2009 MLB All Star Snubs - American League And National League | MLB | San Francisco Giants

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For this year's All Star teams, the list of snubs really begins and ends with Ian Kinsler. He still has a chance to sneak in with the "Final Vote", but the reality is that he should be the starter, and it's unacceptable that he has to resort to a 1-in-5 chance of winning the final spot. Without further ado, here are the 5 biggest All Star snubs for 2009.

1. Ian Kinsler
As I mentioned, he could still make it in, but there's no way Dustin Pedroia deserves to start over Kinsler. And while it's nice that a relatively unknown guy like Aaron Hill got proper recognition, but does he deserve a spot over Kinsler? Absolutely not. Last but not least, Ben Zobrist is having a nice year, but he's another guy who is stealing Kinsler's roster spot.

2. Mark Reynolds
He doesn't hit for average like David Wright, but Reynolds is having an excellent year for the Diamondbacks. He's also in the running for the Final Vote, but he should definitely have gotten in over Ryan Zimmerman. Unfortunately, the Nationals HAVE to have someone in the game, and Zimmerman's the obvious choice, so these things happen.

3. Adam Lind
I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record, but Lind is in the running with Kinsler (and Carlos Pena, Chone Figgins and Brandon Inge) for the AL's Final Vote. Theoretically he could be voted in, but his exclusion thus far is a travesty. However, the fans voted in Josh Hamilton, who has only played in 35 games this year, and hasn't even played that well when he was on the field at all.

4. Johnny Cueto
Cueto actually got snubbed in favor of his own teammate. Cueto is having a fantastic year (8-4, 2.69). Teammate and closer Francisco Cordero got the nod as the Reds' representative, despite the fact that Cueto has pitched just as well (maybe better) and has put in a lot more innings. The NL team has 5 closers on it... I'd say that they could survive with 4, and give Cueto a spot. He deserves it even more over Ted Lilly, but Lilly is the only Cub, so there's a better excuse.

5. Kevin Millwood
Tim Wakefield and Mark Buehrle are All Stars... Kevin Millwood is not. Something is wrong there. Wakefield is having a nice year, but his selection this year is more like a lifetime achievement award, in my opinion. I'm as big a Red Sox fan as you'll see anywhere, but Wakefield's 4.30 ERA doesn't REALLY belong.

Who else do you think got snubbed this year? Let me know who you think were thee biggest snubs this year, and whose spots they should have gotten.

READ MORE: MLB, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals

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7/6/09

Scott

8	I think Jermaine Dye got snubbed. He's basically carried the White Sox offensively this season with a .290 average, 20 homeruns and 51 rbi's.

7/6/09

3	I think Carlos Pena got snubbed even though I hate him because he's been hitting lots of homeruns.

7/6/09

The_Real_Stoney

4	I like Kinsler, but Hill is 2nd in the league in hits, has more hits, home runs, and RBIs than Kinsler. Pedroia probably shouldn't be there though.. As long as fans vote in the starters, there are going to be at least a handful of guys that don't deserve to be there over guys who are having all-star seasons

7/6/09

Heyhey1970

2	I really like Kinsler, but Johnny Cueto might be a great pitcher someday (if Dusty doesn't overuse him).

7/6/09

Scott

8	I think Jermaine Dye got snubbed. He's basically carried the White Sox offensively this season with a .290 average, 20 homeruns and 51 rbi's.

7/6/09

1	yanksawboy wrote: I think Carlos Pena got snubbed even though I hate him because he's been hitting lots of homeruns. Wait I mean leads the league in homeruns.

7/6/09

guylake

3	I am a huge Red Sox homer and even I think Wake and Dustin shouldn't be on the team. Kinsler should be there and Millwood or even Jered Weaver deserve a spot ahead of Wakefield. Wins are the stat pitchers have the least control over and Wakefield's All-Star selection is based largely on his 10-3 record. Meanwhile, his ERA and WHIP are 4.30 and 1.35 respectively. Those aren't All-Star numbers.

7/6/09

videogameboy417

1	i love the twins i am so happy about mauer and justin and nathan they will do great and kick the nls asss

7/6/09

elevenbravo138again

Scott wrote:

I think Jermaine Dye got snubbed. He's basically carried the White Sox offensively this season with a .290 average, 20 homeruns and 51 rbi's.

I agree and how is Dye not one of the 'Final Vote 5?' I also agree on Millwood or Jered Weaver over Wakefield, also where's the love for Shin Soo Choo, Yovani Gallardo and Pablo Sandoval? Hoffman in my mind has a slight edge over Bell. But Miguel Cabrera!!?? By all that's holy!! How is he not there!!!???

7/6/09

chuckieh

Kinsler will be added but to me he is the biggest snub. Boston votes like animals whereas Texas doesn't come close to the amount of voting that Red Sox fans stuff the boxes with.. If Kinsler played in Boston he'd be the starter. Also, reputation gets you big time votes too.. Pedey is a ROY and MVP. I agree with you Pat on Wakefield, was a lifetime achievement award and nothing more. What a great set of numbers for someone who's considered a fifth starter but they aren't all star numbers.

7/6/09

elevenbravo138again wrote:

Wow...

This is my fault... Miguel Cabrera got snubbed on my list of snubs.

7/6/09

2	Pat wrote: Wow... This is my fault... Miguel Cabrera got snubbed on my list of snubs. Theres so much you can't remember them all.

7/6/09

1	No Hills the best.

7/6/09

Vader

0	So did I

7/6/09

fazon

0	hill deserves to be in the all-star game over pedroia (sp?). i think scott rolen should have also gotten some consideration over at 3rd base as the backup. i believe he's 2nd (or was a few days ago) in the AL in average and is by far the best defensive 3rd baseman in baseball right now.

7/6/09

Raider_Dave

As an A's fan, I am used to guys not getting recognition when they actually deserve it. However, as a baseball fan, I do not agree with the strategy of "every team must be accounted for." Is Andrew Bailey having a solid rookie campaign? Sure. But I think the best guys need to be represented. These are grown men and this isn't Little League, so I think they would be OK with not being selected to the All-Star game just to meet a quota. Yet another way that Bud Selig has screwed the fans out of something relating to the quality of the game...

7/6/09

0	Go to Yankee games and take 50 ballot papers to vote.

7/6/09

HeirToKetwerp

In my opinion, the worst decision was putting Granderson (.256, 18 HR, 43 RBI) on the roster instead of teammate Miguel Cabrera (.323, 16 HR, 47 RBI), or Johhny Damon (.284, 16 HR, 49 RBI), or Russell Branyan (.293, 20 HR, 45 RBI.)

With Edwin Jackson (deservedly) on the roster representing the Tigers, there was really no reason to select Granderson.

Here are my TOP ALL-STAR SNUBS, not including the guys who are eligible for the Final Fan Vote:
-Berkman
-Gallardo
-J.Weaver
-J.Vasquez
-Wainwright
-Aardsma
-Cueto
-Damon
-Dunn
-M.Cabrera
-Millwood
-Branyan

7/6/09

tpowell25

I'll have to agree to disagree about anyone getting in over Zimmerman. Washington had to have one representative, and Zimmerman was the right choice. He's having a solid year (again) coupled with his 36-game hitting streak. It's time for him to get his first all-star nod.

I agree with all of the previously mentioned snubs. But I would like to reiterate the snub of Branyan. The dude is hitting .293 and has already tied his career high in HR's with 20. Outside of their pitching staff, he is definitely a Mariner that deserves to be there. Hopefully he will get in the HR derby.

7/6/09

Indian_Boy

1	im a yankees fan so i might be a little bias but how bout johny damon check out his stats

7/6/09

phlyerphan12

1	Keep in mind that the NL roster probably has space for 2 to 3 more guys. One will get voted in during the Final Vote, and they may need to find injury replacements for both Carlos Beltran and Raul Ibanez. If Victorino or Kemp gets voted in during the Final Vote, that would fill one outfield spot, allowing NL manager Charlie Manuel to give Mark Reynolds the nod.

7/6/09

aponte3492

2	Hows about one of these two players for the brew crew - Yovanni Gallardo or Trevor Hoffman

7/6/09

theproblem

2	(Edited by theproblem) imo Hill deserved to be the starter at 2nd and Kinsler deserved the backup slot...And im a Red Sox fan

7/6/09

1	Zobrist has flat our better numbers than Kinsler. Here's the deal Pat: if Youkilis goes: Zobrist goes..their numbers are nearly identical....btw, Why isn't Miguel Cabrera on this list??!

7/6/09

broly51985

3	What about Morneau? He should be starting for the AL at first. But of course, you can all thank the Yankee and Red Sox fans for battling back and forth on who plays. Another, Jason Bartlett. Has better numbers than Jeter all around.

7/6/09

MarkTheShark wrote:

Zobrist has flat our better numbers than Kinsler. Here's the deal Pat: if Youkilis goes: Zobrist goes..their numbers are nearly identical....btw, Why isn't Miguel Cabrera on this list??!

I already acknowledged the fact that I snubbed Cabrera as well. Poorly executed there on my part.

As for Zobrist/Kinsler/Youkilis, I disagree. Youk's batting average and defense push him over the edge, and Kinsler has Zobrist beat nearly across the board EXCEPT for average.

7/6/09

Pat wrote:

in a hundred more at-bats...Kinsler trails Zobrist in RBI/per AB , walks per Plate appearance, BB-K ratio OBP, SLG % and therefore trails BIG in OPS, their fielding PCT is identical. I am in NO WAY comparing Youkilis to Zobrist as an all-around player..but just this season Youk's and Zobrist numbers are eerily similar: in 15 more AB's Youkilis has 6 more Runs, 1 more RBI, the same number of BB, and Youk has 15 more K's. Youk has a better OBP but Zobrist has OUTSLUGGED Youk and has an edge in OPS by .006 ...Zoby has stole double the number of bases than Youk but has been caught more as well...but of course Youkilis' defense is a sickness of efficiency with just one error in 438 chances!

7/6/09

0	Pat, Nice to see a Boston guy who realizes that Kinsler and Milwood should be in the game. No way Hill should be taking up a roster spot over Kinsler this year. I hope the guys who did make the team can win the game so Texas will have home field in the WS.

7/6/09

tpowell25 wrote:

But the thing with Russell he strikes out nuts but if he gets his arms extended he hits major bombs.

7/6/09

tpowell25

2	yanksawboy wrote: But the thing with Russell he strikes out nuts but if he gets his arms extended he hits major bombs. As does Reynolds. If Reynolds is considered a snub, the Branyan is too, IMO. But you're right. He does strike out too much.

7/6/09

1	yanksawboy wrote: But the thing with Russell he strikes out nuts but if he gets his arms extended he hits major bombs. Andrew, as much as I love to watch Carlos Pena play..he does NOT deserve to be an All-Star..He is second or third in strikeouts and has NOT been as clutch as in years past. His defense has been suspect as well. Tex, Morneau and Cabrera should be the 1st basemen.

7/6/09

fazon

2	i think that we can all agree on one thing, almost half the AL deserves to be an all star over curtis granderson

7/7/09

1	+ 100,000

7/7/09

0	IN 100 MORE AT BATS!!

7/8/09

2	MarkTheShark wrote: IN 100 MORE AT BATS!! You're right... Zobrist should get the nod, since his status as a part-time player makes him much more of a "star", and therefore more worthy of the "All Star" team. That would be like me claiming that Leon Powe should have already made a couple NBA All Star games, since his per-minute stats are among the best in the league.

7/8/09

1	MarkTheShark wrote: IN 100 MORE AT BATS!! Ummm.. Kinsler has 100 more AB's cause he's a starter, and a better player.

7/8/09

obsww

BluDevil wrote:

Pat,

Nice to see a Boston guy who realizes that Kinsler and Milwood should be in the game. No way Hill should be taking up a roster spot over Kinsler this year.

I hope the guys who did make the team can win the game so Texas will have home field in the WS.

Kinsler deserves to be on the team. Hill isn't taking his spot though, Pedroia is. Hill is having just as good of a season as Kinsler.

7/8/09

Pat wrote:

You're right... Zobrist should get the nod, since his status as a part-time player makes him much more of a "star", and therefore more worthy of the "All Star" team. That would be like me claiming that Leon Powe should have already made a couple NBA All Star games, since his per-minute stats are among the best in the league.

So Youkilis shouldn't have gotten selected either: Their plate appearances are separated by less than 20..I already showed you the similarities of their numbers. I would argue that Ben Zobrist is MORE valuable than Ian Kinsler in a one game winner take all situation as he can play every position (and has this season) except catcher and maybe first.//////////////////////It really should be Hill starting, and Kinsler and Zobrist backing up...not that Pedroia is having an awful year but, like Longoria I think they both should be somewhat penalized for not living up to their potential.

7/8/09

0	BluDevil wrote: Ummm.. Kinsler has 100 more AB's cause he's a starter, and a better player. The Rays are just deeper than Texas...that isn't me, that's Baseball America talking...one thing about Kinsler: he's not having as good as season this year at the plate as last: that is undeniable. However, according to the errors numbers, he seems to have improved his defense.

7/8/09

MarkTheShark wrote:

Youkilis missed time due to injuries. Zobrist missed time due to not being in the starting lineup because his manager thought that someone was better.

As far as Pedroia, I'm on the fence. Keep in mind that he was last year's MVP, and I believe that his second half numbers from last year should count at least a little bit. From All Star game to All Star game, Pedroia has a strong case.

In all reality, I could make a strong case for every single player being mentioned here, whether I agree with it or not.

7/9/09

crooney83

1	Please look at all the numbers when you talk about Pedroia vs Kinsler. Who has more hits in less games and at bats? who has a better batting avg? who has less strikeouts? who gets on base more? how many runs have the each scored? Please tell me...

7/9/09

MarkTheShark wrote:

The Rays are just deeper than Texas...that isn't me, that's Baseball America talking...one thing about Kinsler: he's not having as good as season this year at the plate as last: that is undeniable. However, according to the errors numbers, he seems to have improved his defense.

I'll take the on the field evidence over Baseball America. Texas just swept Tampa, so I think the rangers depth is OK when compared to the rays. I think depth is an odd argument to make in favor of Zobrist, I watch both guys and my mark one eyeball tells me that Kinsler is the better player.

7/9/09

BluDevil wrote:

I really don't think so...this year....clearly Zobrist is clutch and provided a super power boost much like Kinsler did a year ago for the Rangers. You could say Kinsler has been at it longer, no arguement there. But, really, the numbers are clear this season: Zobrist lacks, what 5 RBI's, and 7 steals in 100 less PA's with WAAAY more POWER (yes Kinsler has 3 more HR's). Someone pointed out that Kinsler has more RBI's hitting from the leadoff spot (100 less PA's). However Zobrist has a MUCH better OBP than the 'leadoff' with a MUCH better BB-K ratio. I thought Figgins deserved to go and I'm glad that Pena DIDN'T....heck if Pena would be hitting half as clutch as Zobrist the Rays would be right with Boston.

7/11/09

0	I was with you most of the way, until you got to talking about Jason Bay. Leading the league in RBI, tied for 6th in HR, 9 stolen bases, and has played excellent defense. His average has dipped a bit, but he was the best hitter in the league in April and May.

7/11/09

leebaker03

guylake wrote:

I am a huge Red Sox homer and even I think Wake and Dustin shouldn't be on the team. Kinsler should be there and Millwood or even Jered Weaver deserve a spot ahead of Wakefield. Wins are the stat pitchers have the least control over and Wakefield's All-Star selection is based largely on his 10-3 record. Meanwhile, his ERA and WHIP are 4.30 and 1.35 respectively. Those aren't All-Star numbers.

Yeah, you're right there is no way that the AL wins leader with 2 complete games, and 2 near no hitters deserves to make the team. I mean there just bias because he's already pitched for 100+ Innings this year, has struck out more batters then he's allowed to score. He doesn't deserve to be an all star. And same with Pedroia, because he's on pace of a 200+ hit season, .300+ BA, and has walked more then he's struck out, there not all stars by any means. You guys are idiots stating these lame comments, but it's the USA we have the freedom of speech, so post away, but try to look at the numbers before you criticize, especially people who don't follow the Red Sox.

7/11/09

0	Wow. I wish there were more fans like you out there. Gotta say, Bay has cooled considerably, but still deserved the All-Star nod.

9/6/09

0	That's the point. It was sarcasm.

9/7/09