Here's a question -- and believe me, the potential irony was something I was well aware of as I wrote and posted the poll --

Has anyone obvious (to everyone other than me, clearly) borne the ultimate indignity of being snubbed from the list of those who were snubbed?

I don't think so (again, obviously, or I would have included them in the first place) ... but you tell Da Box. Who's missing? None of the first 42 votes went to "Other," so maybe we are okay ...

I'd just like to add another egregious thing about the all-star game. Since it counts for something now, however minor it might be, doesn't the AL have a not-insignificant advantage over the NL in having 2 fewer guaranteed spots on the team? Trading out two deserving players for two players who make it because everyone else on their team is worse...meanwhile, the AL hasn't lost the all-star game since Milwaukee left for the NL and the leagues were unbalanced. Mostly due to luck and superior players, but not having to bring as many Freddy Sanchez types (to pick an obvious choice due to team quota this year) has got to help out.

As for other snubs, Peralta and Pena are having good years. Arguably, none of the best three 1B in the AL this year are going : Youkilis, Pena and Texiera. So a general snub to 1B, with Ortiz, of course, not actually playing 1B.

I'm gonna say Matt Stairs. I just think he deserves a mention even though all those other guys are obviously more qualified. For me, the 1st half of the 07 season was all Matt Stairs.

I voted for Cabrera, but then thought of Ian Snell. He's got a 146 ERA+ in 117 innings. Am I missing something? Why is Freddy Sanchez and his 83 OPS+ the only Pittsburgh rep? The same argument can be made for Tom Gorzellany (who is a little more on the map than Snell because of his place on the final roster spot ballot).

Snell would be on a National League list, if we do that poll, which we may or may not. Who else would be on that list?

Interesting that everyone on the list has at least one vote, though Mauer and Sheffield, currently tied as I write this, have combined to take half the total votes.

Nobody knows Ian Snell. I want to watch Joe Mauer. North America wants to watch Joe Mauer.

I'm going with Sheffield. He has 20 Jacks, and Youkilis actual production numbers are not those of an all star first baseman, imho. Youkilis is going to have to pay his dues before he shows up on my ballot.

Nobody knows Ian Snell.

By the same token, nobody knows Alex Rios. North America knows Gary Sheffield. North American wants to watch Gary Sheffield.

By the same token, nobody knows Alex Rios. North America knows Gary Sheffield. North American wants to watch Gary Sheffield.

Well yes, but Rios is not an option, Thomas. And despite the fact that I`m happy for Rios because I think he got the shaft last ASG, I`d still rather watch Roy Halladay or Vernon or Glaus.

And North America hates Gary Sheffield anyways.

Well yes, but Rios is not an option,

Nor is Joe Mauer over Ian Snell. They play in different leagues. And people may hate Gary Sheffield, but they still may want to see him hit (see the results of this poll so far).

My point was that if you want to make an All-Star berth something valuable and meaningful, you should elect the most deserving players. Ian Snell is one of them.