by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell
I know it’s already been said, but…
Stephen Strasburg should be playing in the MLB All-Star game tonight for the National League. There are valid arguments for both sides on why he should or shouldn’t be playing. No longer can it just be considered a “rite of passage” for players who have “served their time” in the MLB ranks for a few years proving their worthiness.
The game, after all, should not represent a lifetime achievement award in the sport but rather the best-of-the-best that particular season. All things considered, the sanctity of this game changed in 2003 anyway.
That’s when the players union and Major League baseball decided to make the all-star game outcome more than negligible. The winning side secures home-field advantage for its World Series representative. Whether or not that has had an impact on the champions since 2003, I don’t know. Since the change, the American League has won every all-star game but only holds a slight edge in the World Series 4-3 over its National League counterparts.
Still, I find it hard to believe that National League manager Charlie Manuel, whose Philadelphia Phillies trail in the National League East by 4.5 games and 1.5 in the wild card, isn’t thinking about playing a potential World Series game 7 at home.
Hypothetically speaking, what if the National League finds itself in a close game in the late innings? Having Strasburg in the bullpen has to be a tantalizing choice for a manager potentially looking to secure home-field advantage. In addition to that, Strasburg remains in that baseball analyst range of “players-haven’t-seen-him-enough” advantage.
And if the all-star game is still a playful, fan-enticing exhibition, then who else deems himself more worthy of participating than Stephen Strasburg this season? He single-handedly sold thousands of additional tickets in Cleveland when he started there on June 13. The attendance that game was 32,876. The other two games in that series recorded 10,000 less for each. Let’s also not forget that it was his appearance that brought the President to Nationals Park for a game this season.
I suppose baseball purists still see the all-star game in a sacred, “pay your dues,” “earn your stripes,” kind of way. But just like landlines, personal computers and home security, things change. The all-star game is also a fan experience, so why not give fans the hottest commodity in the baseball market right now?
Baseball decided that this game matters and now has consequences. What manager doesn’t want the best players in place for a must win situation? Sure, Strasburg is a rookie and hasn’t played half the season thus far, but few have dominated on the mound as he has.
Please excuse me if I don’t get all that excited when Charlie Manuel calls Chris Carpenter from the bullpen tonight.
Rey —
I appreciate and share your passion for what Strasburg has done thus far in his very short career. But when it comes to money and marketing, I think the All-Star game will sell out and just as many people will be tuning in whether or not SS is there or note. Remember … he’d only pitch an inning, or 2 at the most, if he were there.
I guess I kind of appreciate the “earning your stripes” outlook that a manager would take in this case. Yes, the rookie has played less than 1/2 the season. And, yes, Charlie Manuel has lots of good options at his disposal in the NL bullpen. And sometimes, I’d rather have experienced talent, rather than pure young talent, out there in an All-star game. Remember, SS isn’t used to coming out of the pen.
Be patient, Rey. You’ll get your fill of SS over the next decade 😉
Rey,
I wish you didn’t do this. In the year of the pitcher you need Strasburg to sell tickets?
But let’s take it from the top.
You said that the game should not represent a life time achievement award. Well it doesn’t, let’s pull out a few names and you tell me what their lifetime achievement is, Evan Meek, Trevor Cahill or Neftali Feliz. There were more names that could have been pulled out like Jason Heyward or Andrew Bailey, but I’m afraid that would complicate things more.
In the late innings I personally rather have Broxton, Heath Bell, Billy wagner or Brian Wilson. I would even take Wainwright in that spot before I opt for Strasburg. Reason being that all those guys have experience closing with the first 4 being established closers. There’s a reason why the 25th, 26th and 27th outs are gotten by some of the toughest guys, and I don’t think its simply a matter of who has the better stuff, more comes to play than simply that. I’m not saying Strasburg can’t get those outs, I’m just saying those guys are professional at simply getting those outs.
There will be people in the stands. You don’t need Strasburg for that. It is the year of the pitcher. I don’t need to mention all their names, but even in the case that people were going to game just to see the pitchers, which they are not, the current set of pitchers would still provide enough starpower and enough curiosity to bring people to the event.
What manager doesn’t want the best players in uniforms? There are 2 answers to this.
1. He might be the best player, but is he the best player for that situation that you want to bring him into. Or would it be better to go with one of these guys who have the pedigree to just throw 1 inning. I’m not saying that these closers are better pitchers than Strasburg, I’m just saying that they are the best at throwing the last inning and Strasburg is great at throwing 7 innings. But the problem with all of that is not everybody can throw those last 3 outs.
2. Is he really the best? He’s 2-3 on the year and his 2.32 era is higher than 5 of the starting pitchers chosen. There is a statistical fallacy in there somewhere but I’m leaving it in.
Look I’m not saying that his potential is not among the best that we have ever seen. I’m just saying that we have more to compare it to than we will admit. Prolly because he’s flashier than anybody we have ever seen. I’m not ready to say he will not be great, I’m just saying that if I had 7 innings tomorrow, there are some other guys I’d go with and if I had the 25th, 26th and 27th outs, there are some other guys I’d go with.
“Few have dominated the mound as he has.” Not this year, we had perfect games, we’ve had no hitters , we were even talking about a perfect game that wasn’t a perfect game.
Let’s see a bit more before we call him a combo of Roger Clemens and a young Doc Gooden.
Wally – Can’t argue with your points. This whole “all-star game meaning something” has polarized traditionalists and the new-age. And just for the record, I don’t know where I stand.
True that the all-star game won’t struggle without him, but you have to admit that Strasburg would draw a tad more interest regardless. The knocks on him early are that he’s faced bad teams (Pittsburgh, Cleveland). Who wouldn’t want to see him against the game’s best hitters?
We have quite the contradiction based on the MLB’s decision since 2003. Many still see the game as an “earn your stripes” affair. But the game now suggests otherwise with an in-season implication. It may not be that big of a deal, I know, but it has to be worth something to someone?
Can’t deny his dominance early, which is why I say put him in. And if the all-star still is a parade of appreciation for those serving their time valiantly, then take away the “home-field advantage” tag.
Gino – great points!
I guess bringing up the ticket sales came off as me suggesting he would increase sales at the all-star game. I did NOT mean it that way. I just meant that he is exciting to baseball fans right now, and that seems to be a small part of what the game is about. I realize the game will do just fine without him.
Dominance may have been the wrong word. But strikeout-wise, hasn’t he stood out? And how many games was his run support actually less than his ERA? I remember one (against the Braves?) where he pitched 7 solid, gave up 1, and got no runs from his team.
You and Wally are baseball guys, so I can’t argue the intricacies of the pitching game. I understand the closer and the set up man and being acclimated to that time of the game. But if that’s the case, why have we seen many times in the playoff in a clinching game teams pitch their strongest starter to close? I know I am stretching way back, but I remember Randy Johnson closing for Seattle in game 5 of a 5-game series. So who’s to say Strasburg, or any other starter couldn’t pitch the closing innings? A chance I know, but still something that is done in the playoffs though it might be a rare occasion..
Gino – Forgot one thing. Jason Heyward was voted in. I’m just asking that Manuel, as the manager, give Strasburg the nod. Nothing I can say about Heyward because he was fairly voted on.
Rey,
Thats why I meant that heyward would complicate the discussion.
Randy Johnson also did the same thing in the 2001 World Series. But let me ask you this, when teams bring back a starter in a relier effort do they have an all star closer?
I can even make that question a bit easier for you, when was the last time that a starter got a save for the new york yankees? Actually when was the last time Rivera wasn’t injured and someone else got the save? I think you might have to go back to John Wetteland for that one. There are other names that I could have said, but Rivera is the obvious one.
It happens, but it happens when your closer sucks, like Byung Hung Kim blowing a few saves in the world series in 2001.
I think they ought to play 5 all star games a year – one a month starting in May – and have series homefield advantage based on total runs scored – like they do in soccer. Latecomers like Strasburgh would be certain to make 2 or 3 of those games, and all the unvoted guys would probably get a chance after some of the undeservings flopped.
Gino –
Well…in a sense every starter in the playoff game is out of his element anyway; they’re all relief pitchers except the two who get to start. In my defense, I did say “late innings” and didn’t say that Strasburg should be a closer. But for a couple outs, I’d like having him there just in case. Who knows?
Pete – A 5 -game all-star series for home-field? I like it!
And you’re right about Heyward, Gino. He supports both sides. Some guys have been saying that Strasburg hasn’t paid his dues to be in. Then what do they say about Heyward?
Rey,
He throws a number of strike-outs. We can agree on that. He stands out for more than just his strike-out numbers, otherwise we wouldn’t be having this discussion. His ERA is still miniscule, but so are others.
But there are people having better years than he is, that is the point I’m trying to make. 7 starts is not enough. He is not even the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award at this time.
The All Star Game may not be about a lifetime achievement, but it is about year achievement, and quite honestly at this time there are a number of pitchers having better overall years, not just strikeouts.
And against the braves he allowed 3 earned runs not 1, which didn’t matter anyway since they got shutout and Hudson who is is in the All-Star game won that game.
I think home field is overrated!!
I hear ya, Gino. I guess I should specify that he has a good overall year. The perfect games are great, but Braden and Galarraga I don’t think have fared to well after those games. Considering all things, maybe 7 starts isn’t enough. This might be a good year to specify so minimum requirements for the game.
And I’m with you on home-field. I was waiting for someone to say that! Which is exactly my point; if it is so overrated why does baseball want it anyway?
If Strasburg didn’t get the call, well, as Madonna said, don’t cry for me Argentina. Maybe if his club had given him run support, and his record was better, but they didn’t, so he’ll have to wait until next year, like, oh, say, Votto of the Reds among others. I don’t think the arguments are that strong for Strasburg to be in uniform that night. I may be an old crank (okay, well, I am an old crank), but Strasburg just showed up, and yes, he’s been good, but not un-hittable (I do believe my Mets roughed him up a bit, 37 pitches in the first inning if I recall).
I’ll tell you what will be intolerable tonight though, and that will be listening to Captain Blowhard himself, Joe Buck, waxing poetic about the late George Steinbrenner. Nothing against George, but when Buck starts flapping his gums, and emits his horrendously bad prose delivered with stultifying pomposity, well, I tell you, I would rather listen to Maury Povich solve a paternity issue between a trio of inner city gangsters.
As for the All Star Game, it’s always been about disappointment, and someone who doesn’t get there, and this year it’s Strasburg, and if he doesn’t crash his Ferrari in the off-season he’ll be there next year. Maybe guys like Votto will be too.
Because its a given that the home team wins game 7.
But since 1990 only 4 world series have gone to a 7th game.
But only in 2001 the home team won every single game.
From those 4 games 2 of them went into extras and only 1 of them was not decided in the last at bat.
Oh and of course you got 1991 which was 1 of the best world series games ever played.
I tend to concentrate on the other 15 series instead of these 4.
Gino – I don’t think all those runs were earned. There was a booted ground ball (double play) before any runs scored.
Casey,
You can’t assume double play!! And no they weren’t all earned cause there was 5 runs
Gino –
I meant why is home-field so important to them that they feel the need to settle it in the all-star game. My opinion is in any sport, home-field goes to the team with the better record. Simple.
Bill – I’m not that ticked that Strasburg didn’t get in. I started to question it when a lot of people were saying he hasn’t put in enough time and so forth. To me, if the all-star game has an impact on THIS season, then it shouldn’t matter who’s played, hasn’t, whatever. Get the best players. Stats aside, Strasburg has been pretty darn good. But I kind of side with Wally here than experience does play a role. And besides, old cranks like you don’t want the young whipper-snappers in anyway, so why argue about it 🙂
Moving the discussion to tonight’s actual game. The starting line-ups are posted below. First of all, I’ll admit that I’ve had a life-long preference for the American League, probably because the WhiteSox have always been my #1 team, with the Cubs #2. I preferred the ’70s Oakland A’s dynasty to the Big Red Machine, the Baltimore Orioles over the “We Are Family Pirates”, I even found the Reggie & Billy Yankmees to be amusing, and admired the late 90’s version with O’Neal, Williams, Brosius, Martinez, Jeter, etc. (Moment of silence, please, for George Steinbrenner). I just liked the AL’s brand of ball better … their stars were STARS, the teams had character, I like the DH rule, etc.
And when I look at these line-ups for today’s All-star game, I feel the AL has a clear edge in talent and experience. Now anyone can win a single game in baseball, but clearly the AL wins a 7 game series 4-2 if these were the line-ups, in my opinion. Is this more evidence of what folks have been whispering for some time … that there’s much more strength and talent in the AL and it’s been this way for years? What do you think … is there something to this, or am I imagining a talent gap???
AL
1. Ichiro Suzuki RF SEA 2. Derek Jeter SS NYY 3. Miguel Cabrera 1B DET 4. Josh Hamilton CF TEX 5. Vladimir Guerrero DH TEX 6. Evan Longoria 3B TB 7. Joe Mauer C MIN 8. Robinson Cano 2B NYY 9. Carl Crawford LF TB David Price TB SP
NL
1. Hanley Ramirez SS FLA 2. Martin Prado 2B ATL 3. Albert Pujols 1B STL 4. Ryan Howard DH PHI 5. David Wright 3B NYM 6. Ryan Braun LF MIL 7. Andre Ethier CF LA 8. Corey Hart RF MIL 9. Yadier Molina C STL Ubaldo Jimenez
SP
Gino – yeah, I know. For scoring purposes you can’t assume a double play. The eye test on that game shows how the Braves resorted to small ball to get after a pitcher who was hot. They scored all those runs without an extra base hit. In fact, they only got the ball to the outfield four times that inning – two singles and two sac flies.
Rey, I don’t have a problem with the kids being in the game, or selected, as long as they get a chance to play. The game itself should mean nothing, since it’s a celebration of talent. It should play out like a little league game, where everyone gets a shot to play. Giving homefield to the WS side of the league is ludicrous, but I suppose it was put in so players don’t eff off for a few days, and actually commit to play.
And I don’t know why I’m getting all cranked up, I probably won’t see much of the game anyway.
Wally,
I am by no means admitting that there has been a talent gap for years. But if I look at those 2 starting lineups its hard to say that the talent level is equal.
I am a NL fan, braves fan my whole life, and at this time I am willing to say that the best talent in the AL is better than the best talent in the NL. But this still leaves behind questions as to how quick the drop off is compared to the NL.
Alright, I’ll admit that I just saw this post, so I haven’t yet read the comments, but I have one thing to say: It’s not about “paying your dues” or “earning your stripes,” it’s about performing well enough over half a season to earn a spot in the all-star game. A pitcher who’s 3-2 with a 2.32 ERA in 42 innings simply hasn’t played enough to earn it. There’s a reason he doesn’t qualify for the ERA title yet. Because he hasn’t pitched enough innings for those numbers to be statistically significant. If he posts a 4.32 ERA (not terrible, by the way) over his next 42 innings, are you still clamoring for him to make the All-Star team?
Besides, why are people making such a big deal about whether or not Strasburg makes the All-Star team this year? Do they think it’s going to be his last chance?
OK, that probably qualifies as saying more than one thing.
I knew I’d tick off some baseball guys with this post, but the comments have been great!
Chas – Excellent point on why he doesn’t qualify for ERA title. Geez – wish we had someone as knowledgeable as you to write about baseball on here 😉
I agree that it isn’t about “paying your dues,” but when Starsburg started to do so well, that was one of the arguments I heard on why (if he continued to dominate in such a fashion) he shouldn’t be included.
From a more laid-back standpoint, why not include him? He’s good for baseball right now. People are paying to attention to where he is. The buzz he created when coming in is still there a little bit. I would have liked to see him against the best hitters in the AL. Record and ERA aside. But I know that kills statistical guys.
I nominate this for Pickin’ Splinters Insight of the Week…or a helmet sticker…or just a little recognition that it was pretty darn funny:
“…when Buck starts flapping his gums, and emits his horrendously bad prose delivered with stultifying pomposity, well, I tell you, I would rather listen to Maury Povich solve a paternity issue between a trio of inner city gangsters.”
You know who I find incredibly annoying? Joe Morgan on ESPN. Joe feels that he can adequately explain anything that happens in or around a baseball game … whether it’s why Josh Hamilton got under that one a little or why the vendors were a little short on Dodger Dogs today. And why is able to do that? Because, of course, he’s a Hall of Famer and incredibly smart to boot … just ask him … he’ll tell ya. After all, Joe Morgan is the self-proclaimed “MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD”.
Rey, Strasburg has been up in the majors for 36 days. And you want him on the All-Stars. He is a great talent and hopefully he will be around for a long time. Who do you take off the team, so he can get a slot on the roster? To put him on the roster would make of joke of the selection process.
Ratings are out – the lowest ever for the all-star game. Maybe Rey was on to something.
Bob – I’d take off that Ubaldo guy. He doesn’t sound that good of a pitcher.
A joke of the selection process? Come on, that bad? I know it is a stretch, but the guy is a “star” at least; he fulfills half the criteria. The guy has lived up to expectations as the #1 pick. It’s the all-star game, not the hall of fame.
The selection process is flawed anyway. I don’t see where people would be up in arms calling it a “joke” if Strasburg pitched. A guy in the top 5 of three offensive categories only gets in at the very last chance?
Gino – if you can’t assume a double play, then why get in double play depth?
It didn’t take Mark Fidrych too long to earn his stripes. He won his first game on May 15th of his rookie season, and he pitched in the all-star game. Yeah, I know he won 9 games before the all-star break. My point is, this would not have been the first time a rookie had taken the league by storm. Fidrych was a great story. He captured the imagination of many. By the time he appeared in his second all-star game a year later, he was already on his way out of baseball. He finished his second season going 6-4. Sometimes, it’s more than the numbers.
Guys, guys … we have resumed our regularly scheduled programming. REAL games are now being played again and the British Open is in progress. Back to enjoying games that count.