Stephen Strasburg: All-Star Game?

[Giantmetfan07]

Some people are beginning to debate whether or not NL All-Star Coach Charlie Manuel should pick Stephen Strasburg as one of his pitchers in the All-Star game.

Some are using the "World Series Home Advantage" as an excuse, but personally I think the game should be viewed more as recognition of the best performers this year on each ball-club, seeing as each team gets 1 player in there.

While some may think Strasburg is the best player on the Nationals anyhow, I personally am against the idea. Plus, Strasburg's four starts have come against the Pirates, Indians, White Sox and Royals -- is that enough to have confidence in him pitching against a lineup of the best hitters in the American League?

 

[dcpwner]

that being said, i think voting him to the all star game can make or break him. it could prove that he cannot pitch against the best, or that he is completely ready to be on of the best pitchers, probably ever, to hit the league.

 

[playmaker7]

Someone else shares my views...nice

I said the whole time his first real start is June 30th when he's here against the Braves. And besides, he's barely been here. Zimmerman should be the Nationals' probably only all star haha

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Zimmerman's their best hitter, no-doubt. While I do believe Strasburg will eventually become a phenomenal pitcher in the NL, I'm just annoyed at how all these analysts like Buster Olney (who I've always agreed with on things and loved hearing his opinion and view on certain subjects) have taken 4 starts against crappy and mediocre teams and even made themselves believe that's enough proof to put him in the All-Star game in let's say, the 9th inning to close it out because he would give the best chance to win. I hate that. He hasn't proven anything against good teams yet. He hasn't even played within his division.

Olney also hinted that he thinks Strasburg would be the best option in the 9th inning if the NL is actually winning their game -- has he not heard of Jonathon Broxton?

 

[elcheato]

He should go to the All-Star game.. Who cares what teams he has faced.. And actually, the Royals rank 14th in Runs scored, and they rank #1 in batting average.

The all-star game is for the fans, and fans want to see him, with his stuff he can pitch against anyone.

 

[playmaker7]

Because if Strasburg gets a spot, then a player such as Barry Zito misses out

 

[Giantmetfan07]

He should go to the All-Star game.. Who cares what teams he has faced.. And actually, the Royals rank 14th in Runs scored, and they rank #1 in batting average.

The all-star game is for the fans, and fans want to see him, with his stuff he can pitch against anyone.

"Stuff" doesn't mean anything.

Mike Pelfrey has "stuff" -- in fact, great "stuff". He had it last year too -- the issue is, meantal. If Strasburg has a 1 run lead, gives up hits to Jeter and Cano. They both get in scoring position and hes facing Miguel Cabrera -- how will he handle it? He may have stuff, but can he locate his stuff under that kind of pressure?

The all-star game is not JUST for the fans, its also for the players as a representation of their team. Does a guy like Chris Carpenter deserve to get snubbed from the All-Star game for a guy with like 5 or 6 starts come All-Star time?

No, and thats why I don't like the idea.

 

[footballplaya52]

i would like to see him in it but does he deserve it? probably not

 

[elcheato]

Mike Pelfry's stuff doesn't compare to Strasburgs stuff.. No one does actually, maybe Ubaldo but his curve ball is not as good or accurate.

How will any pitcher handle that? You're facing the best hitters, and if I'm the NL team I want Strasburg pitching..

Well, he wants to be seen by the fans, he has great stuff and has proved he can locate his stuff in his starts, not to mention the AL is going to win regardless.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

So what if they lead in Average? Like you said their 14th in Runs Scored. They're a team that is 13 games under .500. Their also 26th in Home Runs!

I don't care how good a team is in Average -- they need to drive in those runs too.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Mike Pelfry's stuff doesn't compare to Strasburgs stuff.. No one does actually, maybe Ubaldo but his curve ball is not as good or accurate.

How will any pitcher handle that? You're facing the best hitters, and if I'm the NL team I want Strasburg pitching..

Well, he wants to be seen by the fans, he has great stuff and has proved he can locate his stuff in his starts, not to mention the AL is going to win regardless.

I didn't say Pelfrey's stuff was as good. My point is, mentally can he handle it? Other pithcers will handle it... I can guarantee you, I... A METS FAN... would have 10x more confidence in seeing Halladay on the mound in that situation... or if its the 9th inning, I'd 10x rather see Broxton on the mound.

He hasn't proven anything.... he's had FOUR starts. FOUR..... FOUR...... FOUR........ FOUR. That proves nothing. Four starts proves nothing.

 

[elcheato]

I didn't say Pelfrey's stuff was as good. My point is, mentally can he handle it? Other pithcers will handle it... I can guarantee you, I... A METS FAN... would have 10x more confidence in seeing Halladay on the mound in that situation... or if its the 9th inning, I'd 10x rather see Broxton on the mound.

He hasn't proven anything.... he's had FOUR starts. FOUR..... FOUR...... FOUR........ FOUR. That proves nothing. Four starts proves nothing.

From what we've seen, he can mentally handle it. Of course people would be more confident in Halladay, but why the hell are we talking about the 9th inning? If he is taken he would get a middle inning, he wouldn't get the 7th, 8th or 9th.

He has exceeded expectations so far, and if he continues to pitch like he has in his next 3 or 4 starts, he should make the team.

 

[Blake]

Does it really matter? It's the <Censored>ty All-Star Game for God sakes.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

From what we've seen, he can mentally handle it. Of course people would be more confident in Halladay, but why the hell are we talking about the 9th inning? If he is taken he would get a middle inning, he wouldn't get the 7th, 8th or 9th.

He has exceeded expectations so far, and if he continues to pitch like he has in his next 3 or 4 starts, he should make the team.

HE HAS NOT exceeded expectations. The expectations on this kid have been through the roof since the day he was drafted. His first minor league start was covered live on MLB.com.

And we're talking about the 9th inning because all of the analysts I have heard so far have suggested "picturing" him entering from the bullpen in the 9th inning to close the game...

 

[elcheato]

HE HAS NOT exceeded expectations. The expectations on this kid have been through the roof since the day he was drafted. His first minor league start was covered live on MLB.com.

And we're talking about the 9th inning because all of the analysts I have heard so far have suggested "picturing" him entering from the bullpen in the 9th inning to close the game...

Are you telling me you expected him to get 14 strikeouts and no walks in his first start, break the record for most strike outs in his first 4 games? At least 9 strike outs and no walks in 3 of his firs 4 starts? That is exceeding expectations. He only has a loss because he was given no runs as well in a start..

Analysts can talk all they want but he would get a middle inning.. The closers get the 7th,8th and 9th.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

HE HAS NOT exceeded expectations. The expectations on this kid have been through the roof since the day he was drafted. His first minor league start was covered live on MLB.com.

And we're talking about the 9th inning because all of the analysts I have heard so far have suggested "picturing" him entering from the bullpen in the 9th inning to close the game...

and you know what, <Censored> it. I'm going to pull the same <Censored>....

"R.A. Dickey of the New York Mets has been phenomenal thus far for the Amazins. He has easily exceeded all expectations and has now won 6 straight starts for the Mets. While he may not be a powerful pitcher, certainly his Knuckleball would be a change of pace and throw off hitters in the All-Star Game. It sounds stupid, but he has proven MENTALLY he can handle it. In 6 starts with the Mets, Dickey is 6-0 with a 2.33 ERA. In 46 innings he has allowed just 2 home runs, and has walked only 14 batters. What's even more impressive, is Dickey has proven he can handle hitters on the tough ball clubs like the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers. Dickey certainly makes a case to be a pitcher in the All-Star game."

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Are you telling me you expected him to get 14 strikeouts and no walks in his first start, break the record for most strike outs in his first 4 games? At least 9 strike outs and no walks in 3 of his firs 4 starts? That is exceeding expectations. He only has a loss because he was given no runs as well in a start..

Analysts can talk all they want but he would get a middle inning.. The closers get the 7th,8th and 9th.

.... HE PLAYED THE PIRATES!!!!

of course I expected him to strike out over a dozen batters -- I've seen how well he pitched in the Minors. THE EXPECTATIONS WERE RIDICULOUS. Everybody has been riding Strasburgs dick for the last 3 months. How you can't see that, absolutely amazes me.... absolutely amazes me.

 

[Blake]

*grabs popcorn*

*awaits replies*

 

[elcheato]

.... HE PLAYED THE PIRATES!!!!

of course I expected him to strike out over a dozen batters -- I've seen how well he pitched in the Minors. THE EXPECTATIONS WERE RIDICULOUS. Everybody has been riding Strasburgs dick for the last 3 months. How you can't see that, absolutely amazes me.... absolutely amazes me.

Name me another pitcher this year who has struck out 14 batters against the Pirates this season. And with no walks.

 

[Blake]

*twiddles thumbs anxiously*