According to mlb.com, Carlos Delgado is now first in All-Star voting among AL first basemen, having just passed Jason Giambi.
Details are here.
Details are here.
This is a good thing. Keep punching those electronic ballots on line and the ones they give you at the games, because if anyone deserves to start, it's Carlos.
A not-so-good thing: The "Free For All" thread somehow got corrupted, and I had to delete it and rebuild the site. I'm sorry, but those comments are lost in cyberspace. It's the first time anything like this has happened, and I have no idea what caused it, but I blame Bud Selig.
A not-so-good thing: The "Free For All" thread somehow got corrupted, and I had to delete it and rebuild the site. I'm sorry, but those comments are lost in cyberspace. It's the first time anything like this has happened, and I have no idea what caused it, but I blame Bud Selig.
Nothing a salary cap on blog administrators wouldn't take care of.
The voters are coming pretty close to getting it right this year -- it's impressive.
Impressive, that is, except for the 100 000+ votes for Jeremy Giambi. I'm sure some of those votes were cast in confusion, but come on -- *Jason* doesn't even deserve that many!
Impressive, that is, except for the 100 000+ votes for Jeremy Giambi. I'm sure some of those votes were cast in confusion, but come on -- *Jason* doesn't even deserve that many!
*Jason* doesn't even deserve that many
Well, it's the standard argument around AS time, isn't it? Are fans supposed to reward performance over the past few seasons, performance over the first 3 months of the current season or a combination thereof?
Or is this simply supposed to be a popularity contest for the masses? I mean really, who are the slack-jawed yokels who continue to vote for Sandy Alomar? And why is his name even on the ballot?
Well, it's the standard argument around AS time, isn't it? Are fans supposed to reward performance over the past few seasons, performance over the first 3 months of the current season or a combination thereof?
Or is this simply supposed to be a popularity contest for the masses? I mean really, who are the slack-jawed yokels who continue to vote for Sandy Alomar? And why is his name even on the ballot?
Sad that Cat and Myers do not get attention ( i mean votes ) Wells is second best on the BJs front.
Just for fun I was filling latinos only lineups and man we got something. Beat this infield: Carlos, Soriano, that guy Alex, Chavez and Posada.
Maybe one day we will see an all american vs rest of the world kind of thing,
Or this Outfield: Sosa, Vlad and (self appointed latino, yes he has a unique combination of Dutch-latino stuff) Andrew Jones, reserve Pujols.
Just for fun I was filling latinos only lineups and man we got something. Beat this infield: Carlos, Soriano, that guy Alex, Chavez and Posada.
Maybe one day we will see an all american vs rest of the world kind of thing,
Or this Outfield: Sosa, Vlad and (self appointed latino, yes he has a unique combination of Dutch-latino stuff) Andrew Jones, reserve Pujols.
Chuck, I already do this for nothing, and I'm worth it.
Vernon Wells, not even in the top 15 at the last update, is now 12th on the outfielders list (behind the likes of Matsui, Salmon, Mondesi and Baldelli) with less than half the votes of Torii Hunter. Note to V-Dub: stop making those difficult catches look so easy -- put a little mustard on it and maybe you'll get on the U.S. highlight reels more often. Try hopping with joy when you hit a homer; that humble trot isn't working. A postseason appearance might also help the voters outside Canada remember your name next summer.
Vernon Wells, not even in the top 15 at the last update, is now 12th on the outfielders list (behind the likes of Matsui, Salmon, Mondesi and Baldelli) with less than half the votes of Torii Hunter. Note to V-Dub: stop making those difficult catches look so easy -- put a little mustard on it and maybe you'll get on the U.S. highlight reels more often. Try hopping with joy when you hit a homer; that humble trot isn't working. A postseason appearance might also help the voters outside Canada remember your name next summer.
Crash joins Melvin Mora and Bill Mueller on the All-Completely-Overlooked Team thus far. Only Mora, however, is a sure thing to get the nod from Mike Scioscia.
Hmmm...so one of Jeter and Garciaparra may have to sit in favour of Melvin Mora. Looks like Toronto will get their rep fair and square in Carlos. Maybe Mike will select Vernon Wells. Or maybe he'll pull a Gaston and select 8 people from his own team.
Actually, Mora's played most of this season in left field, which isn't a very strong position in the AL this year. I don't think he'll alter the SS quotient at all.
I'm sorry, but Melvim Mora is not an all-star based on 200 plate appearances. He should not be on the team. Then again, if you ask who among the Orioles is most deserving you get a big fat zero. I am also against the every team gets represented idea.
3 votes for Carlos done. 22 to go. Gentlemen (and ladies), your task is at hand. Vote early, and vote often.
(Vernon Wells and Greg Myers are also appearing on all my ballots, and Cat on most of them.)
(Vernon Wells and Greg Myers are also appearing on all my ballots, and Cat on most of them.)
I'm sorry, but those comments are lost in cyberspace
What? All my clever barbs and witty insights (or was that witty barbs and clever insights?) are gone? Forever?
Well, when someone says that no prospects of consequence have been dealt near the deadline the past 2-3 years, you just remind them about .540 OPS Brandon Phillips.
And good for Carlos.
Now, if only Boone can get past #$@#$#!@&*? Soriano, we can get a near Yankee-less All Star Game.
What? All my clever barbs and witty insights (or was that witty barbs and clever insights?) are gone? Forever?
Well, when someone says that no prospects of consequence have been dealt near the deadline the past 2-3 years, you just remind them about .540 OPS Brandon Phillips.
And good for Carlos.
Now, if only Boone can get past #$@#$#!@&*? Soriano, we can get a near Yankee-less All Star Game.
If you figure A.L. fans will mostly vote for their home team players, then A.L. votes for A.L. players will mostly cancel, and in effect N.L. fans will select the A.L. starters and vice versa.
(But I still like it that there is more incentive now to win the All-Star Game, or at least finish it. :-) )
fyi: In-context Jays stats for the past 3 weeks.
(But I still like it that there is more incentive now to win the All-Star Game, or at least finish it. :-) )
fyi: In-context Jays stats for the past 3 weeks.
Jeter won't go this year; I can't remember who -- pesky selective memory -- but I'm pretty sure some team not from The City won the AL title last year, so Torre can't select his usual 10 guys.
Regardless of voting, Soriano makes the team, clearly. And maybe the Wells on the team will be an EX-Jay. Other than that-- hey, I've always loved the idea that the Yankees are a team without many obvious "oh, of course he'll go" All-Stars.
Carlos Delgado just might be the best everyday player in the AL right now, but don't rule out a .380/10/30 run for Giambi between now and the break; everyone's talking about how terrible he's been and the guy has 15 homers.
Posada probably makes the team, too, because -- well, who else? If there are the usual three catchers ... I mean, Toby Hall?
Regardless of voting, Soriano makes the team, clearly. And maybe the Wells on the team will be an EX-Jay. Other than that-- hey, I've always loved the idea that the Yankees are a team without many obvious "oh, of course he'll go" All-Stars.
Carlos Delgado just might be the best everyday player in the AL right now, but don't rule out a .380/10/30 run for Giambi between now and the break; everyone's talking about how terrible he's been and the guy has 15 homers.
Posada probably makes the team, too, because -- well, who else? If there are the usual three catchers ... I mean, Toby Hall?
http://economics.about.com
Well, when someone says that no prospects of consequence have been dealt near the deadline the past 2-3 years, you just remind them about .540 OPS Brandon Phillips.
June 27th is near the deadline?
What's not near the deadline.. March?
Mike
Well, when someone says that no prospects of consequence have been dealt near the deadline the past 2-3 years, you just remind them about .540 OPS Brandon Phillips.
June 27th is near the deadline?
What's not near the deadline.. March?
Mike
I don't mind the "every team gets a rep" idea, though I wish they would just ask the managers to try to make broad representation a priority (without the rule, some managers would select 10-12 guys from their own team) so that the 2-3 totally undeserving guys every year
What realy burns me is the constant theme from media, fans, and baseball people alike that one-third of a good season makes a guy deserving of a spot in the All-Star Game. I agree with Robert above, Melvin Mora isn't an All-Star on 200 PA. Greg Myers isn't an All-Star either. Now 200 real good PA might be the push I would need to select a guy in a very weak field (AL third basemen, NL shortstops, that sort of thing) especially if he could solve the "rep" problem for a bad team.
Now personally I think the fans should vote for whoever they want to see (that's why we get to vote, so that we can honour our favorites). I never understood the vituperative condemnation of the fan for voting in Cal Ripken Jr. after he ceased to be a good player. So what? The man is the very definition of an All-Star, and if a couple million fans wanted to honour him because he's a favourite of theirs, *let them*.
What realy burns me is the constant theme from media, fans, and baseball people alike that one-third of a good season makes a guy deserving of a spot in the All-Star Game. I agree with Robert above, Melvin Mora isn't an All-Star on 200 PA. Greg Myers isn't an All-Star either. Now 200 real good PA might be the push I would need to select a guy in a very weak field (AL third basemen, NL shortstops, that sort of thing) especially if he could solve the "rep" problem for a bad team.
Now personally I think the fans should vote for whoever they want to see (that's why we get to vote, so that we can honour our favorites). I never understood the vituperative condemnation of the fan for voting in Cal Ripken Jr. after he ceased to be a good player. So what? The man is the very definition of an All-Star, and if a couple million fans wanted to honour him because he's a favourite of theirs, *let them*.
That should have read "second basemen" and not "third basemen".
June 27th is near the deadline?
Isn't the concept of in-season dealing of a high priced veteran for prospects the more important factor than what exactly the date is? You could argue that the sellers become more desperate to sell close to the deadline, and I'll counter that the buyers become more desperate to buy. If J.P. could get value for Escobar now, he'd do it. Lidle he may be more inclined to hang on to, but you'll have a hard time convincing me that that drives the price of a good starting pitcher down.
Isn't the concept of in-season dealing of a high priced veteran for prospects the more important factor than what exactly the date is? You could argue that the sellers become more desperate to sell close to the deadline, and I'll counter that the buyers become more desperate to buy. If J.P. could get value for Escobar now, he'd do it. Lidle he may be more inclined to hang on to, but you'll have a hard time convincing me that that drives the price of a good starting pitcher down.
I never understood the vituperative condemnation of the fan for voting in Cal Ripken Jr. after he ceased to be a good player.
Not to mention the contumelious denunciation.
This is a theme across MLB, and sports in general. If the league wishes for the complaints to cease, it needs to clarify the definition of the "All-Star Team" and the "Most Valuable Player" because right now those terms might have 20 different meanings to 20 different fans. The question is, does MLB want clarity or is the league better off with the publicity and interest generated by controversial selections?
As an aside to Mick...was there an earthquake in the middle of the Jays-Yankees All-Time Series or what?!? ;) I know you've been busy. If I can be of any help, let me know.
Not to mention the contumelious denunciation.
This is a theme across MLB, and sports in general. If the league wishes for the complaints to cease, it needs to clarify the definition of the "All-Star Team" and the "Most Valuable Player" because right now those terms might have 20 different meanings to 20 different fans. The question is, does MLB want clarity or is the league better off with the publicity and interest generated by controversial selections?
As an aside to Mick...was there an earthquake in the middle of the Jays-Yankees All-Time Series or what?!? ;) I know you've been busy. If I can be of any help, let me know.
June 27th is near the deadline?
What's not near the deadline.. March?
Stupid Shapiro for trading Colon so early. He should have waited another month and gotten less in return.
We can only hope J.P. is so dumb.
If the Jays are able to get a top twenty prospect (according to Baseball America) for Escobar by the end of June, I'll happily concede your point. You can split hairs if you want, but the Indians got Phillips (among others) for Colon midway through the season. It's possible the Jays could do the same with Escobar. My question was whether the Brass will do it, ie. has the game plan changed with the way the club is currently playing.
And, oh yeah, the Expos got two solid pitching prospects from Boston for Floyd at the deadline.
Regardless of voting, Soriano makes the team, clearly.
I didn't mean to suggest that no Yankee other than Posada deserved to go to the All-Star game. I just think he's the only one who deserves to start. Soriano and Boone's offensive numbers may be comparable, but Boone is exponentially the defender that Soriano is.
Who wants to bet this will be the end of Salmon's All-Star Snub?
What's not near the deadline.. March?
Stupid Shapiro for trading Colon so early. He should have waited another month and gotten less in return.
We can only hope J.P. is so dumb.
If the Jays are able to get a top twenty prospect (according to Baseball America) for Escobar by the end of June, I'll happily concede your point. You can split hairs if you want, but the Indians got Phillips (among others) for Colon midway through the season. It's possible the Jays could do the same with Escobar. My question was whether the Brass will do it, ie. has the game plan changed with the way the club is currently playing.
And, oh yeah, the Expos got two solid pitching prospects from Boston for Floyd at the deadline.
Regardless of voting, Soriano makes the team, clearly.
I didn't mean to suggest that no Yankee other than Posada deserved to go to the All-Star game. I just think he's the only one who deserves to start. Soriano and Boone's offensive numbers may be comparable, but Boone is exponentially the defender that Soriano is.
Who wants to bet this will be the end of Salmon's All-Star Snub?
http://economics.about.com
If the Jays are able to get a top twenty prospect (according to Baseball America) for Escobar by the end of June, I'll happily concede your point. You can split hairs if you want, but the Indians got Phillips (among others) for Colon midway through the season. It's possible the Jays could do the same with Escobar. My question was whether the Brass will do it, ie. has the game plan changed with the way the club is currently playing.
All I was saying is that trades which occur at the deadline don't usually involve a lot of good prospects... particularly in the last few years.
June is a different story. Most teams aren't willing to give up players in June because they feel they still have a shot (heck, the season isn't half over). If you're going to trade a star for prospects, you're better off to do it in June than July.
And, oh yeah, the Expos got two solid pitching prospects from Boston for Floyd at the deadline.
Yeah.. Sunny Kim isn't too shabby. He's probably the best prospect to come from a deadline deal in the last 2 or 3 years. I can't think of anyone better.
Mike
If the Jays are able to get a top twenty prospect (according to Baseball America) for Escobar by the end of June, I'll happily concede your point. You can split hairs if you want, but the Indians got Phillips (among others) for Colon midway through the season. It's possible the Jays could do the same with Escobar. My question was whether the Brass will do it, ie. has the game plan changed with the way the club is currently playing.
All I was saying is that trades which occur at the deadline don't usually involve a lot of good prospects... particularly in the last few years.
June is a different story. Most teams aren't willing to give up players in June because they feel they still have a shot (heck, the season isn't half over). If you're going to trade a star for prospects, you're better off to do it in June than July.
And, oh yeah, the Expos got two solid pitching prospects from Boston for Floyd at the deadline.
Yeah.. Sunny Kim isn't too shabby. He's probably the best prospect to come from a deadline deal in the last 2 or 3 years. I can't think of anyone better.
Mike
Whether fans vote for their favourite, or players get in on past success, the point this year is that Carlos MUST get in. I wish a local paper (hey to Sun) would get on the bandwagon and make SURE the Delgado wins.
Yeah.. Sunny Kim isn't too shabby. He's probably the best prospect to come from a deadline deal in the last 2 or 3 years. I can't think of anyone better.
Hi!
Hi!
http://economics.about.com
D'oh! I thought the Ohka deal was another June one. That certainly counts.
Mike
D'oh! I thought the Ohka deal was another June one. That certainly counts.
Mike
I thought the Ohka deal was another June one
Mike, why this obsession over excluding June deals? I'm curious....
Mike, why this obsession over excluding June deals? I'm curious....
http://economics.about.com
Mike, why this obsession over excluding June deals? I'm curious....
Because they're usually quite a bit different in nature than deadline deals.
In June more teams tend to think they're in the race and fewer teams think they're out of it. So in June, there is quite a few buyers of major league talent and not a whole lot of sellers. So the price for major league talent is high and a team trading a major league player should be able to get quite a few prospects back in return.
By about July 25th or so, there's been more time for the contenders to move away from.. well.. the pretenders. So there is less teams buying talent and more teams selling. Deadline deals tend to be pretty cheap for the team acquiring major league talent.. because the price has gone down quite a bit due to an increase in supply and a decrease in demand.
There's also the issue that if you get a great player in June, you have him an extra month to help you win more games. That is atleast partly offset that your payroll will be higher for that month as well.
I tend to look at these trades as asset management problems.. and anyone in finance can tell you that a month can be an awfully long time. :)
Mike
Mike, why this obsession over excluding June deals? I'm curious....
Because they're usually quite a bit different in nature than deadline deals.
In June more teams tend to think they're in the race and fewer teams think they're out of it. So in June, there is quite a few buyers of major league talent and not a whole lot of sellers. So the price for major league talent is high and a team trading a major league player should be able to get quite a few prospects back in return.
By about July 25th or so, there's been more time for the contenders to move away from.. well.. the pretenders. So there is less teams buying talent and more teams selling. Deadline deals tend to be pretty cheap for the team acquiring major league talent.. because the price has gone down quite a bit due to an increase in supply and a decrease in demand.
There's also the issue that if you get a great player in June, you have him an extra month to help you win more games. That is atleast partly offset that your payroll will be higher for that month as well.
I tend to look at these trades as asset management problems.. and anyone in finance can tell you that a month can be an awfully long time. :)
Mike
Phil Rogers on ESPN.com today, dipping into the standard "who should make up the AL All-Star Team" I-have-too-much-tired-head-to-write-an-original-column-today pool of posts, writes this of Delgado:
Delgado, who had been a mild disappointment since his 57-homer season in 2000, is an easy choice.
Excuse me ... but did I miss something? Delgado hit 57 home runs one year?
Is Rogers counting batting practice? Or all those dingers Delgado racked up in the Jays' extensive post-season run?
Delgado, who had been a mild disappointment since his 57-homer season in 2000, is an easy choice.
Excuse me ... but did I miss something? Delgado hit 57 home runs one year?
Is Rogers counting batting practice? Or all those dingers Delgado racked up in the Jays' extensive post-season run?