A mostly unbiased all-star ballot...
by Little Lady on May 30, 2010 3:07 AM EDT
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PrintI know there was probably a collective eye roll upon the posting of this fanpost. Really, I wanted to do some research for myself so I could make informed decisions for the all-star game. As much as I hate that the starters are supposed to be voted on by fans, I don't want to be one of those fans that just votes for his/her favorites or the most popular.
You may wonder why I have only listed these simple stats for each player. The reason for this is that I think they are mostly indicative of the level at which the players have played thus far. Most of the advanced stats don't really tell a different story than these.
The players aren't listed in any type of order and I may have left off a few players who you think are deserving, but I'm certainly still open for debate on which players are truly deserving.
Here we go!
C:
Doumit: OBP: .363 / OPS: .813 / XBH: 15 / RBI: 19 / R: 14
Barajas: OBP: .293 / OPS: .832 / XBH: 18 / RBI: 28 / R: 21
McCann: OBP: .383 / OPS: .811 / XBH: 12 / RBI: 18 / R: 18
Ruiz: OBP: .426 / OPS: .820 / XBH: 7 / RBI: 11 / R: 13
Hernandez: OBP: .412 / OPS: .861 / XBH: 9 / RBI: 12 / R: 10
I think the catching position is probably one of the hardest to really gauge. The reason I chose OBP instead of AVG for the catchers was because of the large discrepancies between the candidates. Some catchers have a high average and a comparatively low on-base and vice versa. Considering the rough start McCann had, I was pleasantly surprised by his numbers. Objectively, I would choose Doumit. Ruiz has had a solid season to this point. Ramon Hernandez’s numbers trump Doumit’s, but he has been splitting time with Hannigan. The Reds catching duo is off to a hot start and are trying to overtake the McCann/Ross duo for tops in the NL.
1B:
Votto: AVG: .312 / OPS: .961 / XBH: 20 / RBI: 33 / R: 29
Pujols: AVG: .299 / OPS: .925 / XBH: 22 / RBI: 34 / R: 27
Howard: AVG: .291 / OPS: .804 / XBH: 16 / RBI: 33 / R: 29
Huff: AVG: .291 / OPS: .826 / XBH: 16 / RBI: 22 / R: 25
Fielder: AVG: .268 / OPS: .826 / XBH: 14 / RBI: 19 / R: 31
Votto has gotten off to a great start while Pujols has had an unusually poor month of May. I honestly don’t think you could go wrong by choosing either Votto or Pujols, but thus far the nod should go to Votto. Howard, Huff and Fielder are having good seasons, too, but they don’t really compare with the top two first sackers.
2B:
Utley: AVG: .276 / OPS: .919 / XBH: 21 / RBI: 24 / R: 35
Prado: AVG: .324 / OPS: .824 / XBH: 19 / RBI: 26 / R: 36
Uggla: AVG: .267 / OPS: .876 / XBH: 21 / RBI: 31 / R: 34
Johnson: AVG: .253 / OPS: .910 / XBH: 27 / RBI: 25 / R: 32
Fontenot: AVG: .337 / OPS: .886 / XBH: 12 / RBI: 15 / R: 11
Remember when the NL East used to be known for all their great shortstops? The tide seems to have turned to the right side of the infield and the new beasts of the east are the second basemen. Despite my bias, I can see that Utley is having another great season. I was surprised by how closely his numbers compare with Prado's, Uggla's and Johnson's. The NL Team would do well to have both Utley and Prado make the team. Unfortunately for Uggla, I still have nightmares (ok, that’s an exaggeration…) of his last all-star errorfest appearance, so I’ll probably never vote for him. Johnson, however, is having a great year; he has really been racking up the extra-base hits.
3B:
Zimmerman: AVG: .295 / OPS: .910 / XBH: 20 / RBI: 25 / R: 25
Wright: AVG: .244 / OPS: .811 / XBH: 21 / RBI: 33 / R: 21
McGehee: AVG: .308 / OPS: .896 / XBH: 22 / RBI: 41 / R: 25
Rolen: AVG: .277 / OPS: .900 / XBH: 22 / RBI: 32 / R: 28
Polanco: AVG: .306 / OPS: .790 / XBH: 16 / RBI: 21 / R: 26
I was surprised by the overall lack of production out of 3B this season. McGehee, Rolen and Zimmerman seem to be standing head and toes above the rest of the pack. Zimmerman and Rolen are both great defensively as well as offensively. What separates the two are their teams; the Reds are having a great season while the Nationals are hovering around .500. Both seem to be equally important to their teams, but since Rolen’s team has had more success it would make sense to vote for the more successful player.
SS:
Ramirez: AVG: .297 / OPS: .857 / XBH: 17 / RBI: 26 / R: 26
Tulowitzki: AVG: .306 / OPS: .865 / XBH: 21 / RBI: 25 / R: 38
Drew: AVG: .299 / OPS: .847 / XBH: 20 / RBI: 19 / R: 28
Uribe: AVG: .286 / OPS: .830 / XBH: 14 / RBI: 29 / R: 22
Rollins: Irrelevant at this point…
Shortstop is another competitive position, though it is much more top-heavy than 2B. Tulowitzki is deserving of the start; he’s great on both sides of the ball. Ramirez and Drew are also having excellent seasons, and since when does Juan Uribe deserve all-star consideration? Rollins would be having a great year if he could stay on the field. Alas, the nod goes to Tulo.
OF:
Heyward AVG: .298 / OPS: 1.011 / XBH: 22 /RBI: 36 / R: 29
Braun AVG: .325 / OPS: .932 / XBH: 24 / RBI: 32 / R: 38
Werth AVG: .302 / OPS: .968 / XBH: 31 / RBI: 31 / R: 31
Willingham AVG: .280 / OPS: .973 / XBH: 18 / RBI: 34 / R: 29
Soriano AVG: .301 / OPS: .951 / XBH: 25 / RBI: 27 / R: 28
Victorino AVG: .257 / OPS: .769 / XBH: 19 / RBI: 33 / R: 29
This is where it really gets tough. There are many outfielders who are very deserving of an all-star selection. I left off several worthy candidates, most notably Andrew McCutchen, Andre Ethier, and Melky Cabrera. Since Melky was left off the ballot, however, the three players who are most deserving are Werth, Heyward and Braun. That might be an…interesting outfield considering they’re all corner men. If I were to pick an actual LF, CF and RF, I would probably choose Braun, McCutchen and Heyward. Why Heyward over Werth, you ask? Simple. It’s because of Heyward’s flair for the dramatic…nothing to do with my Braves bias, I swear.
Since I'm nice I will provide the cliffnotes version...
C: Doumit
1B: Votto
2B: Prado
3B: Rolen
SS: Tulowitzki
OF: Werth
OF: Heyward
OF: Braun
Some of these are bound to change (i.e. Doumit to McCann), but at this point I think these players are deserving of All-Star starts. Do you agree or disagree?
Stats provided by ESPN.
This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.
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Let's play a game:
Over/Under: 95.1% (i got you royhobbs!) of the votes are for Heyward? I’ll take the over.
Nice research. I always vote my 25 times, but I don’t like voting without just basic research. Votto should definately be there and I’m gonna hit something hard of Heyward doesn’t make it. But we all know Charlie Manuel is a total douchebag and he won’t pick Heyward as a reserve.
"Batting 4th and doing the catching, says here this guy weighs 210 pounds...I'm not buyin it! It's Brian McCann."
Bobby
Should be the NL manager. They should let sports officials (or writers) pick the manager, cuz it’d be Bobby if they got to vote. last season an’ all.
It's deja vu all over again.
You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.
It ain't over til it's over
-Yogi Berra
Melky?
as an All-Star? I’ll pass.
An OF of Werth, Braun and Heyward would do good offensively but who plays CF? none of them are true CF’ers
probably Heyward. he’s the most athletic out of the bunch and can probably cover the most ground.
"Batting 4th and doing the catching, says here this guy weighs 210 pounds...I'm not buyin it! It's Brian McCann."
by Scott Coleman on May 30, 2010 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions
that's a funny thought
not to demean heyward or werth or braun in any way, but…. the thought of heyward, as a gazelle gliding to catch a ball in center field, amuses me.
Actually...
I wouldn’t be opposed to having Braun serve as the DH and McCutchen start in center. No doubt Braun gets voted into the starting outfield, though.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
I think we can go ahead and pencil ‘Cutch into one of those OF spots on the All-Star roster, what with the ol’ “every team must be represented” rule.
That being said, Heyward and Prado are really the only players on our team deserving of being all-stars, and they both have really good chances of making it.
Help me! Some bullies threw my shoes over a telephone wire...with me in them!!
by !Vive la Francoeur! on May 30, 2010 4:22 AM EDT reply actions
What about Hudson?
At least by traditional standards (W-L, ERA), he’s a clear choice. Obviously his BB/K ratio is sub-par, but I still think you could make a good case for him.
Also, Wagner’s K numbers are phenomenal, so he would be a good choice for one of the closer spots.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on May 30, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh,
and Brian McCann is a CLEAR choice for one of the catcher spots.
If we don’t get Mac, Prado, and J-Hey on the team, it’s a crime. Especially with the expanded rosters.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on May 30, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Mmmm, I’m looking at some stats and I honestly am not seeing any sign of McCann being a clear choice. The only catcher having any kind of standout year at he plate is Miguel Olivo with a 952 OPS. Beyond him you’ve got Soto, McCann, Doumit, Carlos Ruiz, and Rod Barajas all bunched together with OPS ranging from .800-.830 I think Mac might get in based off of name recognition but worry Barajas is gonna get it cause of his HRs and the New York factor.
And ya, I had forgotten about Wagner. Other than his low Saves, he is killing in every other stat. But relief pitcher is gonna be a a tough fight for an AllStar spot. Carlos Marmol, Jonathon Broxton, Brian Wilson, and Heath Bell are all doing great and have more saves than Wagner. Matt Capps and Francisco Cordero are both having great years. I think that Wag’s low save total is gonna keep him off the AS team.
Help me! Some bullies threw my shoes over a telephone wire...with me in them!!
by !Vive la Francoeur! on May 30, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I think for McCann….you have to ignore his April, since he was struggling with his vision, and assume he’ll play to his career numbers (and he has been hitting a lot better in May). If he plays to his career numbers, he deserves to be the NL starting catcher.
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on May 31, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I think barring a significant regression Huddy will be one of the pitchers named.
I know how everyone has kvetched at the balloting so far, but you have to admit, on paper, the NL pitching staff looks downright filthy this year.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
It's true...
I was going to do a section for NL starters, as well, but man…there were too many good choices. Obviously, Jimenez has been the best so far. Throw in Halladay, Garcia, Hudson, Wainwright, and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t even include relief pitchers.
If Manuel somehow picks as horrible of a team as he did last year, at least we know there’s a good chance the pitching will be phenomenal…
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
how many all star positions are there? can’t you have like 35 players on a team? if that’s the case than all the guys you mentioned make it including Melky, j/k
Actually, I think it’s higher than that….they just expanded, but I forget to what number. 38? 40?
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on May 31, 2010 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, nevermind....
It’s only 34.
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on May 31, 2010 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with all of this except for the catcher
Doumit has been horrible at throwing out runners (40 steals to 4 CS), and his offense is below that of several other catchers in the league. Barajas has been even worse defensively, if that’s possible, Ruiz provides no offense whatsoever, and Ramon Hernandez has fewer than 100 ABs. The only logical choice is McCann, who is beginnning to rebound offensively after a rough start and has thrown out runners at the highest rate of his career.
McCann can throw it to center field better than the rest of them, I’ll give him that. I don’t think McCann is having an All Star season at the plate or behind it either. Give him the days off this year.
Heyward is pretty good
Honestly...
I’ve been holding off voting because I’ve been waiting for McCann to right the ship. Even with his poor numbers so far, he’s still right up there with the best of them…which is sad.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
VOTE HEYWARD AND PRADO ON THE REAL THING
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
"i’m going to keep stats on you for as long as it humors me….target is unclear" - BMacAttack (Hohn's queef)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on May 30, 2010 11:13 AM EDT reply actions
Objectively, you'd choose Doumit?
Don’t both McCann and Ruiz have obviously better numbers than Doumit? Or am I missing something? Doumit is also terrible defensively. I could see voting for Ruiz b/c of his obscene OBP, but I think that’ll drop off by ASG time and Mac is obviously the superior talent overall. Also, it’s a crime you didn’t put Yadier Molina on there. He’s not great offensively, but he’s the best defensive catcher in baseball.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on May 30, 2010 11:39 AM EDT reply actions
Very true.
I knew I’d forget someone…
However, I wouldn’t say McCann and Ruiz have obviously better numbers than Doumit. I can definitely see the case for Ruiz to start. He’s great defensively and has had a pretty good year at the plate so far. It’s tough to really gauge McCann. As a Braves fan, I know that he’s hit much better post-glasses. I feel like if I wait another week or so, McCann might have started separating himself. Then again, the compexion of any position could change in just a couple of weeks.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
I think Ruiz is deserving at this point.
He’s putting up an obscene OBP, as you said, and he’s a very good defensive catcher as well. He’s also got a flair for the dramatic-doing very well in the clutch this year.
Of course, I can’t make myself vote him-I hate him with a passion. It’d be like a Mets fan voting for Chipper in the late 90s-early aughts. Just not happening. I’m going to hold off just a bit longer and see if McCann will come around, and if he doesn’t get back to his usual level, I’m voting for Miguel Olivo. Seeing how Phillies fans are stuffing the ballot boxes, Ruiz will probably make it anyway.
To me, Prado, Heyward and Wagner are the Braves who deserve consideration. Wagner’s last year, and pitching pretty dominatingly, Prado leading the league in hits and Heyward as the young phenom. I really hope Heyward is not in the HR Derby, but I’d bet a lot of money he will be.
I’m not a fan of the All Star game. I don’t like the voting, I don’t like the WS home field issue, I’d rather give the guys a few days off and start back up. If players and managers picked the teams, maybe it would be different in my eyes. As is, with 25 votes per e-mail address, it’s a crock of shit.
Heyward is pretty good
Voted last night
Going off my memory, I think my NL went like this:
1B Pujols (rough May, but c’mon. It’s Albert freaking Pujols)
2B Prado (KJ finished a close second in my mind)
3B Zimmerman
SS Tulowitzki
C McCann (because I think the other backstops are going to either regress or aren’t very good anyway)
OF Heyward
Werth
Ethier
I don’t remember my AL votes, because I just vote for the first guy named at each position.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
Voted Wags since he will retire after this year
also Beyond the Boxscore did this as well
With crappy overpaid vets of course!
by TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect on May 30, 2010 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
I just read that...
I know that was written several days ago, but to not even mention Prado, Heyward or McCann seems a little odd to me.
He basically says he votes for Pujols because of his track record, but does not do the same for McCann. I also think it’s interesting how different our ballots are. That’s not to say I think his is bad…
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
GREAT POST!
As much as i love Heyward, i’ll vote prado on your poll. Leading the NL in hits…dang. I love Heyward, but Prado needs the votes more because no one knows who he is.
It's deja vu all over again.
You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.
It ain't over til it's over
-Yogi Berra
Outfield
UZR doesn’t like Werth’s defense this year, but he’s been really good defensively in the past and can fill in ably in center. It’s too small a sample to say that Werth’s defense has completely gone by the wayside. I’d take him and put him in centerfield, and then Willingham and Heyward can take the corners for me. It’d be a shame not to take Willingham for my all-star outfield with the season he’s having-he’s just been awesome.
The outfield really is a jumble this year, though, with guys like Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano and McCutchen in the mix. Ethier is a big question since he’s been injured for a long time but was owning the worth before his injury. There’s a lot to consider with outfielders right now.
I think the braves will have 3 players in this years all-star game and why:
Martin Prado: of those you have there Prado is the best, utley comes in a close second and I think Prado should start in the NL in the ASG, plus he is LEADING the NL in hits and AVG., there is just no excuses to not put him in the NL roster
Jason Heyward: he deserves one, he is a rookie and look at his stats, he has a good high AVG. he has a good number of homeruns and is top 5 in the NL in RBIs, plus he LEADS the NL in OPS, of those choices in the outfield just Werth and Braun should join him in the starting outfield for the NL
Tim Hudson: Hudson should be a longshot in the NL, I expect Livan, Garland, and Jaime Garcia to back down a little and Hudson should pass them in ERA and WHIP
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on May 31, 2010 1:02 AM EDT reply actions
Even disregarding the fact that Heyward is a rookie...
His season is still phenomenal and definitley all-star worthy.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
this is just fucking pathetic! agghhh I hate so much that the fans vote, this is just pathetic:
people have:
C. Yadier Molina
Carlos Ruiz(!!!), seriously carlos ruiz?!?!
1B:
Pujols
Howard
good choice of 1st basemen
2B:
Utley
Weeks, PATHETIC, wtf? seriously
Prado, 3rd!? come on!!
3B:
Placido Polando, WHAT!?
David Wright, shit this is getting out of control! wtf?
SS:
Jimmy Rollins, are you kidding me!??! he has been in the DL half of the season!! come on please! this is just dumb!!
Hanley Ramirez
OF:
Ryan Braun
Jayson Werth, too high
Shane Victorino, are you fucking kidding me!?!!? really!? HOW THE F do you put this guy third!?
Andre Eithier
Matt Holliday, HAHA what a joke!! all of this guys ahead of Heyward! P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
Jason Heyward, too low, WAY low
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on May 31, 2010 1:32 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, it's a joke...
I like the fact that the fans are involved in the all-star process, I just wish it were for something else. The voting factor is a great marketing ploy that draws the audience in.
I can’t really think of another option that would keep interest at such a high level. Frankly, it sucks, but MLB won’t change it if it means more money.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
Biggest joke is that Morneau is 130,000 votes behind MARK TEIXERIA!!!
by Bmacbandwagon on Jun 1, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
C: McCann, B.
1B: Pujols, A.
2B: Utley, C. (/Prado, M.)
3B: Zimmerman, R.
SS: Ramirez, H.
LF: Braun, R.
CF: McCutchen, A.
RF: Heyward, J. (/Ethier, A.)
McCutchen
Ramirez
Pujols
Braun
Utley
Zimmerman
Heyward
McCann
by Wren_and_Stimpy on May 31, 2010 2:48 AM EDT reply actions
The voting so far has been a serious indication that the ASG isn’t actually for the “best players,” but a popularity contest. Looking at the AL and NL leaders, it looks like they might as well just replay game 1 of last year’s World Series.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." ~George Carlin
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