That leaves us Baseball. Every Summer Major League Baseball puts on their annual All Star Game. This brings together all the top players of the game to face off in a game that matches the stars from the American League vs. the National League's top players. Besides the actual game, both leagues put up their best Home Run hitters against each other in an entertaining Home Run Derby.
At least that's how its supposed to be.
When the All Star Rosters were released last week I noticed something striking. Both the Los Angeles Dodgers , and Los Angeles Angels did not have one player represented in the starting line ups for next weeks game.
This is a perfect example of the lack of respect West Coast teams receive.
At the half way point the Dodgers have the best record in the Major Leagues. They lead the league in Batting Average , Hits , and On Base Percentage. They are 3rd in Runs scored and have the best Runs Scored / Runs Against Ratio of + 93. This all accomplished without the services of Manny Ramirez for over half the season. Who is putting up these incredible numbers ?
The Los Angels Angels are also in first place again. After posting the best record in Baseball last year. They lead the American League in Batting Average, 3rd in hits, 3rd in RBI's and 5th in runs scored. Not as powerful as the Dodgers , but lets remember how their season started. They opened the season with 3 of thier starters on the Disabled List. Another starter, Nick Adenhart lost his life in a tragic car accident. Starters Vladimir Guererro and Howie Kendrick have missed one half the season. So who is getting the job done?
Well lets take a look.
The Angels :
Chone Figgins has a .310 Batting Average, 4th in league in Stolen Bases, Plays 6 positions and has not missed a game this year.
Juan Rivera has a .317 Batting Average , 16 Home Runs and 52 RBI's
Torri Hunter is Batting .305 , 17 Home Runs, 65 RBI's and is on his way to his Ninth Gold Glove
The Dodgers:
Andre Eithier has 16 Home run and and 54 RBI's and has played every game.
Juan Pierre has a .328 Batting Average and 24 Stolen Bases.
Matt Kemp is Batting .314 with 19 Stolen Bases , 10 home Runs and 45 RBI's
I won't even include Manny Ramirez , who in one month of service is batting .333 with 8 Home Runs and 25 RBI's. That equates to 48 Home Runs , 125 RBI's and a batting average over .330.
At a closer look we see that Josh Hamilton from the Texas Rangers made the Starting Line up for the American League. He has missed over half the season , is batting a whopping .254 with 6 Hoe Runs and 24 RBI's. Anyone mentioned above has better numbers.
David Wright has 5 home Runs and 43 RBI's and has struck out 85 times. Anyone mentioned from the Dodgers line up has better numbers.
I know this selection is by position but if Wright were eliminated, that would free up another position and anyone of these players could have been taken.
Instead the Dodgers have 1 position player on the All Star Team. The Angels have one as well.
To put that in perspective, Tampa Bay has 4, Boston has 3, Philadelphia has 3, HOUSTON even has 2!!
No respect.
On top of that we hear that Justin Morneau Mark Reynolds and Adam Dunn have chose not to take place in the Home Run Derby. Nice Commitment to fans .
No Respect.....
