2008 MLB All-Star Game Thread

Fair point. Oz suggested something else that Francona might have done and I took a stab at a possible reason he did not go that route. If he is going to protect pitchers on other teams upon request, I can also see protecting his own closer as a consideration.

 

The point is it counts now, dammit!

 

Debates like these are such a joke.

If you're selected to the team, be prepared to throw two innings or take the field in nine. If you can't do that -- owners, managers included -- stay home. Let the players who want to -- and can -- play have the experience.

 

That just isn't realistic. And these requests often come from the managers.

If a guy throws 100 innings on Sunday, two innings on Tuesday in the All-Star game is not a good idea. And you are usually going to run into situations like Webb's. His first start last week was moved up a day so they could have their ace go twice before the break. He just wasn't going to be ready to throw more than an inning without risking something like what happened to Aaron Harang.

(For those who forgot, Harang went four innings in relief on what would have been his day to throw on the side because a game went deep into extras. He hasn't been the same since and finally went on the DL right before the break).

It's the sad state of the game today. Teams are going to be overprotective of their pitchers.

 

Not sure if anyone's pointed this out: Everyone's been all a-twitter about the possibility of position players coming in to pitch. In the event it had happened, both teams would have had to put their DH in the field. The DH would have been forfeited, but it would have been irrelevant, as the same nine players would have been in the lineup. The pitcher would have to bat, but the pitcher would have been J.D. Drew or David Wright.

But if it had been an NL park, and both teams had been out of bench players (even likelier given the need to pinch-hit, though there would only have been eight position starters instead of nine), then both teams would have had to put the last pitcher in the field. An even uglier scenario, and one likely to give managers heart attacks.

Just something to think about.

 

So bring Webb and a replacement. If he can't commit to throwing two innings because he pitched Sunday, and his team wants to baby him, then he sits out. If this game really "means something," than it doesn't matter if you've got the best players there if they're not going to play -- or are being held to tight constrictions. Bring in the best players who will play like it means something.

 

Or how bout this: Stop trying to pretend that an All-Star game means something. The occasional tie won't kill anyone. Happened in 2002, and last I checked, the earth was still spinning on its axis.

 

How about this: Rock, paper scissors after 15 innings. Winner take all.

 

Dusty Baker just heard a limb snap and doesn't know why.

 

Whoops. I knew I wrote that one too fast....though actually, it kinda works as hyperbole....yeah, that's what I meant...hyperbole....sure...

 

Agreed. Basing home field advantage in the World Series on the outcome of the All-Star Game is ridiculous. What is so wrong with giving it to the team with the better record?

 

He used Sherrill for more innings than he's pitched in any game this season, which I'm sure isn't lost on Orioles fans. Papelbon threw only 11 pitches, he could have thrown another five. By doing that, Rivera pitches the ninth and 10th, K-Rod the 11th and 12th, Soria the 13th and 14th and Sherrill the 15th and 16th. And if he would have used Halladay for more than nine pitches, bump everyone back one inning.