Red Sox lack support in first batch of MLB All-Star Game voting results
By Sean Penney
If we’re being unbiased, we’d be hard pressed to find another Red Sox player worthy of a starting spot. However, it’s a bit surprising that a team with a passionate fan base hasn’t provided enough support for more of their players to at least make the ballot.
First base isn’t exactly loaded in the AL this year. How is Mitch Moreland, who is second in the league in doubles and provides Gold Glove caliber defense, not in the top five? Miguel Cabrera is having the worst season of his career but will still likely get voted in based on name recognition.
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One veteran who hasn’t benefited from name value is Dustin Pedroia, who isn’t in the top five among second baseman. Statistically, he’s right on the verge, especially when factoring in his elite defense – not that All-Star voters ever consider defense.
Christian Vazquez has the highest batting average and second highest OPS among AL catchers with at least 80 at-bats. Based on that you may expect him to at least be on the ballot, yet he faces two obstacles – nobody believes he’ll keep this up at the plate and he doesn’t have nearly enough playing time. Backup catchers don’t get to be All-Stars.
Third base… umm, let’s just skip this one.
By no means is Hanley Ramirez having an All-Star caliber season. He won’t be the starting designated hitter and doesn’t deserve to be. All I’m saying is that he’s been better than Edwin Encarnacion and Albert Pujols.