All Star Game Thread

[Gil Dobie]

Great introductions with baseball Hall of Famers lined up at each position. Hope the game lives up to rest of the show. xthumbsupx

[YaleFootballFan]

I especially liked it when Terry Francona was introduced as the manager from the WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX....in Yankee Stadium! :D

And what's with Boggs wearing a Yankees cap? Isn't he in the Hall of Fame wearing a Boston cap? At least Winfield wore his Padres hat, and not a Yankee cap (although he did flash a NY hat when he was introduced, BUT he had he SD hat on).

[JoltinJoe]

My son was very impressed that his buddy, Yogi, got the biggest, loudest, and longest ovation.

It really sunk in tonight just who Yogi is and what he means to baseball. He went to bed with the biggest smile on his face.

[Ivytalk]

Sheets has whiffed two of the SAWX in the 2d inning.xazzx

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia will break the tie here.

[Gil Dobie]

My son was very impressed that his buddy, Yogi, got the biggest, loudest, and longest ovation.

It really sunk in tonight just who Yogi is and what he means to baseball. He went to bed with the biggest smile on his face.

xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[JoltinJoe]

Pedroia will break the tie here.

I hope you're right. The Yankees would love to have WS home field advantage.:p

[UNHWildCats]

well atleast he didnt strike out lol

[Gil Dobie]

Pedroia will break the tie here.

At least he hit it :o

[UNHWildCats]

I hope you're right. The Yankees would love to have WS home field advantage.:p
HFA is for this year not 2032

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

All star games are just god awful to watch. I'm trying to pay attention but it's painful to watch.

[slycat]

wonder if the NL can break their losing streak?

[JoltinJoe]

HFA is for this year not 2032

Marked.
;)

[UNHWildCats]

wonder if the NL can break their losing streak?
Nope, Ichiro gave his speech once again.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Arf60Kk9DYTWojhHkf6Gy8sRvLYF?slug=jp-ichirospeech071508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[UNHWildCats]

get that kid outta bed!

[slycat]

Nope, Ichiro gave his speech once again.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Arf60Kk9DYTWojhHkf6Gy8sRvLYF?slug=jp-ichirospeech071508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx so that explains it.

[JoltinJoe]

get that kid outta bed!

TIVO ... He'll have to see it in the morning.

[Gil Dobie]

Will the Hamilton Legend grow ?

[Gil Dobie]

Will the Hamilton Legend grow ?

Not this inning :o

[JoltinJoe]

What's the relevant history between Zambrano and Manny, if any?

[UNHWildCats]

What's the relevant history between Zambrano and Manny, if any?
dont believe theres any, but I had just moved to NY in 2005 when they played their series and wasnt able to follow the games between Boston and the Cubs

[Reed Rothchild]

My son was very impressed that his buddy, Yogi, got the biggest, loudest, and longest ovation.

It really sunk in tonight just who Yogi is and what he means to baseball. He went to bed with the biggest smile on his face.

It was nice to see Yogi get that ovation, as well as seeing all the other Yankee greats out there.

Unfortunately, the Boss did not look well. I could not believe the turn he's taken.

[Gil Dobie]

It would be great if Stan Musial makes it until next year in St Louis, and can make it to the game. Whitey Herzog said he isn't doing very well.

[UNHWildCats]

M-V-P

[YaleFootballFan]

Home Run for J.........D............Drew! xthumbsupx

[Gil Dobie]

Home Run for J.........D............Drew! xthumbsupx

Another Boston Great that came through Minnesota.

JD Drew, former St Paul Saint
Kevin Garnett, Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams..........well maybe Drew isn't there yet. :p

[Gil Dobie]

Another Boston Great that came through Minnesota.

JD Drew, former St Paul Saint
Kevin Garnett, Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams..........well maybe Drew isn't there yet. :p

........Randy Moss........

[Reed Rothchild]

1 swing changes the entire complex of the game.

[UNHWildCats]

Yankee fans can ****** Off!

[Gil Dobie]

Papelbum needs Drew or someone to save his ass. xeyebrowx

[JoltinJoe]

I just read the Daily News article on line. Paps ain't no mental giant saying things like that.xsmhx

[Reed Rothchild]

O-VER-RA-TED!!!!!


xlmaox xlmaox xlmaox xlmaox xlmaox xazzx xazzx xazzx xazzx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[Reed Rothchild]

Well, Papelbon can be saved as soon as Wagner comes in.

[JoltinJoe]

Well, Papelbon can be saved as soon as Wagner comes in.

xlolx

and here he comes now....

[Gil Dobie]

Yankee fans can ****** Off!

Travis new shirt from the Utley thread. ;)
http://enrico.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/07/14/chaseutleyboofyou.jpg

[travelinman67]

Thank God Wagner's in...

...ooops!

[Reed Rothchild]

xlolx

and here he comes now....

Sure enough. Sizemore gets a base hit.

[JoltinJoe]

Sure enough. Sizemore gets a base hit.

Wagner's blown even more saves than Papelbon...

[Reed Rothchild]

Like clockwork. The game is tied.

[UNHWildCats]

Drew can hit a walk off MVP clinching homer in the bottom of the ninth to give Rivera the win.

[JoltinJoe]

Like clockwork. The game is tied.

Wagner had no business being in this game...

[Reed Rothchild]

Drew can hit a walk off MVP clinching homer in the bottom of the ninth to give Rivera the win.

That way, Mo can get the MVP. xthumbsupx xnodx xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

OH boy, if the AL wins this in the 9th Francona will be ripped around for not pitching Rivera

[JoltinJoe]

Nice close up of Youkilis. No wonder everyone wants to bean him.xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

ahh here's Mariano

[travelinman67]

Rodriguez is throwing too hard and barely getting the job done, wait, wait,

it Rivera!!!!!!!!!

[Reed Rothchild]

OH boy, if the AL wins this in the 9th Francona will be ripped around for not pitching Rivera

Here comes MO!!!

[Reed Rothchild]

Gosh. All this All-Star gawking for the Yankees and the Stadium might be the best thing that happens to the team this season.

[UNHWildCats]

Rodriguez is throwing too hard and barely getting the job done, wait, wait,

it Rivera!!!!!!!!!
Thats where the overrated chants should be directed.

Papelbon 7 BB 51 K 40.2 IP
Rivera 4 BB 50 K 42.1 IP
Rodriguez 26 BB 41 K 42.0 IP

[UNHWildCats]

OK Drew win the MVP now

[JoltinJoe]

Thats where the overrated chants should be directed.

Papelbon 7 BB 51 K 40.2 IP
Rivera 4 BB 50 K 42.1 IP
Rodriguez 26 BB 41 K 42.0 IP

Precisely why BBRod doesn't scare me.

[Reed Rothchild]

Mo just made Ludwick look foolish.

[YaleFootballFan]

Now Navaro throws accurately to second. xrolleyesx

[Reed Rothchild]

Precisely why BBRod doesn't scare me.

Yeah. Too bad the Yanks can't touch him.

[Reed Rothchild]

This has been a pretty well played game so far.

[UNHWildCats]

BOGUS

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Andrew Jones didn't make the All Star game this year?















xsmhx xrotatehx ;)

[Gil Dobie]

Tough inning for Uggla

[UNHWildCats]

No MVP for you Longoria

[JoltinJoe]

Tough inning for Uggla

I kinda feel bad for him. I liked it better when Papelbon was the goat.

[UNHWildCats]

just WOW

[JoltinJoe]

If Cook gets out of this, he'll deserve MVP if the NL wins

[Gil Dobie]

Morneau just a little too slow. :(

[UNHWildCats]

DREW SHOULD NOW BE MVP.... But nooooo stupid umpire is blind

[brownbear]

Going to the 12th

[YaleFootballFan]

DREW SHOULD NOW BE MVP.... But nooooo stupid umpire is blind

This game should be over. Blown call at second costs JD the MVP.

[travelinman67]

Just think of all the starving children in Ethiopia that could have been fed with the money George spent paying off the umps...


...pretty weak officiating tonight.







That's a joke....

(I hope)

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

This is getting a bit rediculous and Bud Selig does not look too happy. I have a feeling there's going to be some changes made due to this. Although instant replay and competent umps would have helped.

[JayJ79]

Since managers always sub liberally in ASG's in order to get everyone into the game, perhaps they should introduce special rules if an allstar game goes into extra innings. Like allowing a certain number of player re-entries.
Maybe like one re-entry per team per extra inning.

Or maybe that would take away from the game a bit. I dunno.

[UNHWildCats]

Come on Drew

[UNHWildCats]

Since managers always sub liberally in ASG's in order to get everyone into the game, perhaps they should introduce special rules if an allstar game goes into extra innings. Like allowing a certain number of player re-entries.
Maybe like one re-entry per team per extra inning.

Or maybe that would take away from the game a bit. I dunno.
the biggest issue is pitchers and you cant really take a pitcher and re-enter him it totally wrecks their routine and could lead to an injury. They are allowed to replace a catcher with a catcher who has already come out if theres an injury.

[kardplayer]

Since managers always sub liberally in ASG's in order to get everyone into the game, perhaps they should introduce special rules if an allstar game goes into extra innings. Like allowing a certain number of player re-entries.
Maybe like one re-entry per team per extra inning.

Or maybe that would take away from the game a bit. I dunno.

The problem isn't the hitters (although a faster runner might not have gotten thrown out at the plate a few innings ago) - its pitching.

If they had the first two pitchers for each team go 5-6 innings total, they'd get to the 10th with 4 or 5 pitchers left instead of 1.

The GM for Tampa should be calling Francona giving permission for Kazmir to go 2 innings just so the FOX guys will be quiet.

[kardplayer]

What happens if they declare a tie? Do they play Game 7 at a neutral site? :)

[travelinman67]

What happens if they declare a tie? Do they play Game 7 at a neutral site? :)

Sure...

Yankee Stadium...xlolx



Cripes, did Uggua just F'up again?

[kardplayer]

Somewhere Chuck Knoblach and Steve Sax are watching Uggla and smiling.

[UNHWildCats]

What happens if they declare a tie? Do they play Game 7 at a neutral site? :)
well the NL still has a couple pitchers, the AL has just Kazmir left so it could come to the AL having to forfeit before the NL is out of pitchers. If its declared a tie im sure they will just give HFA to the World Series team with the best record as that would be the fairest way to determine it.

[kardplayer]

Plenty of good seats available for this snoozer now...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

If the AL doesn't score in the bottom of the 14th just call the freakin game. Give HFA to the team with the best record and be done with it. There's not many people left in the stands and i can't imagine there's many people watching it anymore.

[kardplayer]

The AL won't forfeit - Ichiro won't have it... of course he's on a plane halfway to the next Mariners game by now.

[SuperJon]

At what point does the AL put positional players in to pitch?

You know some of those guys out there pitched in high school and college. Josh Hamilton could throw 95 in high school, but he's out already.

[kardplayer]

Did I just hear the FOX guys say that Josh Hamilton's BP guy is warming up on the mound under the stadium? Wonder which side he'd be pitching for?

BTW - good for Jeter for still being at the game (although he probably went back home and came back)

[kardplayer]

And what's up with Lincecum? The flu is keeping him out? I'm waiting for McCarver to talk about how Bob Gibson would be threatening a nurse to let him out to go pitch by now...

[kardplayer]

Somehow, I missed Federer/Nadal yet I've seen most of this...

[UNHWildCats]

At what point does the AL put positional players in to pitch?

You know some of those guys out there pitched in high school and college. Josh Hamilton could throw 95 in high school, but he's out already.
NEVER too much risk for injury. If its a team with their own player fine but you cant take that risk with another teams player.

[kardplayer]

Another new rule - after the starting pitcher, pitchers must be included from non-contending squads and must be prepared to pitch 6 relief innings.

[kardplayer]

NEVER too much risk for injury. If its a team with their own player fine but you cant take that risk with another teams player.

I guess that means JD Drew will be pitching the 15thxsmiley_wix

[Mr. C]

And what's up with Lincecum? The flu is keeping him out? I'm waiting for McCarver to talk about how Bob Gibson would be threatening a nurse to let him out to go pitch by now...

Someone should send for Timmy from the hospital.

[Mr. C]

I am tired of WIMPY pitchers who don't know the meaning of going out and getting the job done no matter what. Give me Warren Spahn or Juan Marichal dueling for 16 innings, or Sandy Koufax and Fernando Valenzuela throwing 200 pitches in a game. These young dudes don't know what professionalism is.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

NEVER too much risk for injury. If its a team with their own player fine but you cant take that risk with another teams player.


BS, you play the game first and worry about injuries later. Don't go to the game if you don't want to play.

Are there any real men left on the east coast?

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

I am tired of WIMPY pitchers who don't know the meaning of going out and getting the job done no matter what. Give me Warren Spahn or Juan Marichal dueling for 16 innings, or Sandy Koufax and Fernando Valenzuela throwing 200 pitches in a game. These young dudes don't know what professionalism is.


Give me Jack Morris pitching into the 10th inning of the 7th game of the world series against the Braves (Smoltz).

Great post.

[UNHWildCats]

BS, you play the game first and worry about injuries later. Don't go to the game if you don't want to play.

Are there any real men left on the east coast?
if you owned a baseball team and you had a OF who makes $18mm a year would you want another manager using him as a pitcher and possibly injuring him so that he misses a year?

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

if you owned a baseball team and you had a OF who makes $18mm a year would you want another manager using him as a pitcher and possibly injuring him so that he misses a year?


If I had a problem with it I wouldn't let the guy go to the ASG in the first place.

[brownbear]

As long as the NL wins, you can keep this game going all night.

No Braves players left in the game, the extra innings only hurts everyone else.

[travelinman67]

I am tired of WIMPY pitchers who don't know the meaning of going out and getting the job done no matter what. Give me Warren Spahn or Juan Marichal dueling for 16 innings, or Sandy Koufax and Fernando Valenzuela throwing 200 pitches in a game. These young dudes don't know what professionalism is.

Juan Marichal...xnodx ...saw one of those duels once...think it went to the 12th inning...couldn't believe they didn't pull him...it was a battle of the wills...Marichal went the distance and got the win...he looked just as strong in the 11th as he did in the 1st. Those were the days.

[Mr. C]

Give me Jack Morris pitching into the 10th inning of the 7th game of the world series against the Braves (Smoltz).

Great post.

That's another good example. How about Koufax, Mickey Lolich, Mel Stottlemyre or Bob Gibson pitching game seven on two days rest?

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

As long as the NL wins, you can keep this game going all night.

No Braves players left in the game, the extra innings only hurts everyone else.

Great point maybe get David Wright out there on the mound.

Just as we say this Brian McCann enters the game

Go Braves

[UNHWildCats]

As long as the NL wins, you can keep this game going all night.

No Braves players left in the game, the extra innings only hurts everyone else.
McCann just came in

[brownbear]

As long as the NL wins, you can keep this game going all night.

No Braves players left in the game, the extra innings only hurts everyone else.

Nevermind, they just brought McCann in the game.

[UNHWildCats]

If I had a problem with it I wouldn't let the guy go to the ASG in the first place.
they can tell the player not to go, but they cant force the player to not go, and they cant force MLB to not use the player.

[Mr. C]

Juan Marichal...xnodx ...saw one of those duels once...think it went to the 12th inning...couldn't believe they didn't pull him...it was a battle of the wills...Marichal went the distance and got the win...he looked just as strong in the 11th as he did in the 1st. Those were the days.
Saw Marichal and Koufax pitch complete games in the first Major League game I attended in 1961 (the first of only four Koufax-Marichal duels). Daryl Spencer beat Marichal with a walk-off homer in the 9th at the LA Coliseum (June 3, 1961).

[Mr. C]

McCann just came in

Maybe McCann can pop one in the 16th and end this thing. Great catch by Ludwick in LF.

[kardplayer]

I wouldn't let an OF pitch (pretty sure Canseco tore his ACL that way, although it may have been roids related).

Looks like Luddwick wants to win...

Perhaps they should have some non-All-star pitchers for the late innings, just so runs will score.

Does Yankee Stadium have a curfew?

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

The point is that players today are weak, there are no Gibson's, Ripken Jr, Koufax, or Morris' anymore.

[travelinman67]

if you owned a baseball team and you had a OF who makes $18mm a year would you want another manager using him as a pitcher and possibly injuring him so that he misses a year?

It's part of the deal. ASG's are a risk for every player on the field...but it's a requisite part of the show...letting the public see the best of the best play together...even positions stepping in to pitch.

I've heard college fb coaches 'ban' HS signees from participating in post season ASG's (not playoffs), for fear of injury...and I know a couple who were injured playing ASG's and missed their frosh year. Personally, I support as much game experience as possible...banning post-season ASG's is pretty arrogant.

[brownbear]

Does Yankee Stadium have a curfew?

April 1, 2009 - If the game is still going on then, the all-star game will be blown up with the stadium.

[HiHiYikas]

Does Yankee Stadium have a curfew?
Last time I was there, the A's beat the Yankees in 16, and we didn't leave until almost 3am.

[kardplayer]

I'd at least like to see this game end on a hit, although I'd settle for an HBP

[travelinman67]

Whew!!!!!!

xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx xbowx

[UNHWildCats]

whos the MVP? I say Drew

[Mr. C]

The point is that players today are weak, there are no Gibson's, Ripken Jr, Koufax, or Morris' anymore.

And nothing says that more than this game.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

***** the AL

[Mr. C]

whos the MVP? I say Drew

Aaron Cook

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

AL MVP should be Young

[kardplayer]

whos the MVP? I say Drew

I vote Morneau (not seriously) - heck of a couple days for him...

[UNHWildCats]

AL MVP should be Young
for a Sac Fly? Drew was on base 4 times.

[Mr. C]

I hate the Bud Selig/Fox bull of the winning team getting Game Seven homefield advantage.

[UNHWildCats]

Aaron Cook
7 baserunners in 3 innings.... next.

[travelinman67]

whos the MVP? I say Drew

Uggla....xthumbsupx

[Mr. C]

for a Sac Fly? Drew was on base 4 times.
Boy have you changed your tune on J.D. Drew. BTW, he is one of the least liked players in baseball.

[UNHWildCats]

Uggla....xthumbsupx
He's the LVP xlolx

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

for a Sac Fly? Drew was on base 4 times.
Yeah but he's a Red Sox and a very average one at that.;)

[Mr. C]

7 baserunners in 3 innings.... next.
DUMB! He had to get SIX outs in one inning because of Uggla.

[brownbear]

I hate the Bud Selig/Fox bull of the winning team getting Game Seven homefield advantage.

According to ESPN and Fox, the Yankees and Red Sox are the only teams anyone cares about, so they should get homefield advantage.

[brownbear]

***** the AL

Exactly

DH is for losers

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Boy have you changed your tune on J.D. Drew. BTW, he is one of the least liked players in baseball.

He is a dick and a very average player hence why he is on a different team every few years.

[Mr. C]

Yeah but he's a Red Sox and a very average one at that.;)
Can't believe he was even named to the team. What a waste of baseball talent.

[UNHWildCats]

DUMB! He had to get SIX outs in one inning because of Uggla.
oh ya I didnt even include those baserunners. xlolx xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

Can't believe he was even named to the team. What a waste of baseball talent.
he earned his all star spot.

[Mr. C]

He is a dick and a very average player hence why he is on a different team every few years.

Drew epitomizes what we were talking about earlier about players who have no heart. When he was with the Dodgers, he would take a day off for a hang nail.

[Mr. C]

he earned his all star spot.

He is still a waste of talent.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Drew epitomizes what we were talking about earlier about players who have no heart. When he was with the Dodgers, he would take a day off for a hang nail.


Same with the Braves

[Mr. C]

oh ya I didnt even include those baserunners. xlolx xlolx

At least Aaron Cook pitched three scoreless innings.

[Mr. C]

Same with the Braves

And the Cardinals. And don't even ask the Phillies what they think of him.

[UNHWildCats]

OH YA BABY!

[Mr. C]

Arrgh!!!!

[UNHWildCats]

SUCK IT BIOTCHES

[Mr. C]

I like the boos in the crowd for Drew.

[Mr. C]

Can anyone be a bigger homer than you, Travis?

[Peems]

Finally it's over. The only person who seemed excited to be there at the end was Jeter

[Mr. C]

And J.D. Drew is STILL a waste of baseball talent.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

I like the boos in the crowd for Drew.

Drew getting the MVP is yet another reason to hate All Star games.

********* he deserved that.

[Mr. C]

Finally it's over. The only person who seemed excited to be there at the end was Jeter

He probably was late for some early morning clubbing.

[UNHWildCats]

Finally it's over. The only person who seemed excited to be there at the end was Jeter
The most underserving of the All Star starters

[Mr. C]

Drew getting the MVP is yet another reason to hate All Star games.

********* he deserved that.

If it is like most games I've covered, they probably collected the ballots in the eighth or ninth inning.

[UNHWildCats]

He is still a waste of talent.
Some would say the same of a certain writer who constantly goes on SoCon lovefests.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

The most underserving of the All Star starters


I hate the f'ing Yankees but Jeter is a great player he plays for all the right reasons, respect the game and the fans and plays harder than 99% of the people in baseball every game.

Dissing Jeter and supporting that POS Drew just proves your bias over rides your intellect.

[Mr. C]

The most underserving of the All Star starters

We can agree on that. The most overrated baseball player in the last generation.

[FCS Preview]

We can agree on that. The most overrated baseball player in the last generation.

I love people who call Jeter over-rated...they'll still be criticizing him when he retires with the 3rd most hits in baseball history...

an over .315 career BA right now...he will finish with the most SB in Yankees history (he is 57 behind Henderson)...most hits (he's already 3rd)...most doubles (or 2nd behind Gehrig)...top 10 in HR....top 3 in Runs (behind only Ruth and Gehrig, possibly ahead of them)...top 5 in RBI...

his number 2 will be retired at the new YS, and his plaque will hang in Cooperstown.

[JoltinJoe]

I love people who call Jeter over-rated...they'll still be criticizing him when he retires with the 3rd most hits in baseball history...

an over .315 career BA right now...he will finish with the most SB in Yankees history (he is 57 behind Henderson)...most hits (he's already 3rd)...most doubles (or 2nd behind Gehrig)...top 10 in HR....top 3 in Runs (behind only Ruth and Gehrig, possibly ahead of them)...top 5 in RBI...

his number 2 will be retired at the new YS, and his plaque will hang in Cooperstown.

When someone starts telling you Jeter is overrated, what he's really telling you is that he knows nothing about baseball. xnodx

[Mr. C]

When someone starts telling you Jeter is overrated, what he's really telling you is that he knows nothing about baseball. xnodx
I guess Bill James, Rob Neyer and a lot of other pretty smart guys I know that are involved in baseball know "nothing about baseball" then? I'd love to be getting James' salary for evaluating baseball stuff.

[Mr. C]

I love people who call Jeter over-rated...they'll still be criticizing him when he retires with the 3rd most hits in baseball history...

an over .315 career BA right now...he will finish with the most SB in Yankees history (he is 57 behind Henderson)...most hits (he's already 3rd)...most doubles (or 2nd behind Gehrig)...top 10 in HR....top 3 in Runs (behind only Ruth and Gehrig, possibly ahead of them)...top 5 in RBI...

his number 2 will be retired at the new YS, and his plaque will hang in Cooperstown.

Overrated doesn't mean totally without value. It just means he isn't as good as some people think. My main complaint has been with his performance defensively. He has one of the worst range factors of any SS in baseball and has been poor in that respect for some time. Why the Yankees didn't move ARod to SS when he signed either showed a tremendous lack of understanding, or was meant to appease Jeter. He should have been the one who had to move.

[andy7171]

I hate the Yankees as much as anyone, but to say Jeter isn't an all-star is comical. My vote for most undeserving is Cap't Tek.

[Mr. C]

Didn't say he shouldn't be an all-star this year, just agreed he shouldn't be the starter. He was hitting .315.

[JoltinJoe]

I guess Bill James, Rob Neyer and a lot of other pretty smart guys I know that are involved in baseball know "nothing about baseball" then? I'd love to be getting James' salary for evaluating baseball stuff.

Rob Neyer doesn't know spit about baseball. He is a joke. And he isn't even a decent writer.

As for Bill James, show me where he ever called Jeter "overrated."

[Gil Dobie]

The point is that players today are weak, there are no Gibson's, Ripken Jr, Koufax, or Morris' anymore.

I just read an article in a 1960's Police Gazette saying the current crop of player, including Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax were soft. xlolx xlolx

The more things change the more they stay the same.

[Gil Dobie]

Great All-Star game, Congrats to JD Drew for his MVP, which was probably not a clear cut choice. Glad the AL gets home field advantage. Thank you Bud Selig for making the game worth watching again. Martin was one guy that had a great game for the NL, great catcher.

As far a Jeter being over-rated, it's all perspective, and I also see a lot of biased coming from LA & Boston fans. :o A majority of Major League teams would love to have Jeter over who they have currently playing SS. Cal Ripken Jr was over-rated too. xeekx Ripkens stats are great but not all-time great. Ripken had the streak. Ripken was a great player, but not the Michael Jordan of Major League Baseball pedistal that the media has put him on. He's probably at the same level as a Al Kaline, Brooks Robinson as far as greatness.

[Mr. C]

Rob Neyer doesn't know spit about baseball. He is a joke. And he isn't even a decent writer.

As for Bill James, show me where he ever called Jeter "overrated."
James and I occasionally trade e-mails (we've both been members of SABR). I also have heard him talk about Jeter on radio shows in the past.

As for Neyer, I very much disagree with you. I like some of his books, he has done a lot of stuff on some previously unexplored topics and he is also a nice guy to talk baseball with.

[Mr. C]

I just read an article in a 1960's Police Gazette saying the current crop of player, including Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax were soft. xlolx xlolx

The more things change the more they stay the same.
Whoever wrote that never stepped in the box against Gibson or Drysdale.

[Mr. C]

Great All-Star game, Congrats to JD Drew for his MVP, which was probably not a clear cut choice. Glad the AL gets home field advantage. Thank you Bud Selig for making the game worth watching again. Martin was one guy that had a great game for the NL, great catcher.

As far a Jeter being over-rated, it's all perspective, and I also see a lot of biased coming from LA & Boston fans. :o A majority of Major League teams would love to have Jeter over who they have currently playing SS. Cal Ripken Jr was over-rated too. xeekx Ripkens stats are great but not all-time great. Ripken had the streak. Ripken was a great player, but not the Michael Jordan of Major League Baseball pedistal that the media has put him on. He's probably at the same level as a Al Kaline, Brooks Robinson as far as greatness.
The interesting thing about Russell Martin last night was that he and Dionar Navarro were so involved together. Martin's emergence with the Dodgers led to Navarro's trade to Tampa Bay (for which the Dodgers got next to nothing). Martin is indeed quite a player.

I always thought Ripken was overrated too, though he brought a lot to the game in other ways. He was a better hitter than Brooks, though Robinson was such a terrific defensive player. Many people only remember Kaline's later years when he was in decline. He was a .300 hitter for most of his career (until slipping under his final season), a batting champ and a tremendous fielder with a very good arm. Only Clemente was better as a RF during Kaline's era.

[andy7171]

Ripken revolutionized the modern short stop position. Compare his offensive stats versus other short stops.

[Mr. C]

I'll give you that. Doesn't mean he wasn't overrated in some ways, though.

[andy7171]

I'll give you that. Doesn't mean he wasn't overrated in some ways, though.

Yeah hit did get into a couple AS games on name alone in the late 90's.

He did have quite the knack for timing though. HRs in the 2130 and 2131 games and that last all-star game was completely incredible. Chan Ho Park has yet to recover.

[JoltinJoe]

James and I occasionally trade e-mails (we've both been members of SABR). I also have heard him talk about Jeter on radio shows in the past.

As for Neyer, I very much disagree with you. I like some of his books, he has done a lot of stuff on some previously unexplored topics and he is also a nice guy to talk baseball with.

So you concede my point that you cannot show me any source where James calls Jeter "overrated." Thank you.

As for Neyer, the guy has no credibility. Reading his material is like watching Neyer stare at himself in a mirror.

If sports writers were truly "journalists," there would have been an outcry against Neyer when he posted, on amazon.com, his anonymous attack commentary on a rival's book. That no one here knows what I'm talking about speaks volumes about the professionalism of his peers.

[Mr. C]

So you concede my point that you cannot show me any source where James calls Jeter "overrated." Thank you.

As for Neyer, the guy has no credibility. Reading his material is like watching Neyer stare at himself in a mirror.

If sports writers were truly "journalists," there would have been an outcry against Neyer when he posted, on amazon.com, his anonymous attack commentary on a rival's book. That no one here knows what I'm talking about speaks volumes about the professionalism of his peers.

Joe, you are splitting hairs. James appeared on a radio broadcast earlier this year on XM radio's baseball channel 175 where he talked about how overrated Jeter was and gave sabermetric statistics to back up his claims. I HEARD the broadcast. I wasn't conceding ANYTHING to you. I have no idea if XM archives all of its shows, or not. I really don't have the time to find out. But James DID say this. I trust you enough to take your posts at face value. Why do you not trust mine?

[Mr. C]

Yeah hit did get into a couple AS games on name alone in the late 90's.

He did have quite the knack for timing though. HRs in the 2130 and 2131 games and that last all-star game was completely incredible. Chan Ho Park has yet to recover.

Actually, Chan Ho Park is having a pretty good year, now that he is back with the Dodgers. Park always had a knack of giving up big homers, including TWO grand slams in ONE inning to Fernando Tatis.

[JoltinJoe]

Joe, you are splitting hairs. James appeared on a radio broadcast earlier this year on XM radio's baseball channel 175 where he talked about how overrated Jeter was and gave sabermetric statistics to back up his claims. I HEARD the broadcast. I wasn't conceding ANYTHING to you. I have no idea if XM archives all of its shows, or not. I really don't have the time to find out. But James DID say this. I trust you enough to take your posts at face value. Why do you not trust mine?

I don't think James said what you attribute to him because, by any number of metrics James uses, most notably win shares, Jeter ranks among the premier players in the game. Why would James say Jeter is "overrated" when Jeter consistently scores 30 or more win shares a season -- defined by James himself as "an MVP type season?"

Perhaps you heard James say Jeter's defense is overrated? That I can understand because Jeter's defensive numbers, as measured by James' various metrics, falls in the below average range (although I think James' methodologies overlook certain types of defensive skills that Jeter excels in).

I think it is telling about just how underrated Jeter is when, in 2006, he was without a doubt the AL's MVP, the writers gave the award to Justin Mourneau. Jeter was screwed simply because of his name and the fact he plays for the Yankees.

[kardplayer]

I don't think James said what you attribute to him because, by any number of metrics James uses, most notably win shares, Jeter ranks among the premier players in the game. Why would James say Jeter is "overrated" when Jeter consistently scores 30 or more win shares a season -- defined by James himself as "an MVP type season?"

Perhaps you heard James say Jeter's defense is overrated? That I can understand because Jeter's defensive numbers, as measured by James' various metrics, falls in the below average range (although I think James' methodologies overlook certain types of defensive skills that Jeter excels in).

I think it is telling about just how underrated Jeter is when, in 2006, he was without a doubt the AL's MVP, the writers gave the award to Justin Mourneau. Jeter was screwed simply because of his name and the fact he plays for the Yankees.

Bill James on Jeter as defensive shortstop - lots of caveats throughout, but this is his final word: "He isn’t an average defensive shortstop. Giving him every possible break on the unknowns, he is still going to emerge as a below average defensive shortstop."
http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/jeter.asp

[AshevilleApp2]

I hate the Bud Selig/Fox bull of the winning team getting Game Seven homefield advantage.

Agreed. Cumulative league record from interleague games should decide it.

[UNHWildCats]

I love people who call Jeter over-rated...they'll still be criticizing him when he retires with the 3rd most hits in baseball history...

an over .315 career BA right now...he will finish with the most SB in Yankees history (he is 57 behind Henderson)...most hits (he's already 3rd)...most doubles (or 2nd behind Gehrig)...top 10 in HR....top 3 in Runs (behind only Ruth and Gehrig, possibly ahead of them)...top 5 in RBI...

his number 2 will be retired at the new YS, and his plaque will hang in Cooperstown.
I agree he's not overrated, but he was undeserving this year to be an all star.

[UNHWildCats]

I hate the Yankees as much as anyone, but to say Jeter isn't an all-star is comical. My vote for most undeserving is Cap't Tek.
hey I agree, notice I said Jeter was the most undeserving of the starting players, I was careful how I worded it cause there were a few others more undeserving of an all star spot.

[UNHWildCats]

Actually, Chan Ho Park is having a pretty good year, now that he is back with the Dodgers. Park always had a knack of giving up big homers, including TWO grand slams in ONE inning to Fernando Tatis.
If a player hits a grand slam, why the hell is the pitcher still in 9 batters later giving the guy another chance..... That was just bad managing.

[FCS Preview]

Why the Yankees didn't move ARod to SS when he signed either showed a tremendous lack of understanding, or was meant to appease Jeter. He should have been the one who had to move.

First, yes, it was to appease Jeter. But Jeter's best move is going deep in the hole at short...an ability totally lost at 3rd base.

[NDSUFREAK]

i loved when the fans booed papelbon.

[UNHWildCats]

i loved when the fans booed papelbon.
just shows that yankee fans are a bunch of idiots who cant read anything beyond a headline.

[Gil Dobie]

Ripken revolutionized the modern short stop position. Compare his offensive stats versus other short stops.

Though Banks only played SS the first half of his career, most of his hitting number also came during that time.

Ernie Banks 19 years, 512 HR, 1636 RBI, .274 AVG
Cal Ripken 21 years, 413 HR, 1695 RBI, .276 AVG

[stevdock]

Is the game over yet??

[JoltinJoe]

i loved when the fans booed papelbon.

Booing him at the ballpark is one thing; roughing him up during a parade when he's with his pregnant wife is just wrong, even if he put his foot in his mouth.

[onbison09]

Well it looks like game 1 of the Series is going to be at Fenway or the Angels Stadium. (whatever it's called) :(

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Well it looks like game 1 of the Series is going to be at the Metrodome. (whatever it's called) :(

fixed it for ya! xthumbsupx

[ngineer]

just shows that yankee fans are a bunch of idiots who cant read anything beyond a headline.

Very true. Papelbon did not deserve that.

[ngineer]

I stayed up to the bitter end. An amazing game, and despite the length was one of the better All-Star games in awhile. Lots of blown opportunities, but some great plays in the field (minus Uggla) with plays at the plate. Martin and Cook were outstanding.

[Reed Rothchild]

Boo Freakin HOO!

When the All Star game was in Boston, every Yankee was booed all night long.

[UNHWildCats]

Boo Freakin HOO!

When the All Star game was in Boston, every Yankee was booed all night long.
Boston gave Mariano a standing ovation on 2005 opening day at Fenway :p