MLB All-Star hypothetical

[K.C.]

Ryan Howard is hitting .215.

Ryan Howard also has a legitimate shot to be the NL leader in both HRs (three off the pace) and RBI (tied for first) by the time the rosters are decided.

Looking at it objectively, if he leads those categories, should he make the All-Star team?


The argument against is pretty easy...he's has a horrible average and leads the league in strikeout.

At the same time, if it's an All-Star game, how do you exclude the guy if he's the NL home run and RBI leader?



I think most people's initial reaction would be 'absolutely not.'

But again, how do you exclude a guy if he leads two of the three triple crown categories?

It's not as easy a decision as it appears.

[ChrisTheCop]

I think the point is moot.
(or perhaps moute)

Berkman has it sewn up.

I wouldve liked to see him get more votes due to his stats,
but it really boils down to a popularity contest.

Although my vote is no.
(even though I didnt vote in the NL ballot).

[K.C.]

I think the point is moot.
(or perhaps moute)

Berkman has it sewn up.


Oh, he has no shot at the vote.

But the manager picks the reserves...I think it's Clint Hurdle this year.

[OGC]

This year's all star game (and every year's) is pretty much a referendum on what a player did LAST year. That or how much your fans can stuff the ballot box.

He'll make it.

[K.C.]

I guess the point of me asking this question, is what does everyone consider an 'All-Star' to be.

MLB's made it pretty much meaningless with the fan vote.

But what does everyone consider playing at an 'All-Star' level, or how would you construct an 'All-Star' team?


Do the power numbers outweigh the average?

if you're building a TEAM, do you have an obligation to put together a composition of players, meaning a few 'professional hitters' and a few 'professional sluggers.'

I'm not really sure what to think. Has a guy ever had a shot to lead the league in HRs and RBI with a .215 average before??

[zildjian361]

who:unsure::drunk::smoke:

[IMSlacker]

Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .288 with 21 HR and 68 RBI. He's also beating Howard in OBP (.358 vs .310) and SLG (.530 vs .460). There are at least five first baseman who are hitting better than Howard. There's no way you can put him on the all star team based entirely on counting numbers.

[Snoogans]

Howard should not make the team. I know the production, but the avg and the K's are HORRIBLE. I would like to see him in the derby though

[K.C.]

Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .288 with 21 HR and 68 RBI. He's also beating Howard in OBP (.358 vs .310) and SLG (.530 vs .460). There are at least five first baseman who are hitting better than Howard. There's no way you can put him on the all star team based entirely on counting numbers.

Lance Berkman and Adrian Gonzalez are locks.

And maybe Clint Hurdle can only take two 1B, and that's it.

Once you get past those two, you've got a choice between D-Lee and Pujols who are hitting for significantly higher average, and Howard who's average stinks, but may lead the NL in HR and RBI.

It comes down to which is more important? The guy who puts the bat on the ball more, or the guy who drives in more runs?


I don't know how I feel about it, which is why I asked the question...I see both sides of the argument.



On a personal level, I hope he doesn't...I think it'll validate his approach, which I don't want to see happen...but objectively, I'm not sure.

[Kevin]

No one hitting 215 should be allowed to attend the all-star game, let alone play in it.

[ChrisTheCop]

No one hitting 215 should be allowed to attend the all-star game, let alone play in it.

:clap:

[jauble]

I voted yes because I cant read well...

:unsure:

[PD]

Howard's biggest problem (besides the average) is his position.

there are better alternatives out there.