MLB All Star Week Discussion (July 10-12)

[Hummus]

Bautista's been running the bases like an idiot all inning. I guess he wanted to show the world what Farrell ball is all about

Do you watch a lot of baseball? Bautista is a genius. He knew Lee wasn't covering first so he rounded first hard, like you should, incase Fielder bobbles the ball again.

The out at home was perfect for the defense. Ball hit on a bounce right to the left fielder, and he whipped a throw straight to the Catcher - no chance. (Rajai Davis maybe makes it close)

First off, it was by no means good base running. He would have been out in a regular season game, and even Joe Buck commented on it - that the catcher would usually cover the bag there. he was just being aggressive.

Then he was dancing off second base at every pitch - I think he wanted to steal third.

And going for home on that shallow blooper was hardly a perfect play. How you can argue that when he was thrown out by at least three full strides is beyond me. He was just being overly aggressive. I get it - he wants to put on a show, he's excited, etc. But there's no reason to pretend like he was running with the instincts of Ricky Henderson out there.

[Geddy]

Brandon League, All Star.

No I still refuse to believe it.

[s e n s i]

one of the most scintillating all star games i have ever had the pleasure of watching...

[Homer Jay]

I still remember that Bo Jackson HR to this day. What an exciting game that was... this one not so much.
I say Fielder or Halladay get MVP.

[Geddy]

I would have been more entertained by Juan Rivera chasing a beach ball in the outfield.

[gamer4Life]

Blue Jay fan spotted in the crowd

[Geddy]

and mercifully it's over

[rarefind]

I would have been more entertained by Juan Rivera chasing a beach ball in the outfield.

or fans throwing pretzels at him a la the simpsons

[gamer4Life]

Was hoping for a home run from Bautista. Haven't checked the stats, but maybe Bautista struggles when faced with superior pitching, but destroys poor or average pitching.

[ahollz]

Was hoping for a home run from Bautista. Haven't checked the stats, but maybe Bautista struggles when faced with superior pitching, but destroys poor or average pitching.

Wouldn't that make the majority? Dude took Price deep twice this year.

[Schad]

Was hoping for a home run from Bautista. Haven't checked the stats, but maybe Bautista struggles when faced with superior pitching, but destroys poor or average pitching.

Looking at his HR log, he has home runs off:

David Price (x2)
Jon Lester (x2)
Colby Lewis
Freddy Garcia
Roy Halladay
Cliff Lee
Jonathan Papelbon
Chris Perez

All guys who are either great or having merely great seasons. He's probably a little worse against elite pitching (most are), but not much; it's hard to draw a conclusion on his hitting from a single game.

[Randle McMurphy]

it's hard to draw a conclusion on his hitting from a single game.

Particularly when it consisted of 2 PA.

[Randle McMurphy]

While Roy is the probably the active starting pitcher with the best hall of fame resume, you have to remember he is following a group of elite starters that will all be coming in the hall over the next five years - Johnson, Schilling, Clemens, Maddux, Martinez, Glavine.

Merely being the best of the decade will not be enough (think the 80's), He needs another 3 good years after this one. And if he gets another 3 good years in Philly after the first two, he will be a Philly.

The chances of him going in as a Jay are not good - if he does enough in Philly, he goes in as a Flyer, and if he doesn't he probably does not get in the Hall.

I would argue (as many others have) that he's already done enough to make the HOF, but I don't understand why people are trying to speak in absolutes about any of this at this point. It's way too early to know. And it would be as a Phillie, not a Flyer.

[JN]

I would argue (as many others have) that he's already done enough to make the HOF,

That's a somewhat faulty statement. Yes some (even many) argue that he has done enough for the HOF. But unless at least 75% think so, then he is not a HOF'er.

The Hall of Fame is not a personal decision. Its the same idea as making NCAA tournament projections which I comment on for the entire year. As the tournament gets closer I need to keep in mind its not always who I think deserves to get in, but who the committee will select. My opinion on whether he is a hall of a famer (or if a team is not a tourney team) has to be based on two factors: a) credentials and b) what the committee would do.

My main argument against Roy (as of today) is that he is following a stud class of Roger, Greg, Pedro, Randy and Tom. If your borderline that will not help your case.

But as to your second point -- fair enough. Roy is a stud with great character and who appears to be in shape for a long career. He will likely be good for at least three more years and probably more, and even many more. He will likely get

Keep in mind my original response was if he could get in as a Blue Jay.