2004 MLB All-Star Selections

[Mad Dawg]

Yes, we all know that the ballot-stuffing for starters screws up the game. But the most fun of any All-Star game is your chance to call Torre and McKeon, as well as players and managers from around the league, idiots for their selections and votes for pitchers and reserves.

* Starting pitchers and reserves marked by an asterisk were chosen by a vote of the players, coaches and managers. All others were chosen by Joe Torre and Jack McKeon (supposedly in conjunction with MLB)

American League

Starters
C Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers (2,537,586 votes)
1B Jason Giambi, Yankees (1,784,443)
2B Alfonso Soriano, Rangers (3,466,447)
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees (2,915,901)
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees (2,052,880)
OF Vladimir Guerrero, Angels (3,024,870)
OF Manny Ramirez, Red Sox (2,682,121)
OF Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners (1,891,136)


Starting pitchers
Mark Mulder, Athletics*
Curt Schilling, Red Sox*
Tim Hudson, Athletics*(will not play, placed on DL 7/8/04)
C.C. Sabathia, Indians*
Kenny Rogers, Rangers*
Ted Lilly, Blue Jays
Esteban Loiaza, White Sox
Javier Vazquez, Yankees (injury replacement)
Jake Westbrook, Indians (injury replacement)


Relief pitchers
Mariano Rivera, Yankees*
Francisco Rodriguez, Angels*
Francisco Cordero, Rangers*
Tom Gordon, Yankees
Joe Nathan, Twins

Reserves
1B David Ortiz, Red Sox*
1B Ken Harvey, Royals
2B Ronnie Belliard, Indians*
3B Hank Blalock, Rangers*
SS Michael Young, Rangers*
SS Miguel Tejada, Orioles
SS Carlos Guillen, Tigers
C Victor Martinez, Indians*
OF Matt Lawton, Indians*
OF Carl Crawford, Devil Rays*
OF Gary Sheffield, Yankees*
OF Hideki Matsui, Yankees - Final Vote Winner

National League

Starters
C Mike Piazza, Mets (2,296,667 votes)
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals (2,649,013)
2B Jeff Kent, Astros (2,898,381)
3B Scott Rolen, Cardinals (3,187,710)
SS Edgar Renteria, Cardinals (2,028,840)
OF Barry Bonds, Giants (2,952,237)
OF Ken Griffey Jr., Reds (2,837,237) (placed on DL 7/11/04)
OF Sammy Sosa, Cubs (2,197,255)

Starting pitchers
Roger Clemens, Astros*
Jason Schmidt, Giants*
Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks*
Carlos Zambrano, Cubs*
Tom Glavine, Mets*
Livan Hernandez, Expos
Carl Pavano, Marlins
Ben Sheets, Brewers

Relief pitchers
Eric Gagne, Dodgers*
Danny Graves, Reds*
Armando Benitez, Marlins*
Dan Kolb, Brewers

Reserves
1B Sean Casey, Reds* (will not play, placed on DL 7/4/04)
1B Jim Thome, Phillies
1B Todd Helton, Rockies
2B Mark Loretta, Padres*
3B Mike Lowell, Marlins*
SS Jack Wilson, Pirates*
SS Barry Larkin, Reds
C Johnny Estrada, Braves*
OF Lance Berkman, Astros*
OF Moises Alou, Cubs*
OF Miguel Cabrera, Marlins*
OF Bobby Abreu, Phillies - Final Vote Winner
C Paul Lo Duca, Dodgers (injury replacement)
OF Carlos Beltran, Astros (injury replacement)

Final Vote (for the 32nd roster spot) Results:

American League
Lew Ford, MIN
Travis Hafner, CLE
Paul Konerko, CWS
Hideki Matsui, NYY - Winner
Frank Thomas, CWS - Screwed

National League
Bobby Abreu, PHI - Winner
Steve Finley, ARI
Jason Kendall, PIT
Juan Pierre, FLA
Aramis Ramirez, CHC

Snubs:
Note: These are the opinions of various sources.

American League

First Base
Travis Hafner, Cle.
Paul Konerko, Chi.
Frank Thomas, Chi.

Second Base
Juan Uribe, Chi.

Third Base
Melvin Mora, Balt. (placed on DL 7/5/04)

Outfield
Frank Catalanotto, Tor.
Jermaine Dye, Oak.
Lew Ford, Min.
Jose Guillen, Ana.
Alex Sanchez, Det.

Catcher
Javy Lopez, Balt.

Pitcher
Mark Buehrle, Chi.
Pedro Martinez, Bos.
Juan Rincon, Min.
Victor Zambrano, T.B.
Keith Foulke, Bos.
Shingo Takatsu, Chi.

National League

First Base
Lyle Overbay, Mil.

Second Base
Aaron Miles, Col.

Third Base
Aramis Ramirez, Chi.
Adrian Beltre, L.A.

Outfield
Pat Burrell, Phi.
Adam Dunn, Cin.
Steve Finley, Ari.
Juan Pierre, Fla.

Catcher
Jason Kendall, Pit.

Pitcher
Kazuhisa Ishii, L.A.
Brian Lawrence, S.D.
Eric Milton, Phi.

The following teams have only one representative (prior to 32nd player voting):

Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers

Century 21 All-Star Home Run Derby participants

American League
Miguel Tejada - replacing the injured Jason Giambi
David Ortiz
Rafael Palmeiro
Hank Blalock

National League
Sammy Sosa
Jim Thome
Barry Bonds
Lance Berkman - replacing the injured Ken Griffey, Jr.

Discuss away...

[wabio]

Giambi isn't an All Star this year.

[Mad Dawg]

Allow me to start.

Torre selected Tom Gordon and his 1.66 ERA. Gordon's having a great season as one of the, if not the best set-up man in the game.

However, Keith Foulke has a 1.28 ERA and 13 SVs.

Foulke should be there, in my ridiculously biased opinion.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by wabio
Giambi isn't an All Star this year.

No, but his intestinal parasite should be there.

[Dr_Evil]

Glad to see Jack Wilson make it, he's having a great year.

[shizawn]

As a Braves fan I would have liked J.D. Drew to get selected, but I'm not all that surprised that he wasn't. Glad Estrada got picked.

[Mad Dawg]

Added 32nd player information.

[wabio]

Other notables:

Melvin Mora
Adrian Beltre

[Jericho]

Yeah, the Gordon thing is another Yankee BS thing. Always one or two that sneak out that shouldn't be there. At least Gordon is doing very well, but relief pitcher ERA's are fickle and Foulke dominates him.

I really just browsed the lists, but two things stand out:

1) What's with all the Indians? Martinez and Sabathia I get, Belliard and Lawton I don't. Do players really like the Indians that much?

2) No Adrian Beltre, but Paul Loduca???

[Jericho]

Oh, and no Frank Thomas or Paul Konerko either. Thomas' OPS is sickening

[Mad Dawg]

Added Carlos Guillen, who was selected in place of the ineligible Carlos Beltran.

[MrX]

I can name 4 White Sox players who deserve to go before Loaiza

Thomas, Konerko, Uribe, and Shingo

[Jericho]

Also...What's up with Jermaine Dye? Considering how weak the AL OF is, I'd figure he could at least make the cut for the 32nd man voting.

[twikoff]

i guess you have to have 500+ homeruns to start in the NL all star outfield

[twikoff]

Originally posted by MrX
I can name 4 White Sox players who deserve to go before Loaiza

Thomas, Konerko, Uribe, and Shingo

but it comes down to position
not much room for a DH

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by twikoff
i guess you have to have 500+ homeruns to start in the NL all star outfield

:confused: Are you sure the requirement isn't that you have to be a jackass?

[fumanstan]

Originally posted by wabio
Other notables:

Melvin Mora
Adrian Beltre

:down:

Not sure how either of them can be ignored.... Mora's hitting .347 and Beltre is hitting .327 with 21 home runs.

Was hoping Overbay would be an all star as well.

[Canadian Bacon]

3 yankee starters, eff them and that!!!!!!! On other hand 3 Cards starting :up:



:D

And Scott Rolen the top vote getter, wow!

[Jericho]

Originally posted by twikoff
but it comes down to position
not much room for a DH

Considering that's all most all-stars do (one at bat and sit), I think there's plenty of room for a DH. Also considering most games are played with 21 man rosters (technically 25, but 4 starting pitchers are almost never used) and the all-star game uses 32 man rosters, I think an extra hitter would make no difference.

[Mad Dawg]

Either Overbay or Beltre should make it with Sean Casey unavailable due to injury.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Either Overbay or Beltre should make it with Sean Casey unavailable due to injury.

You'd think so, but neither of them even made the cut for the 32nd man (even though 3B Aramis Ramirez did)

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by Jericho
You'd think so, but neither of them even made the cut for the 32nd man (even though 3B Aramis Ramirez did)

True. Ramirez is no slouch this season, but either Overbay or Beltre should have been in the voting.

By the way, if I may inject some more Yankee-bashing...WTF business does Matsui have being in the 32nd man vote? I thought these things were supposed to give overlooked players a chance, not substandard players who have much stronger and more deserving counterparts.

[MrX]

Originally posted by twikoff
but it comes down to position
not much room for a DH
Thomas has the 2nd highest OPS in the AL

Most of these bench guys are just going to be pinch-hitting for the pitchers anyway since the game is in a NL park.

[El Scorcho]

I was left off the 32nd player list too, despite my recent HR surge. :(

[twikoff]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
:confused: Are you sure the requirement isn't that you have to be a jackass?

-ohbfrank-
what could you have against jr

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by El Scorcho
I was left off the 32nd player list too, despite my recent HR surge. :(

And you, along with most of the MLB, are much for deserving than Matsui.

[Canadian Bacon]

Originally posted by El Scorcho
I was left off the 32nd player list too, despite my recent HR surge. :( :rolleyes: remember MLB has a height requirement now

;)

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by twikoff
-ohbfrank-
what could you have against jr

You name it. Call me when he starts playing with pain.

[Canadian Bacon]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
You name it. Call me when he starts playing with pain. -ohbfrank- this coming from someone who worships Bonds ;)

so not playing with pain makes him a jerk?

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by Canadian Bacon
-ohbfrank- this coming from someone who worships Bonds ;)

so not playing with pain makes him a jerk?

No, crying his way out of Seattle makes him a jerk, standing and admiring meaningless HRs makes him a jerk, not buying me a car makes him a jerk. Not playing through a little pain makes him a vagina.

I'll admit I find him the least objectionable of the 3, but I don't like him. And he certainly doesn't deserve that spot, but that's not his fault.

[twikoff]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
You name it. Call me when he starts playing with pain.

wow
just wow

he did play through the pain all his career
these injuries have been serious enough that when he insisted on returning early, he kept doing further damage

not to mention, he isnt a 'kid' anymore

[twikoff]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
No, crying his way out of Seattle makes him a jerk, standing and admiring meaningless HRs makes him a jerk, not buying me a car makes him a jerk. Not playing through a little pain makes him a vagina.

I'll admit I find him the least objectionable of the 3, but I don't like him. And he certainly doesn't deserve that spot, but that's not his fault.

besides for his average.. his stats stand up with anyone else you could toss in there.. and he is the fan favorite

cant blame him for wanting out of seattle and wanting to be closer to his family

its not like he went out hunting for a big payday..
that damn bastard actually tried to do what was best for his family.. Screw him! that greedy sob!!

[Mad Dawg]

:lol: When I get the memo that I'm required by law to like Griffey, I'll let everyone know.

I think you'll find that I'm not alone.

[twikoff]

its just pathetic when you feel the need to bash a player that has been nothing but class for baseball.
partly because he has had a terrible string of luck over the past couple seasons..

no way you could put him even close to the level of bonds or sosa

he would be much closer to schilling

[the aftermath]

I'm not a fan of Griffey, but I respect his ability to get on the DL on a consistent basis. ;)

[Mad Dawg]

:lol: Okay, okay. For God's sake, I can't dislike a goddamn baseball player. Heaven forbid!

Griffey = <3 <3 <3

Now can we get away from condemning me and back to All-Star selection talk, or do you need to start a "Mad Dawg is Pathetic" thread?

[the aftermath]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Griffey = <3 <3 <3 There's no reason to say that Griffey is less than 3, three times -ohbfrank- ;)

[twikoff]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
or do you need to start a "Mad Dawg is Pathetic" thread?

thread???

Im petitioning for a subforum!

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by twikoff
thread???

Im petitioning for a subforum!

:lol:

Look, at the end of the day, people with different opinions about players and the way they play the game, teams, rivalries, etc can all come together and call Sammy Sosa a filthy cheater.

And I think that makes baseball the best damn sport on the planet.

*tear*

[twikoff]

*sniff sniff*
thats beautiful man
*sob*

[chrisih8u]

No Pedro or Foulke? :(

Oh, well. Ill still watch. Because it means something, dammit!

[Bushdog]

Foulke's been ok this year. I could see him going. Too little to late for Pedro.

[Copenhagen]

Too bad Hatteberg didn't make it, but Harvey and Ortiz are deserving as well.

[Stu 17]

4 Indians, possibly 5.

Guys get out and vote for Travis Hafner. You all know that New York and other stupid fans will be voting for Matsui, collectively we need to focus on voting for Pronk so that Matsui doesn't get in.

Pronk deserves it, he's the man. Vote Travis Hafner - 2004 AL All Star.

[Bushdog]

Cleveland=Below Mediocre team not deserving of another All-Star

[chrisih8u]

Originally posted by Bushdog
Foulke's been ok this year. I could see him going. Too little to late for Pedro.

:confused: When were the pitchers voted on?

[Copenhagen]

I don't know if they ever say when the vote for pitchers happens but the players, coaches and managers vote for so many slots the rest are filled out by the manager of that year's team.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Copenhagen
Too bad Hatteberg didn't make it, but Harvey and Ortiz are deserving as well.

Scott Hatteberg? Now that's just hilarious. If he actually made it, I'd think they'd have to remove the term all-star from the label. Not that Harvey's really any better, but the Royals needed a rep. Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, and even Travis Hafner on the other hand are actual all-star 1Bs this year (as is Ortiz)

[El Scorcho]

has anybody *ever* said:

"Hey, I got tix to the game tonight. Oakland and more specifically, Scott Hatteberg is in town. Can't miss!!!"

[Stu 17]

Originally posted by Bushdog
Cleveland=Below Mediocre team not deserving of another All-Star

Victor Martinez - .299 12 homers 60 rbi's
Matt Lawton - .317 14 homers 47 rbi's (often leads off)
Ron Belliard - .316 5 homers 34 rbi's
CC Sabathia - 5-3, 2.77 ERA

Travis Hafner - .304 9 homers 49 rbi's 25 doubles.

Cleveland = First place team if they didn't lead the league in blown saves. 13 saves in 32 save opportunities. Give us a decent closer, save 20 out of 32. Puts the Indians at 46-34, and thats the 2nd best record in baseball. You're an ignorant fool if you think Cleveland is below mediocre.


VOTE TRAVIS HAFNER!

[DVD-ho78(DTS)]

:up: for Carl Crawford.

.316 average
38 Stolen Bases (leads majors)
8 triples (2nd in majors)
103 hits (6th in majors)

Victor Zambrano could have easily made the team as well.

Won 6 straight games (9-4 overall)
91 strikeouts (5th in AL)
.225 batting average against (2nd in AL)
Has more victories than 4 of the 7 starting AL pitchers
Can win 10th game against Yankees before break

The cons are the 77 walks and .430 ERA. Only Esteban Loaiza would have a higher ERA of the All-Star pitchers.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Stu 17
Victor Martinez - .299 12 homers 60 rbi's
Matt Lawton - .317 14 homers 47 rbi's (often leads off)
Ron Belliard - .316 5 homers 34 rbi's
CC Sabathia - 5-3, 2.77 ERA

Travis Hafner - .304 9 homers 49 rbi's 25 doubles.

Cleveland = First place team if they didn't lead the league in blown saves. 13 saves in 32 save opportunities. Give us a decent closer, save 20 out of 32. Puts the Indians at 46-34, and thats the 2nd best record in baseball. You're an ignorant fool if you think Cleveland is below mediocre.


VOTE TRAVIS HAFNER!

Mediocre = average. Below medicore = below average. Cleveland's record: 39-41, which is below average. Hence, below mediocre. Not to mention they play in a crappy division giving them an easier schedule.

Some fans are pretty touchy this time of year that their team's scrubs didn't make it (or in this case did), but take off the hometown blinders and you'll see the truth.

And to the poster above, Victor Zambrano belongs nowhere near an all-star game

[gmal2003]

Glad to see Carlos Guillen added to the squad as he deserves it.He has been the best SS in the AL this year thus far. And to think, Seattle basically gave him away to the Tigers this offseason for the older and less productive Rich Aurilla.

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by chrisih8u
:confused: When were the pitchers voted on? I don't understand the question. I believe the correct answer is over the past few weeks players were asked to vote?

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by Stu 17
Victor Martinez - .299 12 homers 60 rbi's
Matt Lawton - .317 14 homers 47 rbi's (often leads off)
Ron Belliard - .316 5 homers 34 rbi's
CC Sabathia - 5-3, 2.77 ERA

Travis Hafner - .304 9 homers 49 rbi's 25 doubles.

Cleveland = First place team if they didn't lead the league in blown saves. 13 saves in 32 save opportunities. Give us a decent closer, save 20 out of 32. Puts the Indians at 46-34, and thats the 2nd best record in baseball. You're an ignorant fool if you think Cleveland is below mediocre.


VOTE TRAVIS HAFNER! :lol: You're a bit touchy. I was calling them below mediocre based on facts that you can look up in any sports section (their record). If ignorant fool means relying on data then I am guilty as charged.
You might be surprised to learn that if lots of teams had 1 thing different with them this season their records might be a lot different.

If the Yankees all didn't have a collective slump the first month of the season they could be 12-13 up on the Red Sox. If the Red Sox had Nomar (or fill in the blanks) all season they might be tied with the Yankees instead of 7.5 out. If the Mets had traded for Hidalgo before the season began they might easily be in first place. If the Tigers managed to sign a stud pitcher and not had to rely on Bonderman, maybe they'd be in first place. Etc.....

I know it feels like there's just a little bit of bad luck or one piece of the puzzle missing fopr Cleveland, but that's true of every other team as well.

[B.A.]

I can't believe that more Cardinals are not on the roster! They are only the second-best team in baseball this season (historically, too)! Womack should have been chosen as a back-up second baseman and Edmonds should have been chosen as a back-up outfielder - how can the best centerfielder in the game not be on the All-Star Team? wtf?


;)


I was actually surprised that possibly Steve Klein or Ray King weren't picked to come in and pitch to a lefty sometime during the game - they have surprisingly been money during the first half of the season.

:up: Joe Nathan - very welcome surprise this season for the Twins. He came into the season w/ quite a few question marks and proved his doubters wrong.

[fumanstan]

Paul Lo Duca hasn't been on any of the lists that i've seen for the NL.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by fumanstan
Paul Lo Duca hasn't been on any of the lists that i've seen for the NL.

This is odd. I cut and pasted directly from ESPN.com, who was the only source when the selections were made.

Now Lo Duca has been removed, which makes sense given that the NL is sitting at 32 with the original list.

I'll edit the first post to reflect, and I'll add a list of snubs.

[Jericho]

Well I guess that's a good thing then. I can't believe Loduca would actually be selected as a third catcher over any number of bettter hitters at 1B, 3B, or OF

[Mad Dawg]

Melvin Mora has been placed on the DL, so he will not be making the team as an injury replacement.

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Bushdog
Foulke's been ok this year. I could see him going.

Much more deserving of Tom Gordon. That was a wasted pick.

Finley shouldn't have to be voted in. He should've been picked to be on the team. The sad thing is he's the most deserving out of the NL players that are getting voted on by fans, and they'll still probably screw him over.

[Mad Dawg]

Look at the bright side. Finley at least has a fighting chance. The four guys on the AL list who aren't Hideki Matsui can go ahead and book fishing trips for All-Star break. Matsui was among the top 3 OF vote-getters for most of the fan voting period, slipping at the very end to Ichiro. Having him on the list is what you call "a stacked deck."

[DaveNinja]

I'd vote for Finley, he's the bomb.

I'd vote for anyone but Matsui because he's the anti-bomb.

I'm glad Ben Sheets is on there, same with Hudson (i knew Mulder would make it). I would have been happy if Hattieberg made it but Thomas is more deserving.

[rabbit77]

Originally posted by DaveNinja
I'd vote for Finley, he's the bomb.

I'd vote for anyone but Matsui because he's the anti-bomb.

I'm glad Ben Sheets is on there, same with Hudson (i knew Mulder would make it). I would have been happy if Hattieberg made it but Thomas is more deserving.

There's no way you could leave off Sheets. A 7:1 K/BB ratio is just sick. Plus he's 2nd in the NL in both strikeouts and ERA.

[Deftones]

Originally posted by rabbit77
There's no way you could leave off Sheets. A 7:1 K/BB ratio is just sick. Plus he's 2nd in the NL in both strikeouts and ERA.

It only hurts him more than he's on a mediocre team. If he was on a contending team, he'd probably be the best pitcher in the league.

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by DaveNinja

I'd vote for anyone but Matsui because he's the anti-bomb.
All the more reason I love it that you Yankee haters don't have a single choice to vote against him with but instead will be spreading your votes across the other 4 guys.

It'll be cool to see Matsui there, and I enjoy it even more knowing that people are going to be upset by it. :)

[Mad Dawg]

Yeah, it's Yankee-hating. It's not because the final vote is supposed to be about overlooked players getting another chance, and it's certainly not because statistically, he is barely in the top 20 among AL outfielders. It's not because he should have never made the list over any number of players.

[chrisih8u]

Im voting against Matsui because his ears are freaky looking.

[chrisih8u]

http://www.aa2sbu.org/aaezine/images/M/Matsui-APPhoto-6172075.jpg

Isnt that gross? :yack:

[Canadian Bacon]

better than those eyes

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Yeah, it's Yankee-hating. It's not because the final vote is supposed to be about overlooked players getting another chance, and it's certainly not because statistically, he is barely in the top 20 among AL outfielders. It's not because he should have never made the list over any number of players. That's why he said he'd vote for anyone but Matsui who is the anti-bomb? Yes or no?

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by Bushdog
That's why he said he'd vote for anyone but Matsui who is the anti-bomb? Yes or no?

Maybe he doesn't like his ears.

[chrisih8u]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Maybe he doesn't like his ears.


Anti-bomb is an offensive street slur for people who have freaky ears. Im surprised the forum censors dont pick it up.

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Maybe he doesn't like his ears. Must be, since you've compelling ruled out that anyone on the planet lets their anti-Yankee feelings impact All-Star voting. :p

[Mad Dawg]

I'm simply saying that in this case, it's not automatic that people vote against him because he is a Yankee. Not that there is anything wrong with it if they did, considering he's only on that list because he is a Yankee.

[twikoff]

Originally posted by Bushdog
Must be, since you've compelling ruled out that anyone on the planet lets their anti-Yankee feelings impact All-Star voting. :p

and that only goes one way :up:

[chrisih8u]

Baseball's ultimate power summit is in the works for Minute Maid Park.
In what figures to be an unprecedented gathering, not only is every living member of baseball's exclusive 500 Home Run Club invited to next week's Century 21 All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, several of them will be swinging for the fences.

All four of the active players who have hit at least 500 career home runs -- Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr., Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and the Giants' Barry Bonds -- have been extended invitations to participate in the Derby, to be televised live on ESPN.

Thus far, Griffey, Sosa and Palmeiro have accepted. Palmeiro will be the first non-member of the All-Star Game rosters to participate in the Derby.

Also already confirmed for this year's event are Philadelphia's Jim Thome, who leads the Majors with 27 home runs, Anaheim's Vladimir Guerrero and 2002 Home Run Derby champion Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees. The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez also was given the option to participate, but he withdrew from consideration after straining a muscle Sunday against the New York Mets.

"I was probably going to do it," Rodriguez said. "With this injury, I can't take any chances."

The final AL spot has not yet been finalized and could go to one of several sluggers, such as Boston's David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez or the Rangers' Hank Blalock.

Major League Baseball also has invited the 10 former players still living who hit at least 500 home runs during their careers to attend the Derby, including all-time home run leader Hank Aaron (755), Willie Mays (660), Frank Robinson (586), Mark McGwire (583), Harmon Killebrew (573), Reggie Jackson (563), Mike Schmidt (548), Willie McCovey (521), Ernie Banks (512) and Eddie Murray (504).

The format for this year's event remains the same, with four American Leaguers and four National Leaguers taking their swings on an alternating basis. The four winners of the first round advance to the semifinals, and the two semifinal winners meet to decide the winner.

Garret Anderson of Anaheim won last year's Century 21 Home Run Derby after edging Albert Pujols of St. Louis, 9-8, in the finals at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. The next day, Anderson went on to win the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award of the All-Star Game.

Sosa was the 2000 winner. Griffey has won it three times, including back-to-back triumphs in 1998-99. Bonds won it in 1996.

The Century 21 Home Run Derby is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET and, again, will be televised by ESPN.

[KTIK]

All that complaining about fan voters not voting Thome in as a starter, and then the players themselves voted Sean Casey in as the reserve instead of him. At least McKeon brought him along anyways.

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
I'm simply saying that in this case, it's not automatic that people vote against him because he is a Yankee. Not that there is anything wrong with it if they did, considering he's only on that list because he is a Yankee. People, of course not. The original poster, I'm not so sure.

I'm not sure you or I disagree at all.

[Bushdog]

Originally posted by twikoff
and that only goes one way :up: We're on ears, I think you jumped in when you were better off not doing so. :p

Obviously people vote for their home team with some level of bias. Look at people in this thread who think their team deserves yet another all-star, and another one on top of that.

This is obviously imperfect, but it is rare that more than 1 person who should be a slam dunk doesn't get a nod.

[twikoff]

well.. and it helps with the home team coach is the one that gets to make the reserve and pitcher selections.. dont you think?

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by twikoff
well.. and it helps with the home team coach is the one that gets to make the reserve and pitcher selections.. dont you think?

This season, only to a point. Players, coaches, and managers now get to vote, as referenced by the (*) next to the players' names on page 1. Torre and McKeon make the additional selections and choose the names of the ten final vote nominees.

Matsui was placed on the list by Torre, and it's obvious why.

Gordon was chosen by Torre as well.

[Bushdog]

Absolutely. I guess when whatever bushleague team you like MadDawg (:p) actually makes it to a World Series, they can stack the deck how they like.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by Bushdog
Absolutely. I guess when whatever bushleague team you like MadDawg (:p) actually makes it to a World Series, they can stack the deck how they like.

:lol: Quiet, you.

:(

[DaveNinja]

Matsui is the anti-bomb because he doesnt have all-star quality ears. I'd be equally disappointed if Reuter was the favorite to win the 32nd spot.

[Josh H]

Originally posted by fumanstan
:down:

Not sure how either of them can be ignored.... Mora's hitting .347 and Beltre is hitting .327 with 21 home runs.

.

Mora's on the DL, so they might have left him off since he couldn't play anyway.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Look at the bright side. Finley at least has a fighting chance. The four guys on the AL list who aren't Hideki Matsui can go ahead and book fishing trips for All-Star break. Matsui was among the top 3 OF vote-getters for most of the fan voting period, slipping at the very end to Ichiro. Having him on the list is what you call "a stacked deck."

You're probably right, although I think the fact that it is an internet vote will lessen the impact of being a Yankee. It seems the internet voting is more intelligent and less likely due to ballot stuffing. It'd be a damn shame to leave off Frank Thomas again for Matsui

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Deftones, Esq
Finley shouldn't have to be voted in. He should've been picked to be on the team. The sad thing is he's the most deserving out of the NL players that are getting voted on by fans, and they'll still probably screw him over.

Man your bias for the Diamondbacks puts chrisih8u's bias towards Boston teams to shame. Finley should be on the all-star team? In what world? He's not even the best of the players in the 32nd man vote. That would be Bob Abreu. As for OFs I'd take over Finley, the list includes (in no order):

Bonds, Dunn, Abreu, Berkman, Drew, and Edmonds. I'll grant you Alou doesn't belong. And Cabrera is debateable (although I'd give the edge to Cabrera). And Sosa and Griffey only got voted in by name recognition. But that still puts him as the 8th best OF in the NL, and under the current system with Sosa and Griffey in the game, Finley would be 10th on my list. 10th best OF is not an all-star (And I didn't even mention some other possibilities like Craig Wilson or even his teammate Luis Gonzalez).

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Josh Hinkle
Mora's on the DL, so they might have left him off since he couldn't play anyway.

I always hate when they do that. Seems stupid to screw a guy out of a honor, when they could just name him to the team and replace him. Would be nice for someone like Mora to get all-star recognition, and maybe even a nice bonus. Being 4th in the league in OPS, he has earned a spot.

Note: although I should point out that none of these players were named to the team: F. Thomas (2nd in OPS), Mora (4th in OPS), C. Guillen (8th), Hafner (9th), Teixera (10th), Posada (11th), Konerko (12th), Beltran (13th), Valentin (14th)

Though technically Guillen made it on as a replacement and Beltran was forcibly removed. But that's alot of the AL's best hitters on the outs

[fumanstan]

Originally posted by Jericho
I always hate when they do that. Seems stupid to screw a guy out of a honor, when they could just name him to the team and replace him. Would be nice for someone like Mora to get all-star recognition, and maybe even a nice bonus. Being 4th in the league in OPS, he has earned a spot.

I agree... hopefully his injury wasnt the reason he wasnt voted by the managers and players. It would suck anymore if he had a bonus in his contract :P

[El Scorcho]

Alex Cintron got snubbed, man!

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Jericho
Man your bias for the Diamondbacks puts chrisih8u's bias towards Boston teams to shame. Finley should be on the all-star team? In what world? He's not even the best of the players in the 32nd man vote. That would be Bob Abreu. As for OFs I'd take over Finley, the list includes (in no order):

Bonds, Dunn, Abreu, Berkman, Drew, and Edmonds. I'll grant you Alou doesn't belong. And Cabrera is debateable (although I'd give the edge to Cabrera). And Sosa and Griffey only got voted in by name recognition. But that still puts him as the 8th best OF in the NL, and under the current system with Sosa and Griffey in the game, Finley would be 10th on my list. 10th best OF is not an all-star (And I didn't even mention some other possibilities like Craig Wilson or even his teammate Luis Gonzalez).

What, so you can't respond to my comments in the Brenly thread so you have to come over here and stir shit up? rotfl

[feenst]

Originally posted by Deftones, Esq
What, so you can't respond to my comments in the Brenly thread so you have to come over here and stir shit up? rotfl

What are your thoughts about Abreu making the All-Star team this year? Why is Finley a better choice than Abreu?

Didn't he get screwed out of an appearance last year or the year before because Jose Mesa was taken as the Phillies rep?

[Deftones]

Originally posted by feenst
What are your thoughts about Abreu making the All-Star team this year? Why is Finley a better choice than Abreu?

Didn't he get screwed out of an appearance last year or the year before because Jose Mesa was taken as the Phillies rep?

Their numbers are extremly close. Fins has more HRs, Abreu has more RBI and a higher OPS.

My argument that Fins is more deserving than Abreu is that he's doing more on a worse team. Abreu has more RBI simply because his team is pretty stacked offensively.

[feenst]

Originally posted by Jericho

1) What's with all the Indians? Martinez and Sabathia I get, Belliard and Lawton I don't. Do players really like the Indians that much?


Do they need to have a backup at each position? Belliard seems to be the easy choice for the most deserving 2nd baseman in the AL behind Soriano.

Lawton is a push, but it's a pretty weak AL outfield this year.

[Mad Dawg]

Added HR Derby participants.

[chrisih8u]

I thought Vlad was doing the derby, too. :confused:

[Mad Dawg]

If so, it hasn't been made official yet.

[chrisih8u]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
If so, it hasn't been made official yet.

He was listed as confirmed in the article I posted at the top of the thread.

[Mad Dawg]

MLB.com has changed the article. No mention of Vlad now.

All four active players who have hit at least 500 career home runs -- Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr., Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and the Giants' Barry Bonds -- have been extended invitations to participate in the Derby, to be televised live on ESPN.

Thus far, Griffey, Sosa and Palmeiro have accepted. Palmeiro will be the first non-member of the All-Star Game rosters to participate in the Derby.

"Well, I was planning to get a breather, but this is something I can't pass up," Palmeiro said. "I will just go there and enjoy the atmosphere. This has a chance to be something special."

Also confirmed for this year's event are Philadelphia's Jim Thome -- who leads the Majors with 27 home runs -- and 2002 Home Run Derby champion Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, and first-time participant David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=20040706&content_id=790728&vkey=allstar2004&fext=.jsp

[chrisih8u]

Friggin MLB.com trying to make me look stupid! :grunt:

[Deftones]

Originally posted by chrisih8u
Friggin MLB.com trying to make me look stupid! :grunt:

No, you do a pretty good job of that yourself. :lol: ;)

[chrisih8u]

Friggin Deftones trying to make me look even stupider. :grunt:

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Deftones, Esq
What, so you can't respond to my comments in the Brenly thread so you have to come over here and stir shit up? rotfl

I responded to all your comments over there. Your reply as always is a simple :lol: symbol. I am in awe of your intelligence

[Mad Dawg]

Bonds is out of the Derby.

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Jericho
I responded to all your comments over there. Your reply as always is a simple :lol: symbol. I am in awe of your intelligence

Uh, not it's not. I responded to your response. You should be in awe of my intelligence on things I know more about.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Deftones, Esq
Their numbers are extremly close. Fins has more HRs, Abreu has more RBI and a higher OPS.

My argument that Fins is more deserving than Abreu is that he's doing more on a worse team. Abreu has more RBI simply because his team is pretty stacked offensively.

There numbers really aren't that close. Abreu's 1.010 OPS compared to Finley's .900 OPS. Oh yeah, and Abreu has 17 SBs too. I guess by that logic, I can call Finley and Marquis Grissom close. Grissom after all has more RBI than Gonzalez

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Jericho
There numbers really aren't that close. Abreu's 1.010 OPS compared to Finley's .900 OPS. Oh yeah, and Abreu has 17 SBs too. I guess by that logic, I can call Finley and Marquis Grissom close. Grissom after all has more RBI than Gonzalez

Yes, "their" numbers are pretty close. I will give credit to Abreu that he's had less ABs than Finley. Also, Fins has been hitting in the 2 spot for the better part of a month, so there's less and less chances to drive in runs.

[fumanstan]

About Vlad... apparently there was some miscommunication, as Vlad said he wasn't going to participate but MLB and co. thought he had agreed. Shrug.

[Jericho]

Originally posted by Deftones, Esq
Yes, "their" numbers are pretty close. I will give credit to Abreu that he's had less ABs than Finley. Also, Fins has been hitting in the 2 spot for the better part of a month, so there's less and less chances to drive in runs.

Why are you so focused on RBIs? Finley's not a better player than Abreu because he's slugging less and getting on base less. It really has nothing to do with driving in runs

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Jericho
Why are you so focused on RBIs? Finley's not a better player than Abreu because he's slugging less and getting on base less. It really has nothing to do with driving in runs

I'm not. You seem to be, though. I'm simply pointing out their numbers are pretty close.

[Quake1028]

Final Results for the 32nd Man:
American League: Hideki Matsui
National League: Bobby Abreu

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by Quake1028
Final Results for the 32nd Man:
American League: Hideki Matsui
National League: Bobby Abreu

Updated.

[Bushdog]

Fans cast a total of 9.5 million votes for both leagues. Abreu recieved 2 million votes. Matsui got 1.2 million.

[nickdawgy]

Originally posted by fumanstan
About Vlad... apparently there was some miscommunication, as Vlad said he wasn't going to participate but MLB and co. thought he had agreed. Shrug.

wtf, no Vlad in the HR derby and All-Star game or just the derby?

[B.A.]

Originally posted by nickdawgy
wtf, no Vlad in the HR derby and All-Star game or just the derby? IIRC, he's just not in the HR Derby.

[B.A.]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Bonds is out of the Derby. He doesn't want to mess up his swing. :rolleyes:

[chrisih8u]

Muhammed Ali is going to throw out the first pitch. Im guessing he wont be able to throw it more than 10 feet.

[DaveNinja]

Originally posted by chrisih8u
Muhammed Ali is going to throw out the first pitch. Im guessing he wont be able to throw it more than 10 feet.

Maybe we'll be lucky and he'll accidentally punch 'freak-ears' in the face.

[twikoff]

some chick from georgia that won the all star ballot contest (was entered by her brother or something) will also be throwing out a first pitch

will there be a bet to see which one makes it further?

[SpaceBoy]

I don't feel like reading this whole thread, but wanted to ask, after just seeing the all-star game roster(don't really care much for the game)

What's up with the continued yankee biasis.. I mean yankees have what 9 all-stars now, with the additoin of vazquez. Good grief, half of them dont' have numbers to support their selections..

Oh well at least the game is pointless, and the derby has even gotten boring.. ;(

[fumanstan]

Javier Vasquez and Paul Lo Duca have been added as injurt replacements for Tim Hudson and Sean Casey. Vazquez isn't bad... and its great to see another Dodger go, but Lo Duca over Beltre?

[B.A.]

Supposedly Bonds is doing the Derby now.

[chrisih8u]

So is Hank Blalock.

[twikoff]

hopefully they save a spot in the derby for Ensberg

[Bushdog]

8/32 AL'ers are Yankees now.

[chrisih8u]

Originally posted by Bushdog
8/32 AL'ers are Yankees now.


That looks pretty disgusting. But 4 were voted in by fans, and 2 were chosen by players. Gordon may not have deserved it over Foulke, but its not really a bad choice. I heard Pedro declined the All Star offer, so I have no problem with Vazquez, either. He's pitched well.

[wabio]

The only Yankees that deserve to be All Stars IMO:

Jeter
Sheffield
Mo
Matsui

[wabio]

Originally posted by Copenhagen
Too bad Hatteberg didn't make it, but Harvey and Ortiz are deserving as well.


I don't understand how Harvey got the nod over Teixiera

[Quake1028]

Originally posted by wabio
The only Yankees that deserve to be All Stars IMO:

Jeter
Sheffield
Mo
Matsui

Add A Rod to the list, remove Matsui, and add Vazquez and I agree.

[Quake1028]

Originally posted by chrisih8u
That looks pretty disgusting. But 4 were voted in by fans, and 2 were chosen by players. Gordon may not have deserved it over Foulke, but its not really a bad choice. I heard Pedro declined the All Star offer, so I have no problem with Vazquez, either. He's pitched well.

Yep they said on ESPN that Pedro was the first choice and declined.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally posted by wabio
I don't understand how Harvey got the nod over Teixiera

Harvey is the lone Royal representative.


Also, updated with HR Derby and replacement info.

[chrisih8u]

Here's why Barry changed his mind:


Barry Bonds, who swore he'd never participate in another All-Star Game Home Run Derby, has agreed to take part in this year's contest in Houston on Monday and join the three other active 500-homer hitters, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro.

Bonds announced his decision Thursday after Major League Baseball agreed to compensate him for the day of rest he will lose by taking part.

[Mad Dawg]

Press release from MLB:

The following is a statement from Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing for Major League Baseball Properties:

"Contrary to a published report in San Francisco, outfielder Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants was not compensated to participate in the 2004 CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby and was treated in the same manner as every other participant.

"Having worked with and known Barry for many years and understanding his reluctance to participate, we are extremely grateful Barry recognizes the historic significance of this year's event, and what his participation means to baseball fans. It is extremely disappointing to Major League Baseball and the San Francisco Giants that his intentions have been grossly misrepresented."

Who knows...

[chrisih8u]

Shouldnt they all be compensated? Seems like the fair thing to do anyway.

[Mad Dawg]

Carlos Beltran has been chosen to replace Ken Griffey, Jr. I understand that Beltran was selected by the AL players, coaches, and managers, but Beltre and Overbay both continue to be inexplicably snubbed.

[twikoff]

hate to see griffey out.. but beltran sure deserves that spot :up:

[MidnightVulture]

Nice to see Beltran getting his due. And Berkman in the HR Derby! Go Astros!

[Deftones]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Carlos Beltran has been chosen to replace Ken Griffey, Jr. I understand that Beltran was selected by the AL players, coaches, and managers, but Beltre and Overbay both continue to be inexplicably snubbed.

True, but it was sort of a no win situation. Beltran was somewhat screwed w/ the trade, and he's playing the same position as Griffey J.

[fumanstan]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Carlos Beltran has been chosen to replace Ken Griffey, Jr. I understand that Beltran was selected by the AL players, coaches, and managers, but Beltre and Overbay both continue to be inexplicably snubbed.

:down:

[Mad Dawg]

Apparently, Giambi is still weakened from his case of the severe squirts granted him by the thing that lives in his intestines, so he's out of the HR Derby. Miguel Tejada will hit instead.

:up: Another righty.

[B.A.]

Originally posted by Mad Dawg
Miguel Tejada will hit instead.

:up: Another righty. :up:

They could have had another righty if A.P. would have said "yes" when they asked him to replace Griffey. -ohbfrank-

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/Sports/Cardinals/F86D6F76303DBB4786256ECF0016FBBA?OpenDocument&Headline=Pujols+rejects+invitation+to+Home+Run+Derby

[DaveNinja]

Soon they'll have to replace enough all-star/home-run-derbiests that they'll be tapping El Scorcho.

[B.A.]

Originally posted by DaveNinja
Soon they'll have to replace enough all-star/home-run-derbiests that they'll be tapping El Scorcho. He could borrow Dusty Baker's son's bat-boy uniform from the 2002 Series.

[DaveNinja]

Originally posted by B.A.
He could borrow Dusty Baker's son's bat-boy uniform from the 2002 Series.

I thought Dusty Baker's son was like 4 and half feet then. Wouldnt that be too big?

[B.A.]

Originally posted by DaveNinja
I thought Dusty Baker's son was like 4 and half feet then. Wouldnt that be too big? Not sure - we need a confirmation from Deftones on the subject.

[DaveNinja]

Originally posted by B.A.
Not sure - we need a confirmation from Deftones on the subject.

Why ask him? He'll just insist a bat boy told him El Scorcho is not being traded to the Yankees.

[El Scorcho]

look at all these comedians

[DaveNinja]

I give my self a 5/5

[El Scorcho]

Julio Lugo was snubbed.

:mad: x 1000

[DaveNinja]

Originally posted by El Scorcho
Julio Lugo was snubbed.

:mad: x 1000

nice: 4/5