What's An All Star?

by Eric Simon on Jul 7, 2008 12:00 PM EDT

The 2008 All Star rosters were announced yesterday, and Jose Reyes was left off of the reserve roster for reasons I can't begin to understand. Hanley Ramirez was rightfully elected by the fans, but manager Clint Hurdle inexplicably named Miguel Tejada to the team in lieu of Reyes. Cristian Guzman was also named as a shortstop, but the Nationals are putrid and had nobody else worthwhile to send. The Astros already had Lance Berkman starting at first so they didn't need Tejada as their lone representative. Reyes has been so much better this season it's almost laughable to have to compare them here, but for yours and Clint Hurdle's benefit here we go.

	Jose Reyes	Miguel Tejada
AVG	.294	.282
OBP	.355	.319
SLG	.482	.437
SB	31	6
HR	9	10
2B	21	20
3B	10	2
VORP	34.0	17.1
EQA	.293	.259
WinShares	12	9
WPA	0.55	-0.70

I think I speak for Jose Reyes when I say "F@#$ you, Clint Hurdle!"

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dropping Reyes is insane

But omitting Santana is also kind of nuts—the guy is like 5th in the league in ERA. And I honestly think there’s a strong case to be made for both Wright and Beltran without being too much of a homer. In fact I wonder how much the home-fan disappointment contributed to the Mets’ players getting such short shrift.

by anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

No doubt

I didn’t even vote this year due to be inenthusiasm for the Mets. Dissapointment really. Beltran doesn’t deserve it…but Reyes did, and as he’s the official “Most Exciting Player in Baseball”, there was no excuse. Even though it’s Yankee Stadium—it is New York as well. Give me a break, just Wagner.

That being said, I’m still satisfied with it. I think these Mets need a wakeup call…annual tickets to the All-Star Game to enjoy being with the other great players don’t just get handed out for free. I think they needed it.

The 2008 NY Mets: Reyes singles. Castillo infield single. Wright walks. Beltran lines out. ZaBlanc bitches. Delgado strikes out. Reyes picked off third. Fans boo. Padres win 2-1.

by ZaBlanc on Jul 8, 2008 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah totally stupid

fun too point out, too, but ultimately who cares. im glad the mets are staying home. less crap to interfere with the actual season.

by kendynamo on Jul 7, 2008 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

Santana

Statistically, a valid argument can be made for Santana making the team, especially over Aaron Cook and his 3.66 ERA and 4.3 K/9. However, the better argument is, if this game is supposed to “count” for home field in the World Series, how do you only carry one lefty pitcher on your roster?
Don’t get me wrong. I think the whole idea of the all-star game counting is stupid. But since it does the manager should be prepared to match pitchers against batters. The Rockies are terrible, and despite a bad division are probably out of the playoff race. It’s absurd that a manager who is playing for nothing gets to be a homer when the outcome may affect teams with a chance.

by Reg Dunlop on Jul 7, 2008 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

Clearly, an All-Star is not someone who dances.

I didn’t realize how absurd Tejada’s selection was until just then.

by JoshNY on Jul 7, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

Reyes

Too fiery to be an all-star? Discuss.

by ams258 on Jul 7, 2008 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not sure if I'd say "too fiery"

But Tejada was picked by polling the players, and it’s certainly possible that Reyes’ dancing etc. rubbed enough people the wrong way to get them to vote for Tejada instead. It’s still an embarrassment though.

by JoshNY on Jul 8, 2008 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Good Call

Good post. A rare instance when the fans get the vote right, and then the manager makes a horrible call. When I first heard about the choices last night I kept thinking where was Reyes, but I had no idea his numbers were that much better than Tejada’s.

by Fucilli5 on Jul 7, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

so we're playing .500 ball

with biggest payroll in National League and you’re bitching about some player not making the All Star team. Who should really care. I don’t . This happens every year and every year I hear bitching about this crap.

Save America. Impeach Bush

by elifriedman on Jul 7, 2008 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

plenty of other threads discussing our issues

pick one.

by DoctorK16 on Jul 7, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Second Verse Same As The First

Every year worthy players are left off the All-Star teams. If every worthy player made it, then where would the fun be? Debates between baseball fans are just as American as apple pie, hot dogs, and some car company I have conveniently forgotten. ;-)

Here’s a question: Why do you still watch, or not watch, the All-Star game? I am curious to hear people’s replies to this. I have made my thoughts on the All-Star game known in another post so I won’t repeat them. Thanks. :-)

"We praise or blame as one or the other affords more opportunity for exhibiting our power of judgment." Friedrich Nietzsche, "Human,All Too Human" (1878)

by wgarrett on Jul 7, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

for as stupid and worthless as the all star game is

i really enjoy the whole deal, including the bitching about who’s left of the team. plus anything baseball related to discuss besides the shitty first half of the season is fine with me.

by kendynamo on Jul 7, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions