Fans selections are far from perfect

We've reached the unofficial mid-point of the 2008 MLB season, which means it's time for break. Looking at this year's All-Star game rosters, one thing is crystal clear, fans aren't perfect.

Seven now eight Cubs will grace the National League bench. The predominant hat for the American League has a distinctive “B” on it, as seven players from Beantown will soil Yankee Stadium’s final season.

This is ridiculous, nearly one-quarter of this year’s All-Stars are from two teams. If fans wanted to see a Cubs-Red Sox match-up so bad, MLB should have just played an Interleague game between the teams at Fenway Park. Anyway, let’s get down to specifics mistakes here.

The most egregious fan mistake on the AL roster was voting Boston’s Dustin Pedroia a starter. This barely squeaks over voting fellow Red Sox Kevin Youkilis a starter. Honestly, fans picked Pedroia over a guy who’s putting MVP caliber numbers right now, Texas Ranger Ian Kinsler. Pedroia is having a very good year, just not a great year. Kinsler’s 84 runs scored dwarf Pedroia’s 67, plus the Rangers’ budding star has a higher batting average, more homers (by 5) and RBIs (by 11).

On the NL roster, the most outrageous fan mistake was selecting Chicago Cub Kosuke Fukudome a starter. Fukudome’s .279 average, with a measly 7 home runs and 36 RBIs is just plain sad. Voting Fukudome in was like voting Braves infielder Kelly Johson in (.272 BA, 10 HR, 38 RBIs). Why didn’t Kelly get any love?

And the least, least deserving All-star is Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. How in the world did he make the roster? Varitek’s batting average is rotten, .218, and he has 17 more strikeouts than hits this season. It’s a ridiculous selection.

Finally, if you’re a fan of baseball in Pennsylvania you have every right to feel abused. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfield, arguably the most productive in the majors, received one All-Star selection. Deservedly, Nate McLouth is going to the Big Apple, but what about Jason Bay, Xavier Nady or Philly’s Pat Burrell? Bay ranks ninth in the majors in runs, Nady in the top 10 in batting average and Burrell fourth in homers. Any of them would have made great All-Star picks. There’s always next year, but probably not.

Enjoy the game!