All-Stars a Plenty

I’m not a Celtics fan, or an NBA fan, but that’s new Celtic acquisition Ray Allen throwing out the first pitch before last night's game against the Texas Rangers. Good move Danny Ainge, yikes.

In between voting for Hideki Okajima today, I’ve been trying to work. He’s on the “final vote” ballot for the American League against Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman, LA starter Kelvim Escobar who forgot that his first name ended in an ‘n’ when applying for citizenship, Toronto ace Roy Halladay, Minnesota reliever Pat Neshek and Boston set up man Hideki Okajima. Personally, I think it will be a three horse race between Bonderman, Neshek and Okajima.

The Sox evened up the series with Texas last night, and got to 50 wins as a team as well. Kason Gabbard looked decent in his second win of the year pitching five and two-thirds giving up three earned, waking four and striking out five. The Sox relied on their mix of stellar bullpen pitchers to keep the lead at four runs. Eric Hinske, who was a late injury replacement for Kevin Youkillis smacked in a three run triple to put the Sox up 7-3 in the bottom of the fifth after Gabbard gave up a three run homer in the top of the same inning to Rangers 1B Brad Wilkerson. Even CF replacement Jacoby Ellsbury got in on the action last night going 2-for-2, scoring twice and drawing two walks. Anyway, nice to see them snap out their offense impotency as of late.

Boston opens up their first series of the year against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays tonight. Hard to believe we’re halfway done with the season and they are yet to play the D-Rays. Once this series is over with it’s on to Detroit for a possible playoff preview against the Tigers at Comerica Park to close out the first half.

In no particular order here is the list of Boston Red Sox on their way to San Francisco for the 2007 All-Star Game.

Josh Beckett – This will be Beckett’s first appearance as an All-Star. He is 11-2 this season as a starter, has an ERA of 3.38, a 1.10 WHIP, and opponents are batting .234 against him. Not much else to say about him other than list his numbers.

Jonathan Papelbon – Boston’s lights out closer makes it into his second straight All-Star Game. He has racked up 19 saves and that’s with not even pitching every save opportunity that comes Boston’s way. His ERA is at 1.50 with a WHIP of 0.87 and 42 strike outs.

Manny Ramirez – I didn’t think he’d really get in, but I guess since it’s Manny he’s at least there. I’ve never cared too much if this guy doesn’t show up for the All-Star Game because I don’t really give a shit about All-Star games, Pro Bowls, Senior Bowls, Battle of the Stars type of thing. Getting named to the team is an honor, but playing? No one gripes about the myriad of NFL players that no show for the Pro Bowl. But, you people and the players keep voting for the guy.

Mike Lowell – I think it’s great that Lowell is playing behind A-Rod in the 3B spot, I really do. A-Rod has the numbers and accolades and attention. But Lowell has something A-Rod doesn’t and that’s a World Series ring from beating the same Yankees in 2003 with the Florida Marlins. And he probably isn’t carrying a venereal disease that A-Rod probably has on him from screwing stripper she-males. Lowell is batting .292 on the season with 55 RBI’s, a slugging percentage of .505 and OBP of .345. Not bad for “throw in Lowell.”

David Ortiz – Some people hate it, most people love it. David Ortiz will be the starting first baseman for the American League. He’s a name, so he’s got that over most other players that may be a little more deserving this year. But fans vote from what players have done the past few years, not just this year. It’s popularity. That’s not to say that Ortiz hasn’t had a good year hitting .312 with 49 RBI’s, and OBP of .426 and slugging of .551. When you stack him up against let’s say…Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins, it’s basically a wash as to who’s having a better season. Batting that is. Since there is no DH in the All-Star Game and you have to put Ortiz somewhere, a player like Morneau is going to get bumped from the starting position. Sorry, that’s just how it is.

Oh yeah, vote for this guy. You'll be happy you did. "Internet savvy" relief pitchers be damned.