My Fellow Phans,
I would like to apologize for not posting in awhile. I had a little boo with my laptop and are currently waiting for it to be corrected. I have also been under the weather so I have not been able to make it to a computer a lot recently.
However, I hopped onto a computer today after seeing the Phillies drop a crucial series to the Braves and to some delightful comments from our beloved center fielder. Victorino heard some negative comments during the loss last night and responded rather surprisingly. "Quick to forget what happened the last two years, you know?" he said, referring to the 2008 World Series championship and '09 National League pennant. "That's the thing that frustrates me more than anything, listening to that kind of stuff. They're quick to forget what we've done the last two years. When I hear things like that, it eats me. OK. I see. Jimmy [Rollins] used that word. I'm not going to use it, but you know what I'm talking about."
I'm honestly too tired to deal with this. Haven't we been through this with Jimmy Rollins a few years back? I am offended as I was then and so should any fan who will watch the team play on a Sunday when the eagles will be playing. That's not many with this still being a football town.
The reason this irks me because, although there are a small amount of front runners, there are many diehard fans. I've been following this team every single game via radio, TV, or computer. I can't watch every game due to my current TV restrictions, but I make sure to know what it is going on with every game. I know people who have told me they really don't care to watch the Phillies right now due to their lack of "good" play. <--- that my friend is a definition of a front-runner.
Shane's frustrated, all the Phillies are. So are the fans. Front-runners are everywhere Shane. After what you guys did the last two seasons, I would expect more to come out of the woodwork. I'm not surprised. You really shouldn't be either.
Although, I have seen a Pittsburgh stadium last weekend filled with over 95% Phillies fans cheering on their home team. Front-runners who travel? I don't think they would put out the money or resources to travel that much to cheer on a team who is struggling. The Phillies fans are some of the best traveled fans in the MLB and that is a strong quality of die-hard fans.
We have a bad reputation as Philadelphia fans. However that is just an ignorant perception of people on the outside who don't know what true fandom is. You have to be here to experience the fans and realize what we are all about. If not, its your loss. Its just a shame that players cannot realize how good of fans we really are here in Philadelphia.
I know I could have gone into a longer rant on this, but I'm tired and we've been through this before. I know I'm not a front runner. Once the Phillies start to play up until their potential, the boos will quickly fade. I can promise you that. I look forward to that time...
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
We have moved!!! Check out the new and improved State of the Phillies on its new page: https://mlblogsshieldsyman07.wordpress.com/
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Selig's Warped Rules Have Taken Away Fun From All-Star Game
My Fellow Phans,
It is come to my attention that after looking at the current All-Star rosters that Bud Selig has finally had his wish and warped the game from a simple exhibition to a strategic, vitally important game. The All-Star game used to be fun. It used to encompass all the characteristics that a normal exhibition game entails. Thanks to Selig's twisted view of reality this game has turned into so much more than it should be. The game should be fun; not a game where players are voted on because they have a little speed, play in half of their teams games; but play more than 1 position, or are voted in just because they are on the team of the selecting manager. The fact that Omar Infante is an All-Star and Joey Votto is not is an absolute joke.
There is so much to be said about these rosters that I am going to break them down into three parts where I will look at the starters, the pitching staffs and then the bench players. I just wanted to throw some opening comments down here.
Like how did Sabathia make the team over Jered Weaver or even his teammate Andy Petite. Where are Paul Konkero and Kevin Youkilis in the AL? Why did middle reliever Arthur Rhodes make the team with star quality pitchers Matt Latos, Heath Bell, or Mike Pelfrey are sitting home watching the game. I admit I had Tim Lincecum in my initial picks, but I realized I chose the name over the stats and I regret that now. He should not be on the team.
I'm going to leave it at that for now. I don't want to critique too much in this opening post. Look for more posts concerning this roster to come.
It is come to my attention that after looking at the current All-Star rosters that Bud Selig has finally had his wish and warped the game from a simple exhibition to a strategic, vitally important game. The All-Star game used to be fun. It used to encompass all the characteristics that a normal exhibition game entails. Thanks to Selig's twisted view of reality this game has turned into so much more than it should be. The game should be fun; not a game where players are voted on because they have a little speed, play in half of their teams games; but play more than 1 position, or are voted in just because they are on the team of the selecting manager. The fact that Omar Infante is an All-Star and Joey Votto is not is an absolute joke.
There is so much to be said about these rosters that I am going to break them down into three parts where I will look at the starters, the pitching staffs and then the bench players. I just wanted to throw some opening comments down here.
Like how did Sabathia make the team over Jered Weaver or even his teammate Andy Petite. Where are Paul Konkero and Kevin Youkilis in the AL? Why did middle reliever Arthur Rhodes make the team with star quality pitchers Matt Latos, Heath Bell, or Mike Pelfrey are sitting home watching the game. I admit I had Tim Lincecum in my initial picks, but I realized I chose the name over the stats and I regret that now. He should not be on the team.
I'm going to leave it at that for now. I don't want to critique too much in this opening post. Look for more posts concerning this roster to come.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Alright, This Is Getting Old.....
My Fellow Phans,
For the second straight time against a below average pitcher from the Pittburgh rotation, the Phillies showed no life offensively. Let's face it, we all know that they are better than this. Hell, they still have a considerable amount of talent on the field. Somehow, they are still not doing squat.
I guess it hurts when a third of your opening lineup is on the Disabled List, Another player seems to have his head in the clouds and thinking about making money instead of playing the game, Before you disagree with me about this. Remember he said himself that he has "played [his] entire career for this year," To me that sounds like a player who is looking for the big bucks. Go figure, I always thought that winning that elusive World Series Title was the reason you play your entire career. I guess I was wrong especially in today's market that seems like money is much more on the minds of players than it should be.
So to continue my list: of the starting 8 on opening day: 3 are DLed, One is thinking about greener times, another player has totally been non-existent after his hot start last year was hampered by an injury. Since then, this aging left fielder has not been the same, I think that is obvious to any Phillies fan.
So that leaves three players remaining. One is our outspoken and speedy shortstop who is still getting his feet underneath him after being tormented by injuries early in the season. We give Jimmy a break here for now; let the guy get his baseball legs back under him. I mean he missed a lot of time.
I honestly do not know what to say about Shane Victorino who has been struggling recently.
The last player is Ryan Howard. He is a player with the credentials to carry a club abd he has done so for us here and there. However, he when he is off his game and there is no support around him than the offense is in trouble. Howard is a power hitting, streak machine who cannot do it all himself. There are reasons why there are seven other guys playing with him in the lineup.
If you put all those things together, you get a struggling offensive team. Maybe a sweeping at the hands of the Pirates will kick some sense into this ballclub. We face Pat Maholm tonight; an average lefty who we cannot hit. Not a good recipe for a struggling offense. I don't know what to do to boost this time's offense, but something needs to happen.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
For the second straight time against a below average pitcher from the Pittburgh rotation, the Phillies showed no life offensively. Let's face it, we all know that they are better than this. Hell, they still have a considerable amount of talent on the field. Somehow, they are still not doing squat.
I guess it hurts when a third of your opening lineup is on the Disabled List, Another player seems to have his head in the clouds and thinking about making money instead of playing the game, Before you disagree with me about this. Remember he said himself that he has "played [his] entire career for this year," To me that sounds like a player who is looking for the big bucks. Go figure, I always thought that winning that elusive World Series Title was the reason you play your entire career. I guess I was wrong especially in today's market that seems like money is much more on the minds of players than it should be.
So to continue my list: of the starting 8 on opening day: 3 are DLed, One is thinking about greener times, another player has totally been non-existent after his hot start last year was hampered by an injury. Since then, this aging left fielder has not been the same, I think that is obvious to any Phillies fan.
So that leaves three players remaining. One is our outspoken and speedy shortstop who is still getting his feet underneath him after being tormented by injuries early in the season. We give Jimmy a break here for now; let the guy get his baseball legs back under him. I mean he missed a lot of time.
I honestly do not know what to say about Shane Victorino who has been struggling recently.
The last player is Ryan Howard. He is a player with the credentials to carry a club abd he has done so for us here and there. However, he when he is off his game and there is no support around him than the offense is in trouble. Howard is a power hitting, streak machine who cannot do it all himself. There are reasons why there are seven other guys playing with him in the lineup.
If you put all those things together, you get a struggling offensive team. Maybe a sweeping at the hands of the Pirates will kick some sense into this ballclub. We face Pat Maholm tonight; an average lefty who we cannot hit. Not a good recipe for a struggling offense. I don't know what to do to boost this time's offense, but something needs to happen.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
State of the Phillies; Now Posted on Two Sites!
My Fellow Phans,
I have some big news! I have decided to create an account on MLB.Com http://shieldsyman07.mlblogs.com/
All my postings will still be added to blogger here as well as MLB.I just thought that this would help increase viewers who like the game of baseball, but do not use blogger. Keep reading on here or switch if you wish, as long as you follow it does not matter to me.
I will still post links to the blogger on Facebook so you guys can still get to it. Read at either site; both will be the exact same thing.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
I have some big news! I have decided to create an account on MLB.Com http://shieldsyman07.mlblogs.com/
All my postings will still be added to blogger here as well as MLB.I just thought that this would help increase viewers who like the game of baseball, but do not use blogger. Keep reading on here or switch if you wish, as long as you follow it does not matter to me.
I will still post links to the blogger on Facebook so you guys can still get to it. Read at either site; both will be the exact same thing.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Pitiful Week for Phils So Far
My Fellow Phans,
I do not know what is more concerning at this time. The Phillies poor play or the injuries. Granted some of the poor play has been caused by injuries, but even with Polanco, Utley, and Chooch out there is still a considerable amount of talent on the field.
Despite this, the last week or so for the Phillies has been disgraceful. They haven't play well enough win a single game this week and have a 1-3 record to show for it.
The only victory came in extra innings after the Phillies blew a considerable lead and Brad Lidge couldn't hold it. Listen, Joey Votto is probably the National League MVP at this point, but he should have never batted in that 9th inning. I guess it doesn't help that Lidge was shaky and the worst umpire in the league was behind home plate that night. How C.B. Bucknor still has a job is beyond me. He's making a bad name for all umpires with his poor job performance. Hey, I'm not the only one who sees this either; the players do too. (http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2010/06/jim-joyce-named-best-umpire-cb-bucknor-worst-in-espn-the-magazine-%E2%80%9Cbaseball-confidential%E2%80%9D-players-poll/).
In his argument with Bucknor. Manuel "supposedly" bumped the home plate umpire. I saw a replay, I didn't see that much besides Bucknor doing his terrible old job and being a little wimp when being called out on it. Manuel should get the benefit of the doubt since he was dealing with the worst umpire in baseball, but i digress.
Last night, the Phillies faced a Pirates pitcher with an ERA of 11 on the season. Yes, 11.00. How did they do against a guy who on paper they should have obliterated? They managed just 1 earned run off of him in 5 innings. They scored 2, but the only earned was a Wilson Valdez home run tying the game at 1. Hamels gave up just 3 runs in 7 innings, but once again got no run support and was denied the victory as the Phillies lost 3-2.
Hold the Phone! We had 3-2 loss to a guy who started games that the Pirates lost 16-5 and 20-0? We could only muster 2 runs? That is utterly ridiculous. A bad week keeps going downhill and the Phillies seem to be in another spiral.
We lost 2 out of 3 to the Reds, but could have been swept if we didn't bail a struggling Lidge out in that 2nd game. Did Manuel leave Halladay in too long in that 3rd game? I don't know and that's a debate worth having for another day. There are times I sit and wonder why Halladay is still in some games with his performance or a lead that we have, but that is another post possibly down the road. Maybe Romero would be better against Jay Bruce? That's up to speculation, but later on.
Injuries are not helping this team either. We cannot go two months with Dobbs, Castro and Valdez. We need to trade for a quality infielder and it looks more and more like we need a starter as well. Could Jayson Werth be trade bait? Now that is a post I may have to explore. Check back later on that topic.
How many more games will the Phillies win this series? We couldn't beat their worst starter. Now we face Ohlendorf (3.75 ERA vs. Phi) tonight, Maholm (2.40) on Saturday and Karstens (0.00 ERA in just 3.2 innings) on Sunday.
Maholm is another below average lefty who we cannot hit (2-0 2.40 vs Phi last 3 years). That could be a painful game to watch. The Phillies seem to have trouble with average to below average lefties To split this series would be good; to win it would be great. Lets just focus on winning one game at a time and avoiding getting embarrassed by the worst team in the National League.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
I do not know what is more concerning at this time. The Phillies poor play or the injuries. Granted some of the poor play has been caused by injuries, but even with Polanco, Utley, and Chooch out there is still a considerable amount of talent on the field.
Despite this, the last week or so for the Phillies has been disgraceful. They haven't play well enough win a single game this week and have a 1-3 record to show for it.
The only victory came in extra innings after the Phillies blew a considerable lead and Brad Lidge couldn't hold it. Listen, Joey Votto is probably the National League MVP at this point, but he should have never batted in that 9th inning. I guess it doesn't help that Lidge was shaky and the worst umpire in the league was behind home plate that night. How C.B. Bucknor still has a job is beyond me. He's making a bad name for all umpires with his poor job performance. Hey, I'm not the only one who sees this either; the players do too. (http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2010/06/jim-joyce-named-best-umpire-cb-bucknor-worst-in-espn-the-magazine-%E2%80%9Cbaseball-confidential%E2%80%9D-players-poll/).
In his argument with Bucknor. Manuel "supposedly" bumped the home plate umpire. I saw a replay, I didn't see that much besides Bucknor doing his terrible old job and being a little wimp when being called out on it. Manuel should get the benefit of the doubt since he was dealing with the worst umpire in baseball, but i digress.
Last night, the Phillies faced a Pirates pitcher with an ERA of 11 on the season. Yes, 11.00. How did they do against a guy who on paper they should have obliterated? They managed just 1 earned run off of him in 5 innings. They scored 2, but the only earned was a Wilson Valdez home run tying the game at 1. Hamels gave up just 3 runs in 7 innings, but once again got no run support and was denied the victory as the Phillies lost 3-2.
Hold the Phone! We had 3-2 loss to a guy who started games that the Pirates lost 16-5 and 20-0? We could only muster 2 runs? That is utterly ridiculous. A bad week keeps going downhill and the Phillies seem to be in another spiral.
We lost 2 out of 3 to the Reds, but could have been swept if we didn't bail a struggling Lidge out in that 2nd game. Did Manuel leave Halladay in too long in that 3rd game? I don't know and that's a debate worth having for another day. There are times I sit and wonder why Halladay is still in some games with his performance or a lead that we have, but that is another post possibly down the road. Maybe Romero would be better against Jay Bruce? That's up to speculation, but later on.
Injuries are not helping this team either. We cannot go two months with Dobbs, Castro and Valdez. We need to trade for a quality infielder and it looks more and more like we need a starter as well. Could Jayson Werth be trade bait? Now that is a post I may have to explore. Check back later on that topic.
How many more games will the Phillies win this series? We couldn't beat their worst starter. Now we face Ohlendorf (3.75 ERA vs. Phi) tonight, Maholm (2.40) on Saturday and Karstens (0.00 ERA in just 3.2 innings) on Sunday.
Maholm is another below average lefty who we cannot hit (2-0 2.40 vs Phi last 3 years). That could be a painful game to watch. The Phillies seem to have trouble with average to below average lefties To split this series would be good; to win it would be great. Lets just focus on winning one game at a time and avoiding getting embarrassed by the worst team in the National League.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
Injury Updates.
My Fellow Phans,
The injury bug is taking its good old toll on the Phillies this season and our guys seem to be dropping like flies.
Starting with Chase Utley. Utley had surgery on his thumb the other day and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Yes, 6-8 weeks! This puts him back in uniform around September sometime. Can the Phillies last that long without a suitable replacement? I really do not think so. Valdez is great, but he will fade soon enough and then we will be struggling to find a second baseman who doesn't ground into bases empty double plays.
As for Polanco, NBC sports reports that "Polanco saw a doctor in New York on Thursday after being placed on the disabled list Wednesday with discomfort in his left elbow. He has already been given a few cortisone shots and will probably need offseason surgery. For now, Juan Castro and Wilson Valdez will fill the gaps in Philly."
Castro, Greg Dobbs, and Valdez are adequate replacements for temporary injuries. However these are going to last weeks. We need a steady replacement for at least one of our two injured infielders.
Another report I read says that Carlos Ruiz is still experiencing concussion symptoms and is not ready to start a rehab assignment. If that wasn't comforting enough, Phillies trainers have no timetable for backup catcher Brian Schnieder's return either. Oh goody....
As for our injured pitchers:
Righthander Ryan Madson (broken right toe) will pitch for double-A Reading in his third rehab outing Friday. Madson will throw 30 pitches to extend his arm. He could be activated before the all-star break. "If all moves right," Sheridan said, "yes, we'd like that to happen."
Lefthander J.A. Happ threw a bullpen session Thursday in Pittsburgh without pain. He will pitch for triple-A Lehigh Valley in Pawtucket on Sunday, his sixth rehab start. "He's not reporting any problems, It's a matter of him feeling comfortable on the mound with his pitch ability as opposed to other things."
Chad Durbin (strained right hamstring) is rehabbing in Florida. He will begin throwing in rehab games in the next week. Durbin could return before the all-star break, but he'll likely come back after the break, when the Phillies are in Chicago.
Lefthander Antonio Bastardo (left elbow inflammation) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Pittsburgh. Beyond that, the Phillies have no long-term plans for Bastardo's progression.
Is it time to sit an pray for good health? I don't know bout you, but it just may be time to start..
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
The injury bug is taking its good old toll on the Phillies this season and our guys seem to be dropping like flies.
Starting with Chase Utley. Utley had surgery on his thumb the other day and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Yes, 6-8 weeks! This puts him back in uniform around September sometime. Can the Phillies last that long without a suitable replacement? I really do not think so. Valdez is great, but he will fade soon enough and then we will be struggling to find a second baseman who doesn't ground into bases empty double plays.
As for Polanco, NBC sports reports that "Polanco saw a doctor in New York on Thursday after being placed on the disabled list Wednesday with discomfort in his left elbow. He has already been given a few cortisone shots and will probably need offseason surgery. For now, Juan Castro and Wilson Valdez will fill the gaps in Philly."
Castro, Greg Dobbs, and Valdez are adequate replacements for temporary injuries. However these are going to last weeks. We need a steady replacement for at least one of our two injured infielders.
Another report I read says that Carlos Ruiz is still experiencing concussion symptoms and is not ready to start a rehab assignment. If that wasn't comforting enough, Phillies trainers have no timetable for backup catcher Brian Schnieder's return either. Oh goody....
As for our injured pitchers:
Righthander Ryan Madson (broken right toe) will pitch for double-A Reading in his third rehab outing Friday. Madson will throw 30 pitches to extend his arm. He could be activated before the all-star break. "If all moves right," Sheridan said, "yes, we'd like that to happen."
Lefthander J.A. Happ threw a bullpen session Thursday in Pittsburgh without pain. He will pitch for triple-A Lehigh Valley in Pawtucket on Sunday, his sixth rehab start. "He's not reporting any problems, It's a matter of him feeling comfortable on the mound with his pitch ability as opposed to other things."
Chad Durbin (strained right hamstring) is rehabbing in Florida. He will begin throwing in rehab games in the next week. Durbin could return before the all-star break, but he'll likely come back after the break, when the Phillies are in Chicago.
Lefthander Antonio Bastardo (left elbow inflammation) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Pittsburgh. Beyond that, the Phillies have no long-term plans for Bastardo's progression.
Is it time to sit an pray for good health? I don't know bout you, but it just may be time to start..
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
My AL All-Star Rosters: List Dominated by Power Packed AL-East
MY Fellow Phans,
Before I get to Phillies postings, and there is a couple of things I want to comment on, I need to deliver on the other half of my All-Star teams. This time I will post my AL All-Star Teams. So here are my AL All-Star Roster Picks:
* Note: When making these rosters, i ignored any injuries. If a guy is hurt; it doesn't mean he shouldn't be there*
American League Roster
Staring Lineup
C: Joe Mauer; Minnesota Twins (.300 3 HR 34 RBI)
1B: Miguel Cabrera; Detroit Tigers (.337 20 HR 68 RBI)
2B: Robinson Cano; New York Yankees (.353 16 HR 54 RBI)
3B: Evan Longoria; Tampa Bay Rays (.292 12 HR 54 RBI)
SS: Derek Jeter; New York Yankees (.283 8 HR 39 RBI)
OF: Josh Hamilton; Texas Rangers (.340 18 HR 58 RBI)
OF: Vernon Wells; Toronto Blue Jays (.280 19 HR 47 RBI)
OF: Carl Crawford; Tampa Bay Rays (.317 7 HR 39 RBI)
DH: Vladimir Guerrero; Texas Rangers (.336 18 HR 68 RBI)
SP: Cliff Lee; Seattle Mariners (7-3 2.45 ERA)
Notes: Some of these picks are no-brainers such as Cabrera, Cano, Hamilton, Vlad and Lee. There isn't a catcher that stuck out to me for a starter and Mauer is having a strong season again so he got the nod. The Longoria selection was not that tough even with stiff competition. Jeter's numbers are down by Jeter Standards, but the lack of AL SS play this year makes him the easy favorite in that position. Wells is probably the second best outfielder in the AL this year. The third outfield spot was a toss up between Crawford and a handful of other outfielders, but his overall performance gave him the edge. I will promise you that a left handed pitcher will start the All-Star game; either Lee, David Price or Andy Pettite.
Pitching Staff
SP: Clay Buchholz; Boston Red Soxs (10-4 2.45 ERA)
SP: Felix Hernandez; Seattle Mariners (6-5 3.03 ERA)
SP: Jon Lester; Boston Red Soxs (9-3 2.86 ERA)
SP: Carl Pavano; Minnesota Twins (9-6 3.30 ERA)
SP: Andy Pettite; New York Yankees (9-2 2.72 ERA)
SP: David Price; Tampa Bay Rays (11-3 2.44 ERA)
SP: Jered Weaver; Los Angeles Angels (8-3 2.82 ERA)
RP: Andrew Baily; Oakland Athletics (0-2 1.69 ERA 15 Saves)
RP: Mariano Rivera; New York Yankees (2-1 0.89 ERA 18 Saves)
RP: Rafael Soriano; Tampa Bay Rays (0-2 1.57 ERA 19 Saves)
RP: Jose Valverde; Detroit Tigers (1-1 0.53 ERA 18 Saves)
Notes: I am a fan of this staff. Bailey is the lone representative, but probably would have made it anyway. The rest of the pitchers are solid and should make it difficult for the NL to score runs in this game.
Bench
C: John Buck; Toronto Blue Jays (.263 13 HR 40 RBI)
1B: Paul Konerko; Chicago White Soxs (.295 20 HR 56 RBI)
1B: Justin Morneau; Minnesota Twins (.348 16 HR 52 RBI)
2B: Dustin Pedroia; Boston Red Soxs (.292 12 HR 41 RBI)
3B: Adrian Beltre; Boston Red Soxs (.349 12 HR 53 RBI)
3B: Ty Wiggington; Baltimore Orioles (.258 14 HR 42 RBI)
SS: Alex Gonzalez; Toronto Blue Jays (.264 14 HR 40 RBI)
OF: Jose Guillen; Kansas City Royals (.281 14 HR 50 RBI)
OF: Torii Hunter; Los Angeles Angels (.288 12 HR 53 RBI)
OF: Shin-Soo Choo; Cleveland Indians (.285 13 HR 43 RBI)
Notes: I was a bit handicapped here due to the One Rep per team rule. Wiggington, Guillen and Choo all fit that bill although Choo would have probably been an All-Star regardless. I had to leave players like Michael Young from the Rangers and Kevin Youkilis from Boston on the outside looking in on this one. Not fair I know, but that is just how the game goes.
Teams with multiple reps: The American League East dominates this team with 16 of the 31 players from one of the teams.
Yankees, Red Soxs, Rays - 4
Blue Jays, Twins - 3
Angels, Mariners, Rangers, Tigers - 2
32nd Man Vote:
1B: Billy Butler; Kansas City Royals (.322 8 HR 42 RBI)
1B: Kevin Youkilis; Boston Red Soxs (.297 15 HR 50 RBI)
3B: Michael Young; Texas Rangers (.315 11 HR 51 RBI)
OF: Ichiro Suzuki; Seattle Mariners (.332 3 HR 24 RBI)
SP: Colby Lewis; Texas Rangers (7-5 3.28 ERA)
RP: Joakim Soria; Kansas City Royals (0-1 2.43 ERA 20 Saves)
Note: I had to add 6th man to this vote due to the problem i mentioned in my notes for the bench.
So that's it. Let me know what you think.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
Before I get to Phillies postings, and there is a couple of things I want to comment on, I need to deliver on the other half of my All-Star teams. This time I will post my AL All-Star Teams. So here are my AL All-Star Roster Picks:
* Note: When making these rosters, i ignored any injuries. If a guy is hurt; it doesn't mean he shouldn't be there*
American League Roster
Staring Lineup
C: Joe Mauer; Minnesota Twins (.300 3 HR 34 RBI)
1B: Miguel Cabrera; Detroit Tigers (.337 20 HR 68 RBI)
2B: Robinson Cano; New York Yankees (.353 16 HR 54 RBI)
3B: Evan Longoria; Tampa Bay Rays (.292 12 HR 54 RBI)
SS: Derek Jeter; New York Yankees (.283 8 HR 39 RBI)
OF: Josh Hamilton; Texas Rangers (.340 18 HR 58 RBI)
OF: Vernon Wells; Toronto Blue Jays (.280 19 HR 47 RBI)
OF: Carl Crawford; Tampa Bay Rays (.317 7 HR 39 RBI)
DH: Vladimir Guerrero; Texas Rangers (.336 18 HR 68 RBI)
SP: Cliff Lee; Seattle Mariners (7-3 2.45 ERA)
Notes: Some of these picks are no-brainers such as Cabrera, Cano, Hamilton, Vlad and Lee. There isn't a catcher that stuck out to me for a starter and Mauer is having a strong season again so he got the nod. The Longoria selection was not that tough even with stiff competition. Jeter's numbers are down by Jeter Standards, but the lack of AL SS play this year makes him the easy favorite in that position. Wells is probably the second best outfielder in the AL this year. The third outfield spot was a toss up between Crawford and a handful of other outfielders, but his overall performance gave him the edge. I will promise you that a left handed pitcher will start the All-Star game; either Lee, David Price or Andy Pettite.
Pitching Staff
SP: Clay Buchholz; Boston Red Soxs (10-4 2.45 ERA)
SP: Felix Hernandez; Seattle Mariners (6-5 3.03 ERA)
SP: Jon Lester; Boston Red Soxs (9-3 2.86 ERA)
SP: Carl Pavano; Minnesota Twins (9-6 3.30 ERA)
SP: Andy Pettite; New York Yankees (9-2 2.72 ERA)
SP: David Price; Tampa Bay Rays (11-3 2.44 ERA)
SP: Jered Weaver; Los Angeles Angels (8-3 2.82 ERA)
RP: Andrew Baily; Oakland Athletics (0-2 1.69 ERA 15 Saves)
RP: Mariano Rivera; New York Yankees (2-1 0.89 ERA 18 Saves)
RP: Rafael Soriano; Tampa Bay Rays (0-2 1.57 ERA 19 Saves)
RP: Jose Valverde; Detroit Tigers (1-1 0.53 ERA 18 Saves)
Notes: I am a fan of this staff. Bailey is the lone representative, but probably would have made it anyway. The rest of the pitchers are solid and should make it difficult for the NL to score runs in this game.
Bench
C: John Buck; Toronto Blue Jays (.263 13 HR 40 RBI)
1B: Paul Konerko; Chicago White Soxs (.295 20 HR 56 RBI)
1B: Justin Morneau; Minnesota Twins (.348 16 HR 52 RBI)
2B: Dustin Pedroia; Boston Red Soxs (.292 12 HR 41 RBI)
3B: Adrian Beltre; Boston Red Soxs (.349 12 HR 53 RBI)
3B: Ty Wiggington; Baltimore Orioles (.258 14 HR 42 RBI)
SS: Alex Gonzalez; Toronto Blue Jays (.264 14 HR 40 RBI)
OF: Jose Guillen; Kansas City Royals (.281 14 HR 50 RBI)
OF: Torii Hunter; Los Angeles Angels (.288 12 HR 53 RBI)
OF: Shin-Soo Choo; Cleveland Indians (.285 13 HR 43 RBI)
Notes: I was a bit handicapped here due to the One Rep per team rule. Wiggington, Guillen and Choo all fit that bill although Choo would have probably been an All-Star regardless. I had to leave players like Michael Young from the Rangers and Kevin Youkilis from Boston on the outside looking in on this one. Not fair I know, but that is just how the game goes.
Teams with multiple reps: The American League East dominates this team with 16 of the 31 players from one of the teams.
Yankees, Red Soxs, Rays - 4
Blue Jays, Twins - 3
Angels, Mariners, Rangers, Tigers - 2
32nd Man Vote:
1B: Billy Butler; Kansas City Royals (.322 8 HR 42 RBI)
1B: Kevin Youkilis; Boston Red Soxs (.297 15 HR 50 RBI)
3B: Michael Young; Texas Rangers (.315 11 HR 51 RBI)
OF: Ichiro Suzuki; Seattle Mariners (.332 3 HR 24 RBI)
SP: Colby Lewis; Texas Rangers (7-5 3.28 ERA)
RP: Joakim Soria; Kansas City Royals (0-1 2.43 ERA 20 Saves)
Note: I had to add 6th man to this vote due to the problem i mentioned in my notes for the bench.
So that's it. Let me know what you think.
Until we meet again Phillies Fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
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