Citi Field for All-Star Game in 2013

Way back in July of 2008, Ken Davidoff had a note that the Mets and Citi Field were in line to host the All-Star Game in 2013.

Here’s what he wrote way back when…

Baseball has announced the sites for the 2009 and 2010 Midsummer Classics, with next year's at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, followed by Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

The 2011 game is expected to be at Arizona's Chase Field, then Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City in 2012. Then it will be the Mets' turn.

And here’s what Kevin Kernan wrote for the Post today…

The next two All-Star Games are set, Anaheim next season and Arizona in 2011. Then it shifts back to an AL club the following year, most likely in Kansas City. That leaves 2013 all set for Citi Field and the Mets.

Well done by Davidoff.

The Home Run Derby in Citi Field? That should be quite fun.

And here’s what I wrote a year ago…

Shea Stadium held the 1964 All Star Game, and saw the National League actually win a game (shocker!) by a score of 7-4. Ron Hunt was the only Mets player elected to the game that year.

According to Baseball Almanac, Shea was host to over 50,000 fans that day. Unfortunately, Citi won't hold that many, but I'm sure they'll find a way to squeeze more and more people in.

Still rings true.

All-Star lineup set, Wright batting sixth

Charlie Manuel has released his lineup for tomorrow night’s All-Star Game in St. Louis.  David Wright is batting sixth, sandwiched between two Phillies.

1. Hanley Ramirez – FLA
2. Chase Utley – PHI
3. Albert Pujols – STL
4. Ryan Braun – MIL
5. Raul Ibanez – PHI
6. David Wright – NYM
7. Shane Victorino – PHI
8. Yadier Molina – STL
9. Tim Lincecum - SF

Wright, Beltran, Rodriguez and Santana selected to All-Star Game

David Wright and Carlos Beltran have been named starters for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis.

Beltran, due to his bone bruise in his knee, likely will not participate in the game.

Update – 2:54 p.m.: Joining Wright and Beltran, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez have been named to the All-Star roster.

The starting NL roster:

• Yadier Molina – C - STL
• Albert Pujols – 1B - STL
• Chase Utley – 2B - PHI
• Hanley Ramirez – SS - FLA
• David Wright – 3B - NYM
• Carlos Beltran – OF - NYM
• Ryan Braun – OF - MIL
• Raul Ibanez – OF – PHI

So of the starting eight players for the NL, they come from only five teams.  Not surprising, if you really think about it.

Here are the AL and NL starting rosters.

Congrats to Beltran and Wright.

All-Star balloting now open: Vote LMillz!

Major League Baseball is three weeks into the season, and they’ve already set up online balloting for the All-Star Game set for St. Louis.

Major League Baseball today marked the official start of All-Star Balloting for the 80th All-Star Game, which will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, with a special on-field ceremony prior to the New York Mets-St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, the host of the 2009 Midsummer Classic. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game Balloting program is the largest of its kind in professional sports.
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Every Major League Club will have begun its in-stadium balloting no later than Wednesday, May 6th. When the in-stadium phase of balloting concludes on Friday, June 26th, fans will have the opportunity to cast their final ballots exclusively online at MLB.com and the 30 Club Web sites until Thursday, July 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). In addition, Banco BHD will sponsor All-Star balloting in the Dominican Republic, making Spanish-language ballots available offline and online at www.bhd.com.do from May 5th-June 22nd.

I just cast my ballot (you can cast 25, but I don’t know anyone who cares that much) and I found it fairly hard to choose based on 13 or 14 games, but that’s just me.

Oddly, or maybe not so oddly, you can still vote for Lastings Milledge to make the All-Star team.  I’m officially starting the “Vote LMillz” campaign to get Milledge into the All-Star Game.  I’d love to see what MLB will do if Milledge makes the team while he’s still in Triple-A.

Vote often and vote Milledge.

If the All-Star Game was played at the end of the year, there would be a lot more Mets on the roster

The second half has been generous to the Mets.

Nick Friedell over at Big League Stew, takes a look at the NL All-Star team, and adds or subtracts players, based on their entire season, instead of just first few months of play.

Mets that were added to the team:

Jose Reyes, SS: Reyes has a .300 average 16 HR, 67 RBI and 52 stolen bases. The Mets' shortstop is still one of the best all-around players in baseball and if you think it seems like no All-Star team should ever be complete without him, you're right.

Carlos Delgado, 1B: If Delgado had hit in the first half like he is hitting now, Willie Randolph would still be the Mets' manager and Delgado would have been on the actual All-Star team. Since struggling through the first few months of the season, Delgado has hit .310 with 20 HR and 58 RBI since the break.

Johan Santana, SP: Santana has given the Mets the top of the line starter they needed so badly. Oh yeah — he also has 15 wins and a league leading 2.64 ERA.

Mets who were cut:

Billy Wagner, RP: Wagner had 27 saves for the Mets but his season is over due to an elbow injury.

Mets who were kept:

David Wright, 3B: The Mets' star was the best third baseman in New York City this season (Yeah, A-Rod we're talking to you) hitting .300 with 33 HR and 122 RBI.

Works for me.

Was that the most interesting or the most boring All Star Game ever?

My vote goes for boring.

Of the 15 innings of tedious baseball played last night, and into this morning, maybe two or three actually caught my attention. From the tenth inning on, every time the National League failed to plate a run, I was practically begging the AL to score so this thing would be over. I would only beg if I was awake though, as this game failed to hold my attention more than a fluffy couch and blanket could.

Here's what I got as my mom flipped back and forth between the All Star Game and "House Hunters" on HGTV, in no particular order:

• Dan Uggla makes uggly errors. (Amazing find by Dan Lamothe over at Red Sox Monster.)
• Billy Wagner should never pitch in All Star Games ever again.
• Clint Hurdle and Terry Francona are luuuuuuuuuucky!
• I think my dad was more excited for the stealth plane fly over than the game. Rightly so.
• Russel Martin is a beast at blocking the plate.
• Yogi Berra is still awesome.
• George Sherrill's hat is flatter than Joba Chamberlain's.
• Sox fans are so happy the MVP was J.D. Drew.

And that was your game in a nutshell.

I must say, the best part of the entire All Star Game, from red carpet events to derbies, is the pre-game festivities. I absolutely love seeing all the great players take the field and bask in cheers from fans that probably weren't alive when they played. It's great to see their accomplisments in baseball recognized.

Citi Field may hold 2013 All Star Game

According to Ken Davidoff in Newsday, the Mets new home, Citi Field, is in line to host the All Star Game in 2013.

Baseball has announced the sites for the 2009 and 2010 Midsummer Classics, with next year's at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, followed by Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

The 2011 game is expected to be at Arizona's Chase Field, then Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City in 2012. Then it will be the Mets' turn.

Sounds like a plan to me. First of all, I can't explain to you how excited I am for the new digs next year. I still can't fully grasp that Shea will be gone, but I'm anticipating all the new memories that will be made in the new park, that I will actually remember.

Shea Stadium held the 1964 All Star Game, and saw the National League actually win a game (shocker!) by a score of 7-4. Ron Hunt was the only Mets player elected to the game that year.

According to Baseball Almanac, Shea was host to over 50,000 fans that day. Unfortunately, Citi won't hold that many, but I'm sure they'll find a way to squeeze more and more people in.

Can't wait until 2013.

Does anyone care about the All Star Game?

I know I don't.

Personally, I prefer the Home Run Derby over the actual game. I'm a sucker for balls that travel far (that's what she said!) and I got more than my fill last night (TWSS!). The Derby is fun and exciting, the game is slow, boring, and tedious.

I've read a ton of stuff about how awful the game has become. Frankly, I agree.

First of all, how is an "All Star" selected midway through the season? Shouldn't it be based on a whole year of stats instead of, say, 40 percent of the season. I understand MLB doesn't want to lose the audience, and if the game is played after the season, no one will really care, a la the Pro Bowl.

The game would still "matter," as it will determine next years home field, but it would be determined who plays based on a whole season of play.

Secondly, there are too many people in this game. I can see why some guys only want to play an inning or two, but they are baseball players, it's what their paid to do! I want to campaign for more pitchers (they're the ones who really should be in there for an inning or two) and less bench players. Each player should play three innings or more.

Not only would it show the true cream of the crop, but it would showcase them for the fans more.

Honestly, I don't care who wins the game tonight. The fact that is counts is stupid, but I'm just going to have to live with it. It should be fun and exciting, like Pete Rose style play, but I think that's a time of the past.

Early Morning Madness: Fix the Home Run Derby edition

Josh Hamilton did not win the Home Run Derby. Justin Morneau did.

No one seems to care.

Morneau should be given his props for working the system, and earning himself a shiny new trophy, but Hamilton should be praised for putting on the best show I can remember.

I've never seen one player, already walking into the event with a boatload of baggage, come into a foreign park and win over a crowd quite like that. His story helped. His 71 year old pitcher helped. But it was purely the talent of Hamilton that shone through last night at the hallowed Yankee Stadium.

Hamilton was the last man to bat in the first round, and blasted 28 home runs in the first round alone. All his home runs combined traveled a distance of 12,458. The average home run for Hamilton was hit 445 feet. He went on to hit four home runs in his abbreviated second round, as he was a shoe-in for the finals.

He only was able to hit three home runs in the final round, losing out to Morneau who paced himself and was able to crank five to take home the prize.

A performance like that of Hamilton, and him walking home in second place, is the reason the Derby needs to be fixed.

The current system works as follows: In the first round, the players are given 10 outs to try and hit their home runs. Their totals from the first round carry over if you're one of the top four players to advance. The player is then given another 10 outs and their totals are combined from round one and round two. The top two players move on to the finals, where the slate is wiped clean and they start anew. Whoever wins the final round, wins the event.

It seems to be a flawed system, because if you've ever watched the HR Derby past the first round, you can see how tired and exhausting it is for the players.

Here's what I propose: In Round 1, players are allotted 10 outs, just like before. It's early, so they can take more swings. In round two, the slate is wiped clean, and the players only have five outs to try and move on. The top two advance, and are given another five outs to work with, on a new tally.

Each round in important and the later rounds are shorter. This would create more a competitive environment, as they would have to perform in each round, but it would also keep the players fresh, cutting their late round hacks in half, based on outs alone.

Do you have a better plan? Let's hear it...

Early Morning Madness: What happens if the Home Run Derby gets rained out? edition

I woke up to pounding rain this morning, so it immediately sparked the question of what happens if it's pouring later tonight for the Home Run Derby?

It looks like it's supposed to pour later tonight. Does it get rained out entirely? Do they play through the rain? Is it moved to Wednesday night?

So many questions, and no answers.

** * **

Mike Pelfrey is amazing.

He won his sixth straight start last night, throwing eight innings and only allowing six hits. He induced 12 ground balls, which went for 15 outs with the help of three double plays turned behind him. Only four of his outs came from fly balls.

It seemed every time Pelfrey would allow a hit, he'd follow it up with a double play ball. In the first, he allowed a lead off single, and the got the very next batter to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. In the fourth with runners on first and third, he got an inning ending double play, third to second, to first. And in the fifth, he allowed another lead off single, and again on the very next batter got a ground ball to short to start a double play.

Amazin'.

** * **

Nick Evans should only play against the Rockies.

In his career, Evans is a sparkling 5-9, with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs scored. Against everyone else, he's 2-21, driving in no runs and scoring only twice.

I love this commercial

You all know I'm a Mets fan (duh, you're on this site) but I absolutely love this commercial for the 2008 All Star Game. I love the graphics, it's simple and easy, and the song is amazing. It's the Silversun Pickups -- Lazy Eye.



Anyway, enjoy. It's a nice summer day, go outside until 3:55 p.m. when the Mets and Pedro Martinez go for eight (8!) straight wins.

Live from Fan Fest: If you're going, read this

So I spent most of my Friday walking around and taking in the sights at All Star Fan Fest down at the Jacob Javits center. I have a few tips if you're heading out to the event:

• Get there early, leave late. It's pretty much set up like a amusement park. If you want to participate in any sort of the assorted booths, be prepared to wait in line. Just going by my guesstimates, I'd expect to wait at least 20 minutes, and most likely more for each booth.
• Expect to pay like you're at a game. Sure, the beer is only $5, but everything is pretty much priced like you're going to the stadium. Pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, beer and even wine is all available.
• If you want an autograph, be prepared to wait a long time. If you're an autograph hound, you probably know that by now. If you're not, and you expect to just walk up to a player and have him sign whatever you want, think again. They usually only sign whatever they deem official, so also be prepared to purchase an official photo.
• Bring a camera. Great photo opportunities, and there are tons of booths set up where you can have your picture taken. You can be making a game saving catch over the outfield wall, a locker room reporter with Erin Andrews, sitting in the dugout, and the like.
• Bring a bag. There is free stuff everywhere. I was not prepared to carry all this free swag home, so I had to stuff it into my colleagues bag. Bring your own, or try to grab as many free ones as they'll let you have, and collect as much free stuff as possible.

If you already have plans enjoy the Fan Fest, and if you have photos, send them along! If it's not already in your plans, change them and get your butt out to New York City for a great time.

With Alfonso Soriano out, David Wright may make the All Star team

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soraino will not play in the All Star game due to a broken left hand.

Corey Hart, an outfielder for the Brewers, is currently leading David Wright for the final spot on the All Star roster. With the NL needing another OF, Hart could get the call since he is leading the final vote.

That would leave one more spot open, most likely for the runner up of the final ballot, Mr. David Wright. I do urge you to look at what Wright has done since getting one day off back in June, and think about what he could do with three days off.

The NL needs an outfielder, it only makes sense for Hart to get the call, and the second place vote getter would earn the final spot. At least that makes sense to me. This all lies in the hands of Clint Hurdle, whos jawline bares a striking resemblance to Quagmire from Family Guy.

So as long as Wright stays in second place by 5 p.m. today, I think he'll be the second player to represent the Mets in the 2008 All Star Game.

Maybe we shouldn't vote David Wright into the final All Star spot

David Wright is on the ballot for the final spot on the National League All Star roster. There are posts out the wazoo extolling all of Wright's accomplishments and achievements.

Yes, I'd like to see Wright get the recognition he deserves (he is tied for third in the league with 70 RBI). But I'd also like to see the Mets win.

We all saw what a day off does to this kid. Since he took a seat June 24 against Seattle, Wright is 19-53, a .358 batting average over that span. He's hit five home runs, scored 13 times, and driven in 14. His average has jumped 12 points, rising from .276 to .288, and his OBP has risen 10 points from .373 to .383.

In an even more drastic change, Wright has worked his slugging percentage up from .488 to .510 and improved his OPS from .861 to .893.

Now sit back, imagine what three days free of the grind of baseball could do, and see if you can still click your mouse around and vote for Wright. I've already cast three votes for Corey Hart as you are reading this.

Who woulda thunk it? The Mets are only 2.5 games out of first

This is why you have to play the games.

With all the talk of how much the Mets stink and how bad they play at times, the Mets now sit one game above .500 and are only 2.5 games behind the Phillies (2 in loss column).

The Mets have six games left before the All Star Break, three each against Colorado and San Francisco at home. The Phillies will welcome St. Louis and Arizona into Citizen's Bank Park for their final six games.

New York has a definite shot at playing their way closer, or even possibly into first place by the time the All Star Game rolls along.

Time will tell, but things may be looking up for this team.

Celebrate, Mets fans: Chase Utley to compete in HR Derby

It's music to my ears: Chase Utley will be one of players participating in the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Pardon me while I take a few minutes for some diabolical laughing.

OK, I'm back. We all saw what happened to David Wright after his stint in the HR Derby, and as Mets fans, we can only hope the same sort of funk sets in with Utley for the rest of the 2008 season.

Dan Uggla will be competing as well.

This is great. What more can we ask, as Mets fans? Oh, taking three out of four from the Phillies in Philadelphia, that's right.

Billy Wagner is lone Mets representative in ASG

Billy Wagner will be the only member of the New York Mets to represent the team in the 2008 All Star Game.

That is, barring a push for the final player, or an injury replacement.

Rightly so, for Wagner. David Wright maybe deserved a spot on the bench, and Johan Santana could be argued for a spot based on his ERA, not his record.

Represent the team well, Wagner.

Update: Wright is on the final ballot.

Final ballot candidates:
Pat Burrell, Phillies
Corey Hart, Brewers
Carlos Lee, Astros
Aaron Rowand, Giants
David Wright, Mets

Vote for Wright here.

Perry picks two Mets that should be starting the All-Star Game

Dayn Perry, creepy picture and all, is making his picks for the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. These are the players that he feels should be starting the mid-summer classic, and two Mets make the list:

SS Jose Reyes, Mets
Tough one. The debate comes down to Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins vs. Reyes (had Rafael Furcal not been injured for so long, he'd have a case). Both are notable young stars, and both have their strengths. Ramirez is better with the bat, but Reyes is better with the glove. Actually, he's much better with the glove, which, ultimately, is why we're going with him. Of course, Reyes is also hitting .291 AVG/.351 BP/.480 SLG, which constitutes excellent production for a shortstop playing half his games in Shea. So give a third All-Star appearance to one of the most exciting players in the game.

He's hot at the plate, but struggling in the field. Still, I think he's one of, if not the most exciting player in baseball. Any single could quickly turn into a double. Doubles could be converted into triples. A ball that gets away could be an inside-the-park home run. I don't think he should be starting the game, as his errors make a great case against him.

CF Carlos Beltran, Mets
Beltran or Aaron Rowand — it's a difficult decision. We're going with Beltran because of his superior defense (yes, he's a better glove man than Rowand), better base running, and his status as the bigger star of the two. This would mean five straight trips to the All-Star Game for Beltran.

Agreed. I love Rowand because he's willing to give himself up for a ball, as is Beltran. Carlos glides across the field, making plays you would never expect, and usually makes it look easy. He's not a guy to hit for average, as we all know, but he's more than sufficent at the plate. I would never trade him in a million years. All-Star Game, sounds good to me.

Call the shot...and win!

Ignoring the hubbub of Yankee fans over the "blasphemy" of David Ortiz, a prominent member of Red Sox Nation, calling his shot at Yankee Stadium during the Home Run Derby, take the chance to win a pretty awesome set of prizes and a nice hunk of cash.
Check this out:

Here's how the promotion works: Fans can enter the promotion daily through June 24 at www.sfCallYourShot.com/2008. The grand prize winner of Call Your Shot will win:

• All-expense paid trip for four to the All-Star Game and State Farm Home Run Derby
• First class hotel accommodations in New York
• Tickets to a Broadway show
• $1,000 MasterCard gift card

The grand prize winner will also get the chance to pick a spot to which two of the Home Run Derby players must compete to try to hit a ball. If the first player hits the ball to the called spot, the promotion ends. If either player succeeds, the fan receives a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid vehicle and a 2009 season-ticket package for any team.

Additionally, 10 fans will win first place prizes consisting of a $300 MLB.com gift card and 25 second place prize winners will receive $100 MLB.com gift cards.

Enticing, right? Go to SFCallYourShot.com/2008 to enter!

I inquired about the fact that Ortiz will be out with a wrist injury and will not be able to participate in the promotion. Here's the response I received:

Although Ortiz’ injury will take him out of the actual physical hitting of the ball, he will remain the face of the promotion. Because he is not physically capable of taking the shot, there will be a contest amongst 8 other invited hitters and the top 2 will get to participate in the promotion, giving the fan 2 chances to win the big prize.

All the more reason to enter!

A.S.B.

David Wright. 2nd place Home Run Derby. nice.
HR All Star Game. niice

Beltran almost got the MVP. stupid michael young ruining all the fun. taking away our home field advantage.

not much to report. trade winds a-blowin