We had some good dialogue yesterday about interleague play and whether it is stale – and many of you think it is.
Drink chips to Adam B., Dwayne, Scooter and Waspman, among others, for trying to come up with a better schedule than what MLB currently gives us.
Today, we're getting a lot more specific. I'm looking for an answer to a question that a bunch of us were knocking around in the press box Monday. The voting was split, by the way.
It will be answered officially Sunday, when the All-Star teams are announced.
Who will be the Orioles' 2008 All-Star?
Now, there are a couple ways to answer the question, so there have to be some ground rules. This isn't, 'Who has been the Orioles' first-half MVP?' The answer to that question, in my opinion, is simple: Jim Johnson.
He's allowed just 26 hits in 46 1/3 innings. He has cemented the job as the club's eighth-inning guy and has dutifully passed leads on to closer George Sherrill.
But set-up relievers don't make All-Star teams. Rarely, if ever. So cross him off your list.
That leaves two viable candidates: Sherrill, who is second in the league in saves and has been a big part of the club's early season success. And second baseman Brian Roberts, who is leading the league in doubles and triples.
Both have the credentials, but it's unlikely the Orioles will get two spots (they've gotten more than one just once since 2000). Sherrill may have lost his chance with two consecutive blown saves Sunday and Monday.
It'll come down to how American League manager Terry Francona constructs his roster. Will he take five closers? If he takes only four, will he pick another Kansas City Royal, since their best candidate is closer Joakim Soria? You have to figure Frankie Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Jon Papelbon are locks.
And will Francona take three second basemen? Because Dustin Pedroia is likely the top vote-getter and Texas' Ian Kinsler is having the best year. He could always move one to shortstop for a few innings, since that position is slim pickings this year.
My guess is Roberts is in, Sherrill is out and Johnson, sadly, doesn't have a shot.
What do you think?
Daily Think Special: Who will be the Orioles' 2008 representative at the All-Star Game? You only get one choice. Is there an Oriole more deserving than your guess?
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