MLB All-Star Game: A Sarcastic Look at the AL Snubs
Jun 26, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) hits a RBI single during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2013 All-Star Game right around the corner, its snub time. Snub time is that glorious time of year where writers and bloggers such as myself flaunt their so-called expertise in proving to the general public (and previous years’ World Series managers) that we are far superior in evaluating talent.
Some may use advanced statistics, some the good-ole eye test, and others might just be pulling from their ass. In any case, someone has been snubbed and it is up to them to prove to the entire world (or in our case the internet) their snub is the mightiest of snubs.
Without further ado, it is time to present my 2013 American League All-Star snubs:
Melky Cabrera – RF Toronto Blue Jays
After being tagged for PED use last season, its safe to assume Melky has switched perscriptions. With three home runs and a weighted on-base percentage of .301, Melky is providing his team with -0.4 wins above replacement. At this rate, his contribution will be vital to the Jay’s chances of losing the tight AL East division.
Jayson Nix – 3B New York Yankees
With the steady string of injuries plaguing the Yankees, Nix has been asked to fill in at just about every position this season. Striking out over 26% of the time and with an on-base percentage of .303, Nix is avoiding clogging the bases for the remainder of his battery mates. Nix’s 11 stolen bases should have been enough to give him the edge over that player on the A’s.
Matt Thornton – RP Chicago White Sox
The flame-throwing lefty has been lights out this year, posting a 4.76 fielding-independent pitching through 26.2 innings. Thornton is giving up a career best 1.35 HR per 9 innings, which should have been enough to earn him a spot in the bullpen of the AL All-Stars, or at least as one of the best relievers in Chicago.
Starlin Castro – SS Chicago Cubs
I thought it only fair I mention the ridiculousness of Castro’s snub at shortstop. Castro has been carrying the Cubs with an on-base percentage of .272 (that is not a batting average), and has earned his spot batting second in the lineup.
Add to that the 15 errors committed in the 2013 season, and it is incomprehensible how a former All-Star just last year was ignored by both fans and players alike this season.