This year's glaring examples of the fans getting it wrong include third base for the National League where the fans voted Carlos Sandoval as the starter over the New York Mets' David Wright. Sandoval has played in a little over half the San Francisco Giants' games which is 30 less games than Wright. In his 45 games Sandoval has 6 homers and 25 rbi while hitting .300. Contrast that with Wright who in 76 games is hitting .354 with 9 homers and 50 rbi. If Sandoval is qualified to be the NL starter at third base then Chipper Jones is doubly qualified since he is in his final season. In 44 games Chipper has 6 homers, 29 rbi and is hitting .292 which is roughly the same stats as Sandoval.
One other fan faux pas on the NL side is the selection of Matt Kemp to a starting spot in the outfield. Kemp who has been on the DL for over half the season has only appeared in 36 games. And while his stats are good enough, voting an injured player to a starting spot is just plain silly. Especially when you consider that there are players like Michael Bourne and Martin Prado of the Atlanta Braves who have played in over twice as many games and have the stats to back it up. Bourne is second in the NL in hits with 100 and third in Major League Baseball in stolen bases with 22. He has hit 7 homers with 29 rbi while hitting .302 all from the leadoff spot for the Braves. Prado is the type of player that is custom made for the All-Star game in that he plays a multitude of positions. This year alone he has played left field, first base, second base and third base. In 76 games Prado is sixth in the league (8th in MLB) in hits with 95. He has 5 homers, 31 rbi and has a batting average of .321.
My big beef with the NL roster is that Chipper Jones is not on the roster. He has to rely on the "Final Fan Vote" in order to be included in an All-Star game that should have been played in his honor. Moreover, he has to go up against his teammate Michael Bourne who also deserved to be included on the roster without having to go up against Chipper for the final spot. Then you have the likes of 19 yeaqr-old rookie Bryce Harper of Washington who is also in the Final Vote Ballot. I certainly hope that fans will give Chipper his due and put him in the All-Star game in his final season.
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Justin in his #18 Eagles Jersey with "YT" & the rest of
at the Eagles at Justin's 6th Birthday Party at the
Eagles Game.
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"YT",Dustin Swinehart in action on the field & post game |
For 5 years now I have been shooting the Eagles and Lady Eagles matches and I am very proud to say that I have many friends within the organization. This year marks the Eagles 20th Anniversary. They are one of a select few organizations that have been in existance for such a long period of time. They join the Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers as teams celebrating their 20th year this year. Coming up on July 14th the Eagles will have a reunion of their teams from the past 20 years. Thanks to "YT", I am proud to say I have been part of the Eagles as a fan and part of the organization for half of the 20 years.