All Star Game 2011

Ok, I voted mostly Yankee on my ballots this year, because I'm biased. Duh! I voted for Mo, Tex and Cano, the faves. But, I kept one name off my ballot for Shortstop and that was Derek Jeter and I wrote in Eduardo Nunez instead. My reasons are complex. I will state them thusly:

1. Age. We want to keep him fresh for when games resume. All Star Games are fun when you're just starting out in the Majors. And the Home Run Derby is a great pissing contest, but when you're Derek Jeter at 37 years old and you've experienced it all many times...you need to consider quality of play after. Someone like Cano can play during All Star break and jump back into a game on Friday with no problem. I don't even agree with A-Rod going in. Sure, he's a "slugger" and he'd be fun in the Derby...but, I don't know. I don't think it's in some players best interests to play.

The All Star Game is a game for those who do well in the first half...this is not Jeter this season unfortunately. And I'm a Yankee/Jeter fanatic. Hence my tattoo. But, I'm not going to put on blinders out of my affection for my team. Derek Jeter is playing like garbage. Yes, he helps us get wins. He's always said "Team wins over personal stats"...but that's getting old. At some point, your stats SHOULD matter to you. Just a little.

2. Injury. He's just come back from an injury, do we want to risk him hurting himself in a game that doesn't count for anything other than deciding who plays where during the World Series? I think not.

Results of Yes Network poll as of 7:30pm today:

Should Derek Jeter play in the All-Star game?

Yes, it is an honor that he shouldn't pass on

57%

No, he should rest and get stronger

42%

 

*Though, chance of injury is still the same for anyone. Playing in this game is a gamble on your 2nd half of the season. I don't like the ASG for this reason, though, it is fun to watch.*

The fans are being selfish. They just want to see him because he's retiring in 3 years.

3. Eduardo Nunez. He has done well in Jeter's place. Wasn't he batting 3.40? That can't be ignored. His fielding is a little erratic as someone said on ESPN. I agree. He's not polished. But, he's a GREAT prospect!
4. His first game back. Was a complete flop! He's too wrapped up in 3,000 to just play ball! Since when has Derek Jeter not been Jeter-like about a milestone?! And why is he doing this now? Stop filming documentaries with HBO about it and just get it over with! Get it together, Captain.

My votes may suprise a few, I voted for Mets' Jose Reyes for the National League team...his game has been ridiculous this season even though he plays for a shit stain team. Now, he's out for his hamstring, so that's not going to happen. There's always next year...maybe on a new team, perhaps?!

I voted a few Phillies and Red Sox...I even put Johnny Damon in there.

I was listening to ESPN radio and I gotta agree with one of the guys that said they didn't like the rule about having every team represented. I don't like it either. It takes away from more deserving players. I say, if you have 4 great players in New York, but you need to just pick 2 because of a team like Baltimore...it's unfair to those other 2 players who have clearly earned a spot. No one's watching the All Star Game to see the Orioles play. (Sometimes, I don't think the Orioles want to see the Orioles play haha! Though, they did beat the Red Sox last night. Kudos to them for that.)

But, Why put an Oriole in when you can get a big name from Tampa or Toronto or something?

If I were a team like Baltimore (and if the MLB changed the rules of having all teams represented) and they didn't have to play, I would use the All Star Break to improve, not risk injury or something and worsen your team which is in last place...as usual.

Just a thought.

I just put in my final votes for Paul Konerko and Shane Victorino. Who did you all vote for??? What are your thoughts?