Talking Chop

Congrats to the Braves Players!

Every player deserved to be on the team. That Omar picked caught me completely off guard. Random comment, how did Ortiz get the nod over Youkilis? Byrd over Alfonso Soriano? No Votto?

Yeah, how did Votto not make it?

And now he’s on the vote-in list against Wags…ugh.

award6 - July 4, 2010 reply

hard for me to vote for Wags over Votto

yondaime4 - July 4, 2010 reply

if some of those announced...

sit due to injury, like Heyward, do they come off the list as replacements?

Mr. Sanchez - July 4, 2010 reply

And I rather have McCutchen in there for the Pirates over Meek.

there are plenty of good OFs...

and mccutchen is one of them…but i’m happy that meek made it…the guy has had a great year…

forgotten_glory - July 4, 2010 reply

And Wags is waaaaayyyyyyy better than Wilson of the Giants.

It ain't what we think.

It should be about what Pirates fans think. Don’t you think that they would rather have McCutchen the face of their franchise over Meek?

Don’t you think Nats fans would rather have Zimmerman, Willingham, Dunn, Tyler Flippin’ Clippard, or Strasburg over Capps? The players selected and they don’t appear to read how stupid the save statistic is, but Capps has been merely okay and benefitted from a team that doesn’t have enough offense to put people away and limit save situations. His poor performances at the beginning of June are a significant reason why the Nats fell out of the race.

agreed on ortiz/youkilis...

i think byrd deserved it over soriano…votto being left off was a disgrace…i thought i was gonna see glaus left off in favor of votto, which i could deal with…but howard? really?

forgotten_glory - July 4, 2010 reply

I'm still a bit baffled by the Omar selection

With Tulowitzki hurt, there weren’t a ton of good shortstops to choose from, and somehow, Rafael Furcal was still left off. At least Rollins didn’t get the start.

Bronn - July 4, 2010 reply

Boo! to Furcal.

Hear, hear!

TheLetter2 - July 4, 2010 reply

poor joey votto

i love that omar made it, but how do you leave votto off this team? ryan howard getting picked was crazy

lingsched - July 4, 2010 reply

And justincredible rolls over in his grave......lol

Go Omar, etc.!!!! Go Braves Go!!!!

1st, I’m not dead.

2nd, why would I roll over in my grave?

1st, I’m not dead.

2nd, why would I roll over in my grave?

You underrate Infante.

STFU

Cammando2317 - July 4, 2010 reply

Not at all. Infante does not deserve to be an All-Star. How can he be considered one of the best in baseball, when he isn’t even good enough to be a starter on his own team???

Your homerism is annoying.

You underrate Infante.

Yeah yeah, another double-post…get over it, everyone!

lol

1st, I’m not dead.

2nd, why would I roll over in my grave?

Mr. Sanchez - July 4, 2010 reply

I beat you to it.

I beat you to it

Mr. Sanchez - July 5, 2010 reply

molina sucks...i don't understand why the fuck he is starting...

come on fans, you can do better than that…

SouthernPanther - July 4, 2010 reply

Brian McCann will be the backup catcher to a less-deserving player for the 4th straight year. Yadier Molina won the vote by about 100,000 votes, and a large part of that has to do with the Cardinals drawing 40,000+ every night. Regardless of the voting, it’s great to see Brian make the team again.
-mvhs

You’re a real wise ass, arent you

Cammando2317 - July 4, 2010 reply

Shocked to see Omar on the team, but so happy for him. He doesn't get enough

credit for how good he is, so its nice to see Manuel recognize that.

VOTE WAGNER

BigG1392 - July 4, 2010 reply

VOTE VOTTO

Windu - July 4, 2010 reply

VOTE WAGNER

…..the Braves are 2-0 against the Reds this year. That’s good enough for me.

Wagner had a blown save in that series…

Windu - July 4, 2010 reply

+100

UpstateNyBravesFan - July 4, 2010 reply

Already voted 100 times for Wags, but I think it’s a lost cause with Votto also in there… :(

Infante over Glaus….WTF???

LOL

JasonHeywardisGod - July 4, 2010 reply

position im sure

Lots of good first basemen

You should be saying

Infante over Votto… WTF???

Yeah, but Manuel is managing, not Dusty Baker. He knows first-hand about the Braves’ secret weapon on the bench.

or Zimmerman or the Hammer. Nats got shafted

Thank you.

What do I do now that Votto and Zimmerman are on the final ballot?
I will tell you. Not watch unless one of the Nats is an injury replacement.

Zim’s my guy and he deserves to go, but even I have enough sense to vote Votto as a deserving player who’s vaulted his team into the pennant race. I know you love Wagner and he’s been great for you and it’s fun to feel you’ve fleeced the Mets and all.

But please, show the world that Atlanta Braves fans are intelligent fans who respect good baseball and not a bunch of casual homers who only know about their team. I’m doing the right thing and voting Votto. You guys should too, especially since you’ve already got 5 guys named to the team.

I think most people recognize that Votto is clearly a deserving player.

It’s probably more a matter of preference for the casual fan: extra pitcher or extra 1B?

It’s definitely a shame that Votto (and Zimmerman) got left off the team, and I’ll probably vote for Votto again, but it’s not really that clear-cut. We have had a lot of long, close games in the past and have run out of pitchers. It’s just something to think about…

Nobody is tying Charlie Manuel to a tree and making him pull the pitchers.

Tell you what, keep Matt Capps on the bench. If it goes into extra innings, put him in there and he’ll get it done because he’s a closer and he just got a win against the Mets.
/sarcasm’d.

Wait

Who’s representing the Diamondbacks? I see no one…?

chris young

JasonHeywardisGod - July 4, 2010 reply

oh okay, the mlb article said the Chris Young from the Padres… fail

I finally understand why some of my friends hate fan voting

Molina starting over McCann AND Olivo?
No Votto?

Tonley - July 4, 2010 reply

Utley is the worst… but his injury takes care of that.

Utley has been just as good as Prado this year

If it weren’t for his injury, he’d be deserving.

Prado is a more valuable player to the Braves and Utley is to the Phillies. not that that makes a difference for the all star game.

Um...

How exactly are you deriving that? As far as I know, there is no way of measuring what you are referring to.

through pure observation… could you imagine where the Braves would be without Prado for 8 weeks?? Doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. Phillies offense has been suffering with or without Utley this year… in fact Wilson Valdez has been playing better since Utley’s injury.

If you're using

Wilson Valdez’s current numbers as your defense, that’s kind of sad. What are the chances he keeps that up for the 8 weeks Utley will be gone? Less than 1%?

I don’t know who’s more valuable to their team, but that’s exactly my point. You can’t know that.

All I know is that we could have had a few other 6 or 7 games losing streaks without Prado. enough said.

"could have"??

We “could have” had the losing streaks even with him, if (for instance) Glaus never got hot, or some other guys got hurt. You’re talking in hypotheticals, not evidence.

He was our MVP in April by leaps and bounds. If you take him out of that month alone, our record now could be a lot closer to .500 You do not need any stats or evidence for that.

Of course.

What you said, though, is that “Prado is a more valuable player to the Braves and Utley is to the Phillies”.

How can you prove that without Prado, we’d be worse off than the Phillies would be without Utley? It’s only supposition, not fact.

It’s just a simple observation that’s all. Not a declaration or statement. According to fangraphs, Prado’s WPA is more than double and is a much more clutch player in meaningful situations. I would say all the stats even out, definitely no clear “better player” this year.

Anyways, Tonley was talking about fan voting haha. I was saying Utley’s was the worst because he was completely crushing Prado in that regard.

Not everthing stated

has to be a fact. Lay off a bit will ya

Trek - July 4, 2010 reply

I get

What you’re saying, but come on, lay off the “fact hound” bit.

Obviously there is no way to legitimately prove that Prado is more important to the Braves than Utley is to the Phillies, but its worth talking about.

To me its just an interesting idea to think about what standings would be like with both of the players removed from their respective teams. I have to agree with abraves that the Braves would more than likely be worse off, since I hope everyone here can agree that Prado going into leadoff completely changed the Braves season.

+1

Tim Hudson?

Instead of just blindly playing favorites,

try looking at the numbers.

Despite being the better home run hitter of the two, utley has a lower slugging percentage. Martin has a better ops than utley along with a much better batting average.

Utley has a higher wOBA

and has been better defensively, hence a higher WAR. Batting average is meaningless.

this

regrettably

Unfortunately, it's a moot point.

Utley won’t be playing due to injury. I’ll be playing the world’s tiniest violin for him, though.

batting average is not meaningless. wOBA may be a better statistic for lumping together everything that a player does at the plate, but batting average certainly isn’t meaningless. With a runner on 3rd and 2 outs, batting average is the only thing that matters. In certain contexts, every statistic is useful.

TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - July 4, 2010 reply

Yes

becasue a walk there is worthless. And that isn’t factored into the wOBA formula (.72xBB and .90×1B). Allso wOBA doesn’t take into account that the hitter put himself into a runner on 3rd and 2 out situation, which he obviously did.

What I meant was,

in this context (assessing overall player value), batting average is meaningless. It is useful in certain contexts, but this is not one of them.

Althought BA can be over-rated

it certainly never is meaningless, esp in ‘assessing overall player value’

Trek - July 4, 2010 reply

What?

No.

I think batting averages is one of the most interesting statistics in baseball. Its absolutely incredible that nobody has hit over .400 in almost 70 years now. For any player to sustain a high batting average over the course of a 162 game season (or even half of one) certainly takes an incredible amount of skill, and simply discounting that is stupid.

As is relying on BA as an overall indication of value. Is hitting .400 for a season incredible? Sure. But what if that one .400 season were sandwiched around 10 other .230 seasons? Do you see how misleading cherry-picking statistics can be?

UMDBHIK - July 5, 2010 reply

Again...what?

How in the world would a player have ten seasons batting .230, but in between hit .400? That’s just stupid if not impossible.

Any player that would ever hit .400 over an entire season would obviously have a high career batting average. Its not even a steroids thing – you can’t inject yourself with drugs and suddenly have a .50 higher batting average. It takes an incredible amount of skill and talent to hit .400 for 162 games.

So again, judging a player by his career batting average is still a great indicator of how good of a player they really are. A player who has a .333 lifetime BA is a lot better than a player who has a .250 BA. That’s just a fact. Don’t discount it.

Impossible? Chipper Jones disagrees.

How so?

His years ranged from ~.250 to ~.350. While he did have a phenomenal year in 2008 hitting .364, its not like it was out of nowhere since each of the four seasons before that saw his average increase year to year.

Chipper went from .360 to .260 something in one year. That means it is possible.

justincredubil02 - July 6, 2010 reply

So, Jeff Francoeur is a better hitter than Adam Dunn?

sigh

I’m not saying BA determines that one player is better than another, I just think its stupid and ignorant to just throw the statistic out the window and disregard it completely. Its a useful metric for simply determining how good and consistent of a hitter a player is.

I would rather have a guy like Adam Dunn who hits .250 with an OBP of .430 than a guy who hits .400 with an OBP of .405

Me too.

UMDBHIK - July 5, 2010 reply

I wouldn't go that far...

but for a more realistic comparison, try Adam Dunn and the Frenchman.
Career 3 slash for Donkey-.251/.382/.521
Francouer—.270/.311/.429

Other higher avg’s but probably worst production at the plate than Donkey—Mike Sweeney (.298/.366/.487), Garrett Anderson (.293/.324/.462), Mark Gurdzelanik (.289/.332/.393), Jason Kendall (.289/.367/.380).

Mr. Sanchez - July 5, 2010 reply

And before you ask why...

I wouldn’t go that far, an obp of .430 or .405 is still pretty good, and has your man on nearly every other plate appearance. But the difference between .250 and .400 means a lot more hits. If ISO is the same, that’s a lot more extra base hits. If that extra .150 is all singles, it’s still better because guys can’t move more than one base on a walk, but you can get guys scoring from second on a single, going first to third, etc. In that extreme comp, I’ll take the .400/.405 all day over .250/.430, without knowing other factors like slugging or speed on the bases.

Mr. Sanchez - July 5, 2010 reply

Disagree. So hitting .400 would be meaningless?

In a limited number of ABs, yes.

we’re not talking about sample size here

telemakhos - July 5, 2010 reply

Even if they are equals… my point is the vote differential was the worst.

Posted this on the fanpost, but

As good as the Braves bench has been, it seems like Manual saw the light by selecting Infante. It seems like a long time wrong has been righted, not just Infante, but bench players in general. I’m sure Infante is not the 1st bench player to get the nod, but it seems a little strange just the same. Good for Omar, the National recognition is great.

EVERYONE PLEASE GO TO MLB.COM AND VOTE FOR WAGNER I JUST VOTED UNTIL MU HAND GOT TIRED. I GUESS THERE IS NO LIMIT THIS TIME. AS JOE SIMPSON SAYS— VOTE NOW AND VOTE OFTEN!!

SBURROUGHS - July 4, 2010 reply

So Omar isnt good enough to start for us

But he is an All Star? I love Omar and Im glad hes there but I’m not buying it. If a bench player from any other team made it, we’d be screaming bloody murder.

I think it’s tough to say he’s not good enough to start for us. He’s just much more valuable as a bench player. You could argue that he’s better than a handful of our starters, but he is so versatile that his services are much better put to use as a very good bench player to fill in when needed.

With someone approaching 40, like Chipper for instance, you never know when you’ll need a guy to play 30+ straight games at 3rd. (Or the outfield, or wherever.) This is where Infante comes in. Starting has nothing to do with it. Kind of like the perception that the “best pitchers” are starters.

It’s not going to be a popular choice, but with this year’s roster expansion, the selection of infante allows manual th opportunity to put everyone else in the game with omar as the emergency super-sub. I don’t see him getting any playing time, despite the selection.

I understand why he is there

But this is an all star game. It should be for the best players and should be based on who is having the best season, not on versatility.

Jayson Stark said it best:

If the game is going to “count,” a manager needs a guy with a little versatility. I get that. And I know that’s why Omar Infante is on this team. But yikes. How can Joey Votto not be heading for Anaheim, while a guy with a mere 156 at-bats, fewer homers (one) than Yovani Gallardo and fewer extra-base hits (nine) than Wilson Valdez makes the cut? Memo to MLB: It’s the All-Star Game! It’s for the best players in baseball, not for guys who have started 42 games all year.

Try to tell that

To Manual after his team lost the World Series partially because of home field advantage. Both managers were very clear about that on the TBS interviews – home field advantage is huge. Joey Votto is a better player than Infante in terms of batting, but he can’t play SS or LF as good as Infante can.

Prado is almost as versatile

and with the new rule that a position player can come back into the game, there are plenty of options for Manuel.

If you build the roster on the idea of trying to win the game, why take so many starting pitchers? Why not let Albert Pujols play the whole game and take more utility guys instead of 1B backups that only play one position?

Meh

This isn’t an argument I really want to have. It simply comes down to the fact that Manual chose Infante because Infante gives the NL a better chance to win the game than a fourth first baseman.

The truth is that Infante probably won’t even touch the field. He’s just insurance in case the game goes to extra innings and Manual has already worked through the roster and needs someone to play some defense or as a pinch runner. That’s all there is to it. Again, to Manual, that versatility is much more valuable than another big hitting first baseman.

I feel Wagner got snubbed and Rhodes shouldn't have gotten to go.

Wagner deserved a final go ‘round. But the Infante selection causes all kinds of trouble. At some point, they should pick players that the fans actually want to see and if you’ve been following baseball Votto deserves to go.

I get it. Manuel’s not enough of a man to stand up to his player, Ryan Howard, and the front office that threw $125M dollars his way. Fine. But selecting guys like Infante and not selecting Wagner is a shame.

MLB needs to do work, though. Matt Capps is the Nats’ all star solely because of player voting. Baseball fans would rather see Strasburg. Casual Nats fans might prefer Zimmerman. Willingham’s been our best position player and deserves to go, but drawing walks in the all-star game and hitting screaming line drives with some power ain’t enough.

What?

Rhodes had an absolutely amazing 35 or so game streak where he did not allow a single run. That’s absolutely insane, especially for a 40 year old guy. Everytime he comes into the game the Reds know the game is locked down.

Wagner is good, but Rhodes is simply better than him this year.

Uh

If Yunel keeps playing at the level he is currently at (AVG .241 · HR 0 · RBI 19 · Runs 27 · SB 5), Omar will make a very strong case to be a starter post All Star game.

But anyways, that’s not the reason Manual chose him. The reason he was chosen is because the guy has amazing versatility in that he can legitimately play almost any position on the field. Also, when the Braves need a clutch hit, Omar can always almost deliver, regardless of the fact that he hasn’t faced a live batter in a few days, or this is his third AB in the game.

All I have to say

is that if I were building a franchise, I’d take Omar over Joey Votto and Ryan Zimmerman every time.

well thats an awful decision...

but I think he’s deserving especially if you look past the numbers and look at his contributions to the teams record via-the game winning department.

cirela20 - July 4, 2010 reply

yeah, I have a hard time agreeing with that statement. I would rather have Jayson Heyward than those two.

God i hope the /sarcasm button is on.

yondaime4 - July 4, 2010 reply

I’m pretty sure that no person who was NOT under the influence of a hallucinogen would make that assertion.

No

Zimmerman is obviously the future of the Nats franchise. If Infante or Votto were there instead, there wouldn’t be nearly as much hope.

Zimmerman + Bryce Harper + Josh Willingham next year will be a scary combination.

Bryce Harper is a scary combination all by himself. The guy is kinda cukoo for coca puffs.

adc62 - July 5, 2010 reply

I don’t think Infante is better than some of the guys left out, but I still think this makes a lot of sense. He will give the NL team a lot of options late in the game because he can basically come in for anyone. He doesn’t have to take the place of just a shortstop or just a left-fielder. He can basically come into the game whenever Manuel thinks it’s best. Since this game could have huge implications for our team, I love that we will have someone that versatile on our bench.

I agree

and would also add, why can’t we be happy for Omar, he’s a part of out first place team, and has been clutch when needed?
This is an example of being able to use one of our bench players because of his versatility. I would love to see Glaus chosen, but first base has much more competition, than say Omar who can play many positions. I’m happy for the ones chosen, and understand why they are in fact all-stars.
I would also like to see Wags chosen, and will do my part to get him in the game.

Congrats guys!

HEYJUDE - July 4, 2010 reply

Yup

I just hope that he gets some playing time. About the only way he’ll probably come in is injury or late innings.

So...

Omar Infante an all-star? That only makes sense if there is a designated “Utility Guy” spot on the roster (which there isn’t, of course, unless Manuel just made it up). I love Omar, but there have got to be dozens of non-all-stars who have been more valuable to their teams. I’m just flabbergasted by this. MLB needs to decide just what the heck the “All-Star Team” is about, because right now it seems to be just a horrible mish-mash of conflicting ideas.

Congratulations to the other Braves’ all-stars, all of whom deserved it. Wagner deserves it too, of course, so everyone vote for him! (As for Votto, he’s more deserving than Wagner but it’s not our fault that Charlie Manuel is an idiot.)

charlie manuel

knows infante wins game, and charlie thinks hes getting to the world series and wants home field advantage. there is no other reason

awix - July 4, 2010 reply

Ah yes, Infante was selected as the team's designated "game winner"

shouldn't that be conrad?

Kobe:The Legend - July 4, 2010 reply

Manuel knew what he was doing.

I mean.

with that walkoff grandslam he needs to be the starting 3rd baseman. =-)

Kobe:The Legend - July 4, 2010 reply

Infante is Prado's hero. If Infante didn't go to the AS Game as well, the universe would implode.

Who knows how “All Star” players will perform off the bench, Infante can do it. With the World Series home field advantage at stake, Omar actually makes sense to me. wOBA, WAR, UZR, WXYZ be damned, Omar will help the NL have a chance to have home field for the 1st time in a long time.

“Omar will help the Braves have a chance to have home field for the 1st time in a long time.”

fixed. : )

thanks

I screw something up in every post I make!

No prob. All these other people bitching need to, like, chill. Shit never goes the Braves way like this. And you brought up a great point. This will only help OUR TEAM. The other teams be damned.

McCann has gone to the game alone for too many years, glad to see some love coming our way.

Seriously.

This helps us?

How?

I’d much rather have a dominant hitter like Votto pinch-hitting if our WS home-field is going to be on the line.

How well does Votto do coming off the bench? I’m not being a smartass here, I see a difference in some players ability to hit as a pinch hitter vs as a starter. Omar doesn’t have that problem.

Votto has only 15 PAs as a PH

but he’s .250 / .400 / .500 with a homer. Besides, almost everyone “comes off the bench” at the ASG. He would be just fine.

Votto not making the team is something of a disgrace. His stats are awesome to say the least. But with Pujols, Howard and A-Gon there to play 1st base, I think the NL is pretty well covered. Infante being chosen is quite the surprize, but he’s a good ball player, good batter, multiple positions, and everybody’s favorite……..clutch!!!!

Howard shouldn't have gone

Just saying. If the choice was between him and Votto, Man-you-will got it way wrong.

Bronn - July 4, 2010 reply

Votto has better stats this year by far, but explain that to the voting public, they’ve heard of Howard.

If

You’re going by stats alone, Votto has outplayed Howard + Pujols this year.

Not only is this statistically impossible, but also excessively hyperbolic. Let’s tone down the rhetoric a skosh, eh?

UMDBHIK - July 5, 2010 reply

What?

Albert Pujols:
          o Season: GP 81 ·
          o AVG .305 ·
          o HR 20 ·
          o RBI 60 ·
          o Runs 48 ·
          o SB 9

Ryan Howard:

          o Season: GP 80 ·
          o AVG .293 ·
          o HR 15 ·
          o RBI 59 ·
          o Runs 52 ·
          o SB 0

Joey Votto:

          o Season: GP 77 ·
          o AVG .312 ·
          o HR 19 ·
          o RBI 57 ·
          o Runs 53 ·
          o SB 7

Votto has clearly been statistically better than Howard, and is damn near close to Pujols or ahead of him in every single category.

Yeah, I don’t think that has a big effect. They should just change the Robert Fick rule and replace Bourn and Young with Votto and Zimmerman. who cares about the positions…

I’m just happy for Omar. I don’t care about other deserving players. Snubs are a part of every ASG.

Scott Coleman - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

I couldn't agree more. I realize that there might have been statistically better choices, but

I’m glad that Omar is getting the recognition he deserves.

Happy for Infante

As am I

I also pray to God he doesn’t read the negative comments concerning him being chosen. For the first time in several years I can watch the game knowing I may get to see more than one or two Braves get in the game. We have good players, if not we would not be in first place in a tight NLE division.

HEYJUDE - July 4, 2010 reply

I'm happy for Omar too.

But what I want more than anything is for the choices to be deserved. It cheapens everyone’s all-star selection when there are obviously undeserving players on the team.

I don't think Omar is undeserving at all though.

Um..

Well, he is undeserving. I don’t see how you could use any sort of facts to show that he deserves it.

How about this.... Don't be such a negative nancy about someone on the Braves getting an All-Star selection?

We all see your point, but you’re only picking at the scab…..

Sorry...

but look at it this way. We all get upset when our guys are snubbed. Imagine how the other teams’ fans are feeling now, knowing that their deserving players aren’t on the team, but Infante is.

If the teams were reversed, I’d be livid. I can’t just pretend like everything is hunky-dory.

Well, that's your loss, then. All sarcasm aside.

Most of us are stoked. The odds were stacked against us having over 3 or 4, so the more the merrier.

Make Mine Infante.

I am really happy we got the other 4

but would’ve rather had Wagner as the 5th.

I’d rather have Wagner as the 6th.

This is a mature view, my friend.

I want to see the best players, and I want to see the best player on my team represented. After that, I understand that there’s some dead wood on the roster.

This whole mess just makes Nats fans feel somewhat persecuted and left out of the whole process.

Congratulations, you’re in first place. You’ve earned it. You have a better organization than we do. I’ve felt that Rolen deserved to get in ahead of Zim, and I was all prepared if Polanco got voted on to see Zim not make it.

Capps making it was a total shock, sadly due to the player votes. He’s not even the best reliever on his own team! Nats fans would much rather see Clippard than Capps. We’d prefer to see neither and if it’s got to be a pitcher we’d rather see Strasburg than either one.

Baseball has the opportunity to make all of these casual fans in the district watch by putting Strasburg on the team. They don’t do that and they get respect for that.

They can put Zim on who has name, or Willingham who has game, or Dunn who has style.

But all we get is Capps? Stinks, stinks, stinks. I will be the first to admit that Wagner is more deserving than Capps, and I hope that you guys will do your best to make the last vote about merit rather than about pure loyalty, otherwise it reflects poorly on your fan base. You don’t have to care, but don’t complain if you start moving down the road of being hated like the Phillies are.

it’s all well and good to rather have your best players represent your team, but if every team’s best hitter is their 3rd baseman, not all of them will make it. Zimmerman is having the 3rd best season in the NL for a 3rd baseman, but they can’t go 3 deep in every position. Strasburg is probably one of the most interesting pitchers in baseball, but he’s only had like 5 starts and he doesn’t deserve it any more than the last pitcher that made the roster. Willingham deserves it aside from his defense, but if nats fans didn’t put in the time to vote and get him in, no reason to complain

telemakhos - July 5, 2010 reply

Zimmerman is having the 3rd best season in the NL for a 3rd baseman, but they can’t go 3 deep in every position.

Basically, this is my point. On the roster, Infante is listed as a 3rd basemen. Charlie Manuel is saying Infante is the 3rd best 3rd basement with that pick. Picking Infante over Zimmerman doesn’t make sense to anyone but Braves’ fans.

souldrummer - July 5, 2010 reply

and not even some of us

I think declaring Infante as a 3B was a bit arbitrary. He was clearly picked for his value as a utility guy.

Exactly. As a Braves fan, I'm sure as hell not going to complain about

one of our players making it to the all star game. Especially a guy like Omar who has been so valuable to this team. It’s not Omar’s fault that someone else didn’t make the team.

You're right.

It’s not Omar’s fault. It’s Charlie Manuel’s fault. I am happy for Omar, but disappointed with Manuel.

all i'm saying is...

if anything theres a much greater complaint in regards to ryan howard beating out Joey Votto, or even more so Yadier Molina being on this team at all.
there’s no way Omar Infante should be the biggest issue when theres a guy with a .616 OPS being called an “all-star”

cirela20 - July 4, 2010 reply

Well obviously

Molina and Howard are terrible choices too. Molina is probably a worse choice than Omar, too. But the fans chose him, not Manuel.

Bravely going forward - July 4, 2010 reply

THIS

Wow

Its all about facts with you dude. Just chill out.

Manual wants home field advantage. Having a versatile utility player who can handle a bat in clutch situations is more important than having a 3rd first baseman.

I don’t see how you can be upset about this in any way. Its a BRAVES player and its good for the NATIONAL LEAGUE. If NL has home field advantage this postseason b/c of Omar I hope you still aren’t crying about the fact that he didn’t deserve it.

Having a versatile utility player who can handle a bat in clutch situations is more important than having a ~~3rd~~ 4th first baseman.

FTFY

haha

I keep forgetting about Gonzalez. Poor guy.

And I counter with this:

Having a the league leader in OPS is better than having a good bench player and gives any team a better chance to win.

Well its great that you think that

Manual, a World Series winning manager, obviously disagrees. We can argue about it for the rest of the week, but its kind of a done deal, right?

Manual made an idiot choice. That’s all I am saying.

justincredubil02 - July 6, 2010 reply

Like Mat Latos?

TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - July 4, 2010 reply

Omar Infante has been great for our team. He has played many different positions and has hit well this year, but he is a utility player. He doesn’t play everyday and there are more deserving players that play everyday and put up better numbers than Infante.

Braves24 - July 4, 2010 reply

hmmm....

Your 2010 NL starting all star catcher: 0.6 fWAR
David Boss: 0.8 fWAR

fucking awesome

TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - July 4, 2010 reply

MOAR backup catcher fangraphs WAR leaderboards fun

Reds Catchers: Ramon Hernandez 1.3 fWAR Ryan Hanigan 1.2fWAR

Dbacks Catchers: Miguel Montero 1.1 fWAR Chris Snyder 1.0fWAR

Mets Catchers: Henry Blanco 0.8fWAR Rod Barajas 0.8fWAR

Padres Catchers: Nick Hundley 1.1fWAR Yorvit Torrealba 0.8fWAR

Brewers Catchers: George Kottaras 0.6fWAR Gregg Zaun 0.8fWAR

As a Reds fan, I'd been kind of occupied over who on our team should be an All-Star

I never really thought “Ramon Hernandez,” but looking at your numbers, I probably should have been. Still… NO VOTTO?!?!?! WHAT IN THE GREAT BLUE HELL, CHOLLY? I hope Canada declares war on Philly.

Brendanukkah - July 4, 2010 reply

Oh, man...

That would be something to behold.

Gomar!

He deserves it! Was one of our hottest hitters last season, until his hand injury, and has been so clutch this year. Well done!

And Wagner can still make it in as the “Final Man” voting is underway.

Yup, yup.

“Never doubt the Gomar!”

Hudson – Not a surprise
Heyward – Not a surprise
Prado – Not a surprise
McCann – slightly surprised
Infante – Let me pick my jaw up off the floor

http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/position/c/league/nl

Why

The slight surprise on McCann?

McCann (subpar season and all) is still the best batting catcher in the NL. And he’s a pretty damn good catcher too.

Wagner should make the game simply based on the fact that right now the NL has only one lefty on their entire pitching staff. One! We NEED Wagner.

Off-topic, but Blanco is batting 2nd today!

Just got slightly less excited when I noticed Conrad batting 3rd. Ick.

Chipper’s not playing?

Nope. Not really too surprising, though. Glaus is also still out.

lol. Brutal stuff.

Yeah the lineup is looking a bit scary. But it’s not the first time we’ve had a lineup like this, so hopefully we can pull one out and keep the winning streak alive.

haha. I meant your comment aboot Chip, but that’s fair enough. I aint scurred. Happen to have the complete line-up?

Prado
Blanco
Conrad
McCann
Hinske
Cabrera
Escobar
Diaz
Hudson

wow, that is one patched up line up.

Yeah. Not that he ever isn’t, but Hudson better be on his game. Not that this lineup couldn’t bust out for 8 or 9 runs, but it’s just not that likely.

Also, I’m sure a lot of the reason we are using this lineup is to keep our old guys rested for the next two series, which are way more important.

Have to travel to Philly right after this game. Weird game time for a Sunday, but it is the 4th I suppose. Lineup makes more sense

award6 - July 4, 2010 reply

Yeah and Ross must still be pretty banged up. I can’t imagine that he wouldn’t be starting this game if he wasn’t, even with McCann’s numbers against Nolasco.

And, somehow, I still like it….

Yeah, I’ll like it no matter what.

Regardless of what the status quo says.....

Blanco and Connie aren’t “holes.” And if Cabrera would be a tad more selective/willing to take a walk, TP, he could be that much better.

I am so glad we have such a stacked team. How many teams in the league could put up a lineup stacked full of reserves and still feel confident about winning?

Conrad may not be Chipper, but it isn’t like he’s some total schlub.

I know. I just don’t like seeing him batting 3rd.

I'm torn between wanting a sixth Brave on the team (Wags) and trying to right a wrong (Votto)

Maybe if they got rid of the every team needs an all-star rule….

Tonley - July 4, 2010 reply

You can’t right every Country Wrong.. vote Wags!

Mighty Healthy - July 4, 2010 reply

Fuck the Commies. Vote Wags.

Listen, show sense.

Vote for Votto. If Wagner wins this, you’re just making yourself one of those idiot Cardinal fans who voted for Molina.

And you’re smarter than an idiot Cardinal fan, right?

I’m a Nats fan, and I’m smarter than an idiot Cardinal fan so I’m voting Votto over Zimmerman.

I’m having trouble making out that font. Is that the official sarcasm font?

I may be in the minority here, but I actually like that every team has to be represented...

Could you imagine how upset you’d be if no Braves made the all-star team? Would you even watch? It’s good for the fans to be able to see their own players.

I don't have a problem with the rule...

…but you just hope that they pick the face of the franchise guy over the kind of deserving guy. If I was a Pirates fan, I think I’d want McCutchen to go.

I’m a Nats fan, and I think Capps has no right to be there and the players screwed up.

Agreed.

As a Braves fan, I would much rather see Zimmerman and McCutchen on the team. I would definitely like to see Votto over Howard, and even Gonzalez (though I guess he’s the only Padre…)

My point is, what’s done is done. We have to think about what’s more beneficial for the team; a lefty relief pitcher or another first baseman?

I’m kinda playing devil’s advocate here, but I don’t think us voting for Wagner is as bad as Molina being the starter. I still think Manuel is an idiot and I wonder how he’s going to cost us the game this year…

However...

Either way – Wagner, Votto or Zimmerman – I won’t be disappointed. I don’t think you could go wrong.

As I've said elsewhere...

…Zimmerman does not deserve to go by the rules as to how the game is played. At the start of the month of June, he could make a case that Rolen and Zim were tied. Rolen has cleaned his clock and earned his slot. Zim cratered at a time where we needed him to carry the team. These things happen and I’m not mad at the guy; it’s just that the process stinks. Manuel picked Infante.

Let me repeat: If Chipper Jones got hurt and your GM refused a straight Zimmerman for Infante deadline deal at the same salary, you guys would be after him with pitchforks.

I actually voted for Rolen at 3B and Votto at 1B...

Like I said, it’s just a matter of preference as to who people vote for the last spot. Votto getting left off is really a shame, especially in favor of Howard, but do we really need another 1B?

I just don’t think it’s as clear-cut as you do.

Ask yourself not which player is more deserving based on numbers, even if it were possible to compare a pitcher to a hitter (like comparing apples to oranges), but instead ask yourself which player improves the NL team more – a 4th 1B or a dominant left-handed closer? The NL has a severe shortage of left-handed pitchers on the team to begin with….and do you really want someone like Matt Capps trying to close out the game with a 1 run lead?

manager for the nl actually trying to win the game

putting infante on the team gives him more options than some prima dona player from another team. omar can play all 3 outfield positions plus short, third, and second without taking out a player he may need later. thanks charlie, you are starting to appear as a smart MAN-ager.

williejay1 - July 4, 2010 reply

Wait

are you calling every single snubbed player a “prima donna”?

And are you implying that prima donnas can’t win a baseball game?

Managers trying to win one isolated game like this should select the best players. This isn’t a 162-game season. Chemistry is irrelevant. The selection of Infante makes the NL a bit less likely to win the game and there’s really no rational argument otherwise.

“The selection of Infante makes the NL a bit less likely to win the game and there’s really no rational argument otherwise.”

Sorry you see it that way. What can I say……Throw back a shot, or two?

Ha

naw, I’m not much of a drinker. I love Omar, I really do. I just wish his first all-star selection weren’t so obviously undeserved.

lol

Cheers, man.

You’ve written the same thing several dozen times already in this thread, so this is as good a post as any to respond to: Why do you insist that Infante is so undeserving?

You can’t just pick the Top 30-some-odd players in order of offensive statistics, or defensive statistics, or even any properly weighted combination thereof. You have to consider position played. Votto did not get picked for the same reason that Glaus did not get picked – there is insane competition at 1B. Should Votto have been picked over Howard? Hell yes, but what’s done is done. You can’t right that wrong just for the sake of righting it now. You have to take the roster “as is”, and make the last selection based on what’s best for the team – Wagner….but I digress.

The fact that Votto (or anyone else who plays an insanely competitive position) was left off does not make Infante undeserving. That is the same kind of logic I saw you picking apart in others’ posts earlier in the thread. Instead, you have to carefully consider the positions that Infante plays, and weight his value at each of those. There may not be an official “utility” role on the team, but I can guarantee you that Charlie was taking it into consideration. Infante allows for much greater flexibility in PH and PR selections during the game. You don’t have to worry about who it is that you’re removing from the game and whether you have a guy left who can play that position. In that regard, Infante makes the NL team much better. Can you say the same of Votto? Or anyone else who may have been deserving and was left off, but plays only one position?

Also, lighten up. You’ve been extremely negative and argumentative lately. I haven’t even been around much and I’ve noticed it in almost all of your posts that I’ve read. Get yourself a nice, cold glass of lemonade?

Nice articulate rebuttal EricGregg

I just wanted to say screw the stats & let your homerism be free but your response was much better. I’m a fan of baseball but I’m a Braves fan first. We’ve got a handful of Braves in the AS game so let’s rejoice. Obviously Charlie M was looking at things from a different angle & came to the conclusion that Omar was “deserving”. He also invited Bobby to be on the staff from what I’ve read. For a Philly….he’s alright.

adc62 - July 5, 2010 reply

+1

every year, there is controversy when a guy doesn’t get into the game because there needs to be that last guy on the bench in case of injury. They expanded the rosters this year, so with manual’s last guy, he’d rather have that last guy on the bench and not worry about not letting a truly deserving guy play. Omar can fill in anywhere in the field and no one will be mad if he doesn’t get to play. Instead of having to leave brandon phillips and michael bourn on the bench, for instance, you can use them and leave omar on the bench.

telemakhos - July 5, 2010 reply

Rec'd

Excellent summary of my feelings towards pacgnosis in this entire thread lol.

Votto on a batting comparison with Infante is obviously the better player, but Infante gives Manual many more opportunities to WIN. Which is extremely key with home field advantage at stake.

If the ASG was still an exhibition game with no meaning, Infante would obviously never be anywhere close to making the roster. The game has changed though, and so our understanding about the game and how to play the game has to change too.

This move allows manual to use every other person on the roster and keep one guy on the bench that can fill in all over the infield and in the outfield. I’d rather have omar on the bench than 2 deserving all-stars that are needed in case of injury. This isn’t so much about omar’s hitting or fielding ability as it is about his versatility allowing manual to use everyone else.

I’m surprised that I still haven’t seen anything about Strasburg not making it.

The Nats should move him for a crapload of young talent. This, if anything, could mkae them alot better. Otherwise, he’s just swimming against the current. Sad, but true.

Giants found a way to build around Lincecum.

We might find a way to build around Strasburg. Progress happens in steps.

You guys have a great team, and I think you deserve to and will win the NL East. Discussions like this and how your fan base handles baseball vs. homerism will help decide whether I can care about the Braves in the playoffs.

You guys can gain empathy from casual fans and other team’s fan bases by having a mature attitude about this and not just going homer for Wagner. Looks real bad after the heat that you’ll be getting about Infante.

To be fair...

Charlie Manuel, manager of the Phillies, will be the one taking the heat. Somehow, I doubt Bobby bribed or blackmailed him into that selection, either…

Infante is going to be ripped as a player in a lot of quarters...

…as undeserving. He’s going to be the poster boy of the “It shouldn’t count for the World Series” argument.

What I’m saying is that if you pick Wagner over Votto, you aren’t that much better than Cardinals fans who picked Molina. I could pick Zimmerman over Votto because he’s on my team (which seems to be the reason that most fans are using here), but I’m not doing that because that makes me not better than the Cardinals fans.

Beat dead horses much?

We get it. You think if Braves fans vote for Wagner we are all being homers. It’s a bit hard for me to agree with that when Wagner has an ERA under 1.5 and a WHIP under 1. He has the numbers of an all-star. Not to mention, right now the NL has exactly 1 left-handed pitcher. One! I’d say Wagner would be a pretty damn valuable asset to the team.

sleezer1788 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

Left-handed closer > 4th 1B

That is all.

Strasburg would have deserved to be on the fan ballot, if he had gone out there and dominated the Mets.

He wouldn’t have deserved to go, but the fans could have been given the choice to make the decision. He struggled with command on a nationally televised game and has been good but not dominant in the Indians, Royals, Braves, and Mets starts.

Why?

Two other rookies that have started the entire season that are more deserving to go than Strasburg.

To reiterate, Strasburg’s only started SIX games. Just to focus on two other rookies, take a look at Jaime Garcia and Mike Leake. Leake, as you may know, is the first player in ten years to skip the minors. With the Reds he’s compiled a 6-1 record and helped them in the 1st place battle with the Cards. Speaking of the Cards, there is a young rookie by the name of Jaime Garcia that I’m sure no one except for fantasy buffs or Cards fans know about. The guy has an 8-4 record but even more impressively a 2.10 ERA and 1.22 WHIP!

So, just on a rookie standpoint, there are at least two other guys who should go ahead by Strasburg. Then there are handful of other non rookies (Jamie Moyer, Mat Latos, Mike Pelfrey, or Clayton Kershaw) who are having great seasons and helping their teams in key battles in pennant races.

You can vote as many times as you like. I voted 100 times and will do more later. My hand is tired. Vote now and vote often for Wags

SBURROUGHS - July 4, 2010 reply

Are you sure it’s tired from voting?

You can argue about Infante not being the right choice, but...

Do you think Phillies fans would be complaining if Placido Polanco made it? or Jayson Werth?

Infante?

What a joke. If Cholly wanted a pinch hitter, he could have taken Brooks…lol. Seriously though, picking Omar Infante is crazy. Even if he drives in the game-winning run and wins the ASG MVP, Omar still doesn’t deserve to be there.

Thrashy Thrashy - July 4, 2010 reply

Bite me.

You crazy, man.

Another underrated Braves player. Just like Prado was…and Brooks is. He needs more time starting, IMO.

Remember the game he went 4-4 and was then put back on the bench? Say what, Bobby?

Given that Infante just made the all-star team

I don’t see how you can ever call him “overrated” again.

Oops

I meant to say “underrated”

Looks like it’s time for me to stop typing.

Omar is NOT an everyday player. He just isn’t. His value is entirely in his ability to fill in wherever he’s needed.

I can’t believe the Tigers were willing to part with him.

Their loss! :)

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

No one wins...

In the war of the ASG Player Selection

Woo, still happy that there are 5 Braves though!

award6 - July 4, 2010 reply

I don’t know how much defense is factored into deciding who ends up being reserves, but if it is a big factor, then I don’t think it’s right to say Infante got in over Votto. Infante got in over someone else who can play multiple positions, or at least someone who can play multiple infield positions, since he’s listed as an infielder. Depending on how big of a factor defense is, it’s more accurate to say Howard took Votto’s spot than Infante.

Manuel wants a closer look at Braves?

Maybe he just wants his enemies closer…

He has seen, first-hand, the Wrath that is Infante.

I’m thrilled for all five Braves. I was pulling for Martin, and proud to see he made it (though on technicality…stupid Phillies fans). Of course I’m delighted to see Mac made it even with his issues this year. And I’m very excited to see my two favorite Tims — Lincecum and Hudson — out on the mound.

TheLetter2 - July 4, 2010 reply

all-stars

i think that some pepole are jelouse cause the braves are kicking some butt this year and they have a team that many others can’t stop this year. get over it guys the braves are going to the show this year. this being B.Cox last year and possably Chippers, come on you all know the braves arent just going to lay down. they are for sure taking the N.L.E with athourity.

Big Daddy Cox - July 4, 2010 reply

I wonder what the Phillies would trade away for Infante. I am, of course, disregarding the whole NL East pennant race.

ATLandKC - July 4, 2010 reply

according to DOB, the other Braves all stars were more excited for Infante, then they were for themselves.

He also said that Manuel did ask Bobby to be on the coaching staff, but Bobby declined.

So

Lets go out on a fantasy limb and say that Braves get to the World Series this year and then retires. Who coaches the ASG next year? I’m sure this has happened before.

Then Cox retires***

I started off voting for Wags some and Votto some, but then I started to just vote for Votto. Is it wrong for me to do that? I think Votto deserves it more. And we’ve already got 5 guys in the all star game. So I’m voting for Votto.
oh and
I LOVE MARTIN PRADO
that is all

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 reply

I guess I’m being a bad Braves fan but a good baseball fan by voting for Joey

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 reply

Nothing wrong with that. Votto is entirely deserving this year. He just picked the wrong time to be a first baseman in the NL.

im voting for Wags

if not him i hope its Bell because pitching is important.

Delaware Boiler - July 4, 2010 reply

LOL

ajcbraves
When Frank Wren called Omar Infante at 8:30 a.m. this morning to tell him he was an All-Star, Infante at first thought he’d been traded.

atl192485 - July 4, 2010 reply

hahaha

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 reply

Hahaha

I’m sure he was scared shitless.

One question: if the Braves go to the WS, does Bobby still manage the NL next season even though he’s retiring?

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

My guess is it will be whomever takes over for him next year.

So basically, Fredi Gonzalez is fired one year, then manages the ASG the next season? Sounds about right for Florida.

Bronn - July 4, 2010 reply

Too bad Florida wasn’t hosting the game next year…..

Did anyone else who watched the live selection

think the graphics department just got infante and prado confused? I completely thought they just screwed up until they showed Prado too.

bpk228480 - July 4, 2010 reply

No but I did notice they listed Halladay was a member of the Cards during the selection part.

Yahoo sports guy Jeff Passan says “Infante could be the worst All-Star pick ever”

link here..
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-tendegrees070410

VermontBrave - July 4, 2010 reply

I lowered my IQ by reading that

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

really?

I havent read the whole thing yet, but from the first few graphs, he made some good points. Im not sure hes the worst ever, but he clearly shouldnt be on the team.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/redmama01.shtml?redir

He is definitely not the worst ever. Mark Redman in 2006. Look at his final year numbers.

His ERA was near 6. I believe it was over 6 when the game was played.

Ok, it was actually 5.27 at all-star time, but still.

Like I said down below

He addresses that in his article:

There have been some bad All-Stars before, guys like Ken Harvey and Mike Williams and Mark Redman(notes), who fulfilled MLB’s everyone-gets-a-trophy rule. The 2010 Atlanta Braves have four other All-Stars.

I love Omar as much as anyone but he shouldnt be on the team, plain and simple. If he were on any other team and Votto played for the braves, we’d be picketing MLB headquarters.

Lame excuse. Redman was still worse.

How is that a lame excuse?

I dont remember the season exactly, but sometimes you dont have a choice to choose crappy players when all of the players on a team are crappy. That’s not the case with Omar.

maybe worst of the...

not his team’s mandatory one, variety.

Mr. Sanchez - July 4, 2010 reply

He made some good points but poor Omar! He didnt pick himself to be an allstar or anything.“Worst selection ever”? Thats a bit harsh

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

Omar will prob never read that article and if he does, Im sure he wont care one bit.

he makes some good points

Nor was Manuel satisfying some sort of positional need. He’s got Brandon Phillips to back up Martin Prado at second base and Jose Reyes to spell Hanley Ramirez at shortstop. And, thanks to a new rule, one designated player who leaves the game can re-enter – and Prado, a former utilityman who has played every position but center field and catcher, could fill that role.

This was, at its most plain and simple, a boneheaded choice. Infante has 176 plate appearances this season, an average of 2.17 per game – nearly an entire plate appearance lower than the threshold simply to qualify for the batting title. If there weren’t deterrent enough, of NL players with at least 176 plate appearances, Infante’s on-base-plus-slugging of .721 ranks 88th of 128.

The NL leader in OPS – Joey Votto(notes) – did not make the team.

But the point of his not having enough plate appearances, and then saying Strausburg should be on the team with only 6 starts, because he is a phenom, is a bit hypocritical imo.

VermontBrave - July 4, 2010 reply

Hypocritical? yes.

Retarded? yes. F Strausburg and his 2-2 record. Medlen, Hanson, and Lowe would all be more deserving than him. At least Chuck James looked good for a full season. Give me a call when you get out of the 1st inning in less than 45 pitches.

15ks - July 4, 2010 reply

+1

False.

Its more than not having enough plate appearances

Look at that OPS. 88th out of 128. Hes an all-star? A guy who isnt good enough to beat out gregor blanco or melky cabrera for an outfield spot is an all star?

I understand he is more valuable for us as a bench player. But there really is NO defense for him being on the all star team. As a braves fan, I think its great. But it really is indefensible.

But he isn't an OF right? He's best in the IF. Plus he's been better than both of those guys

Infante was named as a 3B

So let me get this straight…
Let’s say Chipper got injured.
If I told you, you could have Infante or Zimmerman for the rest of the season at the same price, you guys would pick Infante?

Ergh

But thats a technicality. Infante can play not just 3rd, put any other position other than catcher or pitcher. I’d like to see Zimmerman going out there and playing LF. Not saying he can’t do it, but it’d take some time for him to get used to the position and playing it a high level.

hahaha

Please tell me you believe there are no other infielders more deserving than Omar. Hell, we have one on our own team that is more deserving.

GLAUSOSAUR ANGRY!! RAWR

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

What a douche bag thing to write. I can certainly understand disagreeing with the pick, it is nothing if not controversial, but “worst ever” is just being mean. In fact, as of now, Passan is the “worst ever” blogger in my eyes.

Mark Redman.

He addressed that

He said there were other people who were less deserving but most of those people were chosen because of the every team must have a player rule. Omar was not in that situation.

Bravely going forward - July 4, 2010 reply

yeah, i posted this in the game thread earlier. what a tool…

Vote Wagner

As simple as that for your simple ass.

homerun - July 4, 2010 reply

Props to all the Braves players who made the AS team

and I hope Omar has the GW hit!

JC29 - July 4, 2010 reply

There’s been some huge backlash over Heyward and his worthiness of being in the All Star game(if he plays) as well as Infante on Yahoo Sports.

On a side note, I can’t believe how many morons actually believe Stephen Strausberg deserves to get an All Star nod this year.

Walker Wallace - July 4, 2010 reply

I have no backlash over Heyward.

There’s an element to that is about pleasing the fans. Heyward was great and his play helped carry the Braves early.

When it comes to deserving, I don’t know whether Stephen Strasburg deserves to go but he certainly deserves to go more than Matt Capps.
Stephen Strasburg’s WAR – 1.6
Matt Capps WAR – .6
Even if you don’t believe in WAR, that’s enough of a difference in something besides star power to let us know that Capps shouldn’t be the Nationals lone representative.

“I was jumping around with my wife and kid,” Infante said, with Braves second baseman Martin Prado interpreting. “I was so happy. I was shocked and couldn’t believe it.”

from an mlb article about the Braves’ all stars

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

The article has quotes from other players too

MBL1 - July 4, 2010 via mobile reply

I just want to be happy about having so many Braves on the team this year.

There are 5! FIVE! Braves players! That’s awesome!! Be happy, Braves fans. You’ll most likely get to see the Braves have a major impact on the game. And if that’s the case, you know it’ll be good!

Little Lady - July 5, 2010 reply

I wish there were some way that Bobby could call up Charlie and be like “Look dude, you need to take Omar off your roster and add Wagner. Then, you need to hope Votto wins the fan vote. Finally, you need to figure out some way to get Glaus in there too.”

Seriously, Omar should have never been considered for the team. The deserving Braves All-Stars, in order, are:

1. Billy Wagner
2. Martin Prado
3. Tim Hudson
4. Troy Glaus
5. Jason Heyward
6. Brian McCann
7. Takashi Saito
8. Kris Medlen
9. Chipper Jones
10. Eric Hinske

Infante belongs no where near that list, and that is just of Braves players – let alone the greatest players in the NL.

That’s really not likely to happen considering Bobby was quoted as saying he thought picking Infante was ‘’the greatest pick ever.’’

sleezer1788 - July 5, 2010 via mobile reply

Ask Bobby if Wagner or Glaus deserve it more.

Of course Bobby is going to stick up for his players – it is his MO.

However, Get him to have to choose between his players (like, gun to his head or something) and I can promise that he would not pick Infante out of those 3.

I completely agree with that last sentence

But do you really think Wagner should be #1 on that list? Its not really a big deal; I just found it odd that he is ahead of Hudson and Prado.

He has been more dominant and consistant than either of those two. Wags leads the league in several prominant pitching categories.

Maybe Prado could be #1, but I think Wags has been more dominant. Ks are more sexy than singles anyway.

RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE
ABLRBE ELBBAR EARBBL
RABBLE

MBL1 - July 5, 2010 via mobile reply

I like how everyone acts like it

Scott Coleman - July 5, 2010 reply

damn...

acts like it’s Omar Infante’s fault for being selected to the game.

Scott Coleman - July 5, 2010 reply

who said that?

National writers, bloggers, guys on BBTN and MLBN, the dudes at the bar…take your pick man.

Scott Coleman - July 5, 2010 reply

MLBN?

I missed MLB Tonight last night since it coincided with the Braves game, and usually the Sunday night guys are just scrubs.

I’m really interested to see what the regular crew has to say tonight.

I meant here

Cant really control anyone else.