As of this post, Yasiel Puig has played in 27 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. That equates to exactly 1/6th of a full season, or 1/3 of a season for the All-Star Game.
He is currently hitting .443, slugging .745 with eight homeruns, 17 RBI, six doubles, a couple of stolen bases and three assists, defensively.
In other words, he is pretty much playing the game on another planet than the rest of the league. But is his résumé long enough to warrant a spot on the NL team this year?
As a Dodgers fan, I obviously want to see him there. Although his time has been short, it has been extremely impactful, leading the once last place Dodgers into third place with only 2 1/2 games separating them from first place. On top of that, he has turned the baseball world on its ear.
With the All-Star being a platform to showcase MLB's top stars and try to generate interest in their product, does it make sense to get Puig into the festivities? Having the most ale about player in the bigs, currently, absent from the game seems like a glaring oversight.
On the other hand, the outfield spots are very competitive for the NL and perhaps someone who have had solid numbers for the entire half season really does to be rewarded for their efforts?
What do you all think?
Honestly, I wish MLB would take a page out of the NBA's or NHL's book and come up with some other games and competitions for scenarios just like this one.
Having a "Five Tool Challenge" where competitors have to run the bases, hit for power and average as well as shag fly balls and throw the ball could be interesting. Very much like a skills competition like they do in the NBA.
I also wouldn't mind seeing a rookies/sophomores game where the young guns (like Puig) could showcase their abilities at the All-Star weekend without having to be on the actual team.
The home run derby can stay for those that like it, but I would love to see them expand the offerings too.
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Samphin Κακό σκυλί ψόφο δεν έχει
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I usually don't like to vote guys into ASGs who have had a few good months because then we end up getting the Bryan Lahaires of the world in the game when let's face it they have no business being there, and ultimately we look back saying how the hell did that happen. The ASG should be made up of the MLB's top players because after all it's a showcase of the sport as a whole, forget the "this game counts" bs. I do believe that the MLB should have 1 roster spot available on each team for a rising star, basically just a rookie playing well that people project to be a star, so like a Jose Fernandez or Puig. I think it would be smart for a marketing perspective to have a player like that grouped in on the team. In Puig's case I also think it would be smart if he made the team, again marketing wise since he's from another country too.
I guess in short, yeah he probably should be on the team not just because he's been insanely good for 45 games or so but because from a business perspective it makes sense. -
Maybe it's just me but I'd rather players on my favorite team don't play in the game, especially the SPers. -
One guy doesn't like it, and he has a point too....
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/07/papelbon-puig-making-the-all-star-game-is-an-absolute-joke/ -
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Samphin Κακό σκυλί ψόφο δεν έχει
Papelbon has a right to his opinion, but where his argument is flawed is when he says it takes away from a veteran who has been doing this for nine or 10 years (gee, John, are we talking about yourself here?). I am not sure what tenure has to do with an annual half season award. Especially when those guys aren't doing what Puig is doing.
I think Puig probably needs to be on the aballot for the last man vote that they do and let the fans decide. That way, he has a few more weeks to either proves he should be there, or not, and the fans can vote accordingly. For ****s and giggles, they should put Papelbon on there too. -
Who do you leave off the team for Puig is my question? I mean, there some really good seasons being had over there.
finyank13 likes this. -
Why not?
MLB has a terminal stick in it's *** to begin with, to their detriment, why not put a guy in one of the largest media markets in the US? -
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As long as Jose Fernandez makes it too.
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Kershaw is maybe the best pitcher in baseball right now. I'd say he's a lock.
Each all star team would have 11 players if only 1 player made it. -
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And since the winner of the all star game gets home field advantage in the World Series then the NL manager should want hottest hitter in baseball to play in the ASG.
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Your right, I meant 15. and what do you mean whats the issue? How would 15 player team look? I am going to guess you have never seen an MLB all star game. -
Samphin Κακό σκυλί ψόφο δεν έχει
Desides is saying each team gets AT LEAST one player in the AS Game. Assuming the Dodgers only have the one, he is going with Kershaw over Puig. I get that logic, and agree.
But multiple players can be there from teams and I think Puig makes a compelling case (Puig was just named NL Rookie and aplayer of the Month for June, FYI).
What outfielders go in his stead for the naysayers? -
Selfishly, I'd like to see it. He's fun as hell to watch.
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He gives the NL a better chance to win, why the hell not.
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Samphin Κακό σκυλί ψόφο δεν έχει
That's why I think having Puig on the Last Man Vote is the proper avenue. Let the fans vote him in if they want him there. -
Your over thinking it. Kershaw is a blank jersey Allstar. Doesn't matter the team he plays for. So no he doesn't affect Puig. Obviously if Puig was on the worst team in baseball with no other all star possibilities, then he may have a better chance. Again. They don't affect each other.
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