Comments on: All-Star balloting underway on MLB.com

By: IdahoMariner

IdahoMariner — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:06:28 +0000

I wouldn’t care at all, except at Hall of Fame voting time, it’s always in the list of things to consider….when that’s just silly, whether it’s voted on by the public or the managers or whoever, because it does come down to popularity, early perception, etc. The writers shouldn’t consider it, or at least weigh it very, very lightly; but since they do, could MLB at least try to heighten the chance that it reflects some reality, by limiting voting to a small window just before the game?

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:01:59 +0000

I’m in the other camp. It’s an All STAR game. Sam Fuld, for example, is not a star. If a guy with a good half season is really that good, he’ll get there in the future. If it turns out to be a fluke and he never makes the ASG, no big deal. I’d certainly prefer to see Carl Crawford than Sam Fuld regardless of their performance thus far this year.

By: IdahoMariner

IdahoMariner — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:01:01 +0000

which is why it’s INSANE that they open up balloting this early….at least wait until the middle of May, maybe end of May.

By: Walk

Walk — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:13:06 +0000

Early on, like today i cast just a few ballots but i vote for what i consider the better player. As it gets nearer the all star game i usually shift my vote and burn the last of my votes, if a player i chose first is having a really bad year and another is having a breakout year i can always change my vote. For old times sake i wouldnt mind seeing chipper jones and johnny damon make their respective teams. I saw damon make a throw earlier this year, i dont get to see many american league games, but that broke finger must have been hurting him for longer than he said but he was still playing and making his patented double cutoff man throw from the outfield. I should wait longer to cast my votes but i cant help voting for some of my favorite players even if it is only once. I agree with jasonforb but i just cant seem to make a few of my ballots seem to reflect that philosophy.

By: rockstardaddy

rockstardaddy — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:12:51 +0000

Rickie Weeks is a good choice, but keep an eye on Jonathan Herrera.

By: jasonforb

jasonforb — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:40:30 +0000

Vote based on performance since last year’s game.

By: Brian Murphy

Brian Murphy — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:09:01 +0000

I like to see the most deserving players make it, but the fans, myself included, want to see the best go against each other. That means including Crawford over the likes of Jeff Francoeur. Frenchy’s had a much better season as of now, but no one really cares to see him in that game. We want the big-money players, the stars among the All-Stars. Struggles be damned!

The best thing anyone can do is to hold their vote(s) until we have more than just 80-90 at bats with which to judge a player’s season.

By: Manni Stats

Manni Stats — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:52:06 +0000

Can’t they just make it a freaking exhibition game with nothing on the line so I can go back to not caring at all?

By: Charles Gates

Charles Gates — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:11:19 +0000

Including Carl Crawford on this year’s AS team brings up a philosophical debate regarding the team selection: do you select the best player or the player that has had the best season to date?

I’d prefer to reward the player that put together a hot half season. Sure, call it the small sample size selection award, that’s fine. But I’d rather that than some type of life time achievement nomination or a contest in what player is the most famous.

By: mentalotherhalf

mentalotherhalf — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:05:17 +0000

Actually: I just decided I resent his disgusting offseason more than I thought. Tex. Then A-Gon. Cabrera can stay home and deal with his headache.

By: mentalotherhalf

mentalotherhalf — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:51:52 +0000

I like the no-DH-on-the-ballot idea. I’d take Teixeira over Cabrera in about 95 of 100 opportunities. Same for Adrian Gonzalez, to the tune of maybe 90 of 100, given his relatively slow start. Both show a better range than Cabrera, and are more likely to show up sober and free of manslaughter charges. Cabrera can have the hypothetical gift DH.