What's your 2009 All-Star ballot look like?
by dtpollitt on Jun 22, 2009 10:27 PM CDT
46 comments
What's your 2009 All-Star ballot look like? Here's my 2009 ballot. Whether you like it or not, the voting process is in the hands of the fans, and as such, I take my vote seriously. I vote based on individual performance and contribution to the team, nothing more. I'd like to see your ballot, too, and hear some of your reasonings.
Dan
AL
1B - Morneau over Cabrera and Teixeira. I can't give my vote to Tex because he plays in that Juice Box that is new Yankee Stadium, and I'd rather have Justin in my lineup (paired with Mauer) than Cabrera and any Tiger.
2B - Hill over Kinsler, simply because Hill has a better batting average. He's cooled off a bit, but he's been great this season.
SS - Bartlett has been great this season, even with a DL stint. The trade with the Twins for Garza is looking more and more lopsided as Young isn't doing too well for the Twinkies.
3B - Longoria. No brainer here. MVP candidate.
C - Mauer. Victor Martinez deserves a nod, too, but the Minnesota hometown hero Joe has been unreal with a .407 clip. Who's got a better swing: Pujols or Mauer? I could watch either all day long.
OF - Bay, Hunter, Jones. Bay's been a great slugger, Hunter looks like he's 5 years younger, and Adam Jones may be the real 5-tool player. How craptastic does that Mariners trade for Bedard look now? Andy McPhail, you genius you.
NL
1B - Pujols, the best player on the planet. For as great the NL Central's first basemen are (Pujols, Votto, Berkman, Fielder, Lee, LaRoche), no one comes close to King Albert.
2B - Utley over Phillips. IIRC, Brandon had an off-year last season and has really progressed back to his 2007 form.
SS - Hanley. Somewhat of a slow start offensively in the major slash stats, but still worthy. I'll tell you who should NOT make it--Reyes.
3B - Wright. Fantastic average and OBP clip, and 18 steals to boot. Zimmerman is a fine choice on the worst team in baseball, too. I'd love to pick Aramis here, but 66 ABs just doesn't cut it.
C - Molinas. I'll take either, but I assume the St. Louis version will make the cut. McCann, with his vision problems, hasn't played nearly enough (170 ABs) to be Atlanta's everyday catcher, and Martin has had a poor offensive showing this year.
OF - Ibanez, Braun, Beltran. Probably the most crowded of the MLB picks, with Hawpe, Upton, and Pence all fine choices, but the three I've chosen have been intergral to their team's successes.
There you have it. I'll get around to pitchers here soon enough.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Pretty much agree with everything except for NL Catcher…
Have you looked at the numbers? It’s McCann all the way…not even close.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
by Little Lady on Jun 22, 2009 10:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bengie’s probably the best defensive catcher of the three, but his offensive stats are the lowest.
Brian’s offensive stats are superior to both Molinas, but he’s played about a dozen less games. I gave it to Yadier simply because he’s the catcher for the home team. McCann’s fine with me too.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 22, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty Similair
AL:
C Mauer
1b Morneau
2b kinsler
ss jeter
3b longoria
of bay, adam jones, juan rivera
sp: halladay
NL:
c mccann
1b pujols (no brainer)
2b utley
ss hanley
3b wright
of ibanez, braun, and I think juan pierre deserves it for what he’s done for the dodgers while Manny was/is out.
sp santana
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 22, 2009 10:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't pick Jeter at all.
Defensively, Bartlett has a UZR/150 over 5 runs better than Jeter. Offensively, Jason has a OPS+ of 158 compared to Derek’s 115. That’s a significantly larger number for Jason, and he doesn’t play in the field where singles become homers.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 22, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
i picked the same guys too…expect for Braun. I dislike him too much to vote for him.
by TJ3117 on Jun 22, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What???????????
Alfonso Soriano not an all-star? Surely you jest.
(sarcasm)
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 22, 2009 11:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sad thing is he might be on the allstar team if beltran doesnt get back before the game
by jesus christos on Jun 23, 2009 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Cubs are all-stars.
Lilly & Wells are the only two that should get consideration, IMO.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 23, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and Adam Dunn.
But he’s not a Cub now, is he? No, we signed the guy with a third less homers and a third less RBI.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 23, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Lilly.
Why not? He’s been the Cubs’ best pitcher so far.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 23, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That argument
doesn’t mean much.
Just because you’re a teams best pitcher doesn’t make you an all-star.
Are you calling John Lannan an all-star? (he’s actually having a decent year) Since he is the Nationals best pitcher and all.
by jxmetal1 on Jun 23, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there has to be one all star from each team...
So far, Lilly’s the only one fitting that description for the Cubs.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Jun 23, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
that does make you an all-star. By default. lol
Grandkids – Grandpa! What was it like being selected to the all-star game? You must’ve been REALLY good!
Lilly – Well, somebody had to get selected. Lets just leave it at that.
by jxmetal1 on Jun 23, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
An even better story was Joe Girardi in 2000.
Just before the All-Star game, Mike Piazza got hurt. The NL had two other catchers, Mike Lieberthal and Jason Kendall, but wanted a third. They kept calling people and couldn’t find anyone until they found Girardi home with his kids. He agreed to come — one of the weirdest All-Star selections ever.
He was the only position player who didn’t get in the game.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 23, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leave this Earth...
If you don’t believe Ted Lilly is worthy of an all-star spot.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 24, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lilly is an all-star for sure.
Wells hasn’t logged enough innings. Zambrano should be considered. He shouldn’t get it, but he’s not that far off.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 24, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was trying to question dtpolitt's statement that no Cubs are all stars.
As of now Lilly makes it by default, since every team must be represented, but that does not detract form my point that Lilly has earned his spot on the NL roster.
As for Wells, hopefully that was a tongue in cheek comment.
by lookingdeadred on Jun 24, 2009 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't entirely clear in my statement.
I just meant “No Cubs are All-Star starters”. I do think Lilly should make the team, without a doubt, and I assume at least one more Cubbie will, too.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 25, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No it wasn't tongue-in-cheek.
He showed up too late. I guy’s not gonna make the all-star team having thrown 50 innings as a starter when other guys have thrown twice that amount. It just will not happen. In addition to guys like Wells who were called up late, guys who missed significant time due to injury never make the all-star team (unless bonehead fans vote them in).
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 24, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I forgot about that.
If his IP is half that of others, he won’t be up for consideration. Thanks for the reminder.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 24, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on what he does in the next two weeks.
If he can win, say, three games and pop up in the league ERA leaders, Wells might get picked. He’s only 13 innings short of qualifying — he might be on the league leader lists by early July.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Zambrano could also make it if he has a good stretch of starts.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 25, 2009 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get real!
Wells is not going to be considered for the all star team.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 25, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always vote an All-cub card in the NL
I usually just pick a random collection of guys in the AL, something like the third name in the second column or something like that.
The in stadium ballot this year included a vote for the home run derby. Ted Lilly has 5 votes for the home run derby thanks to me.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 23, 2009 8:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ted Lilly could win the HR Derby blindfolded.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 23, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps he will try
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 23, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With a wiffle-ball bat.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Jun 23, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols
St. Louis relievers... defying win expectancy since 2008
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/
by vivaelpujols on Jun 23, 2009 8:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
for every position
St. Louis relievers... defying win expectancy since 2008
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/
by vivaelpujols on Jun 23, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't TLR suggest
that he was saving Pujols an ASG back or two, precisely because he could play every position?
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jun 23, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Pujols threw a fit
bc he never got to play
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 23, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no he didn't
Tony’s “reasoning” for not pinch hitting Rowand with Pujols (I assume this is what you are referring to), was that it would force Soriano to move to center next inning, if the NL tied it. wow
St. Louis relievers... defying win expectancy since 2008
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/
by vivaelpujols on Jun 25, 2009 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's see...
I want “stars” not just the guys performing well this year. If they’re true All-Stars, they can do it two seasons in a row.
AL
C Mauer
1B Youkilis – he’s matched Morneau’s SLG, and then adds .050 pts of OBP. How don’t you vote for a .444 OBP?
2B Kinsler
SS Jeter – Maybe one of Aaron Hill and Jason Bartlett are ever in the ASG discussion again, but I doubt both will be.
3B Longoria
OF Bay – Hunter – Ichiro – Adam Jones will be here eventually. Ichiro is better this year.
NL
C McCann – weak field after a strong one last year
1B Albertus Magnus
2B Utley
SS Hanley – The NL middle IF pool is so much stronger than the AL…
3B Wright
OF Ibanez – Upton – Braun – Beltran is missing on account of injury; he’d replace Braun if healthy.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jun 23, 2009 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Upton is a stud
That guy is going to tear up the NL for a long time.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 23, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Until he signs with the Yankees.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Jun 23, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought we were supposed to vote for crap players for the AL
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 23, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that's precisely what I did on my ballot.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 23, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I can’t fault those that do just this…it’s the system (and Bud Selig) to blame, not us that want to face sub-par AL players. If you compare player for player, I’d rather take the NL lineup any day of the week, but we just haven’t gotten it done lately…
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 23, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know my ballot won't make a bit of difference, which is why I do it more than anything.
Plus, the thought of seeing a lineup of Mike Jacobs, Alexi Casilla, Mike Aviles, Josh Fields, Greg Zaun, Carlos Gomez, Brett Gardner and Dewayne Wise is kind of humorous.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Jun 23, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My ballot looks as if very few Cubs are on it.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Jun 23, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Mine:
AL:
1B – Cabrera (DET)
2B – Hill (TOR)
SS – Scutaro (TOR)
3B – Longoria (TB)
OF – Hunter (LAA)
OF – Ichiro (SEA)
OF – Jones (BAL)
NL:
1B – Pujols (STL)
2B – Sanchez (PIT)
SS – Ramirez (FLA)
3B – Wright (NYM)
OF – Braun (MIL)
OF – Pence (HOU)
OF – Ibanez (PHI)
by ZachenFoot on Jun 23, 2009 2:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No catchers?
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
by Little Lady on Jun 23, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops!
AL:
C – Martinez (CLE)
NL:
C – Molina (STL)
by ZachenFoot on Jun 23, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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