birthday cakes in the middle of the clubhouse with a bat." - John "T-Bone" Shelby
by duck on Jun 13, 2008 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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