Every year there are All-Star snubs. This year is no exception. Here is my list of guys who should not have been left off. I will name the player that should be replaced to justify my decisions. I will follow the rule and make sure every team remains represented.
American League
Miguel Cabrera (1B) – Miguel is hitting .323 with 48 Runs, 16 HRs, and 47 RBIs. Meanwhile Kevin Youkilis is hitting .301 with 49 Runs, 14 HRs, and 47 RBIs. They both are on division-leading teams. I know Youk is a much better defensive First Baseman, but Cabrera is deserving of the nod.
Ian Kinsler (2B) – I put this one on the fans. Dustin Pedroia is having a solid year. Ian Kinsler is having an All-Star year. I would have Aaron Hill start and slide Kinsler to the bench with Pedroia being the odd man out. In fact, I would even put Brian Roberts and Robinson Cano on the team before Pedroia.
Chone Figgins (3B) - I would swap out Michael Young with Chone Figgins, who is hitting .312 with 61 Runs and 24 SBs. In fact, I would even put Scott Rolen ahead of Young for All-Star worthiness.
Johnny Damon (OF) – Again, shame on you MLB fans for voting Josh Hamilton as the starter. I would put Torii Hunter into the starting lineup and put Johnny Damon (.284, 61 Runs, 16 HR, 49 RBIs & 8 SBs) on the bench.
Adam Lind (OF) – Granderson is hitting .256. If you want to go the speed route, Jacoby Ellsbury is a better option. If you want solid hitting, Lind is your guy. I know Granderson is a combo of the two, but he’s hitting .256. I’ll plug in the guy hitting .310 with 49 Runs, 18 HRs, and 57 RBIs.
Shin-Soo Choo (OF) – If the All-Star roster was set a month ago Adam Jones would easily be in. However, he’s slumped and Choo has been on a tear. I plug in his numbers (.301, 49 Runs, 12 HRs, 53 RBIs, 13 SBs) and replace Jones’ (.308, 52 Runs, 12 HRs, 46 RBIs, 6 SBs).
Edwin Jackson (P) – You’re going to think I’m secretly a Yankees fan, but as a Red Sox fan knowing what’s riding on the game I would take out Tim Wakefield and put in Jackson. Jackson has 93 Ks, a 2.59 ERA, and a 1.07 WHIP. Sure, he only has six Wins, but they don’t necessarily define a Pitcher.
David Aardsma (RP) – It’s tough taking the league leader in Saves out, but Aardsma has Brian Fuentes trumped in K’s (48 to 32), ERA (1.41 to 3.38), WHIP (1.15 to 1.23), and BAA (.165 to .245). I’ll take Aardsma and you can keep your seven extra Saves.
National League
Bengie Molina (C) - I know the game is in St. Louis, but I would move McCann into the starting role and switch Molina’s. Bengie has 20 more RBIs than Yadier. That’s enough to offset the batting average discrepancy.
Pablo Sandoval (3B) – I know Howard can plain mash, but you have Pujols, Fielder, and Adrian Gonzalez already. Pablo is hitting .333 and gives you flexibility with his ability to play three positions (3B, 1B, C).
Mark Reynolds (3B) – OK, I took Howard out, now I’m taking A-Gone out. Reynolds has a higher average (.269 to .263), more Runs (56 to 48), the same amount of HRs (24), more RBIs (61 to 51) and more SBs (13 to 1).
Matt Kemp (OF) – They must have forgot that Miguel Tejada was an Astro. Hunter Pence’s line (.302, 44 Runs, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs, 8 RBIs) is inferior to Kemp’s (.305, 43 Runs, 10 HRs, 44 RBIs, 19 SBs).
Yovani Gallardo (P) – This is tough to do, but I am sending Johan Santana packing. Gallardo has just one fewer Win, but his ERA (2.75), WHIP (1.15) and Ks (114) trump Johan’s (3.29, 1.23, 107).
Chris Carpenter (P) – He has been limited to 77-2/3 IP, but he has been as nasty as any Pitcher out there. He sports a 2.32 ERA and a miniscule 0.82 WHIP. Jason Marquis has 10 Wins, but his ERA is 3.87 and his WHIP is 1.31. Plus, Carpenter has more Ks (58 to 51) in 31-2/3 fewer Innings. Finally, the game is in St. Louis. With all that Carpenter has been through the past few years, how great would it be for him to pitch in front of his hometown fans?
