What We Have Learned So Far

Written by: Jason Weaver on 2nd June 2009

What We Have Learned So Far | read this item

We are a little over a quarter of the way through the 2009 Major League Baseball season and the story lines have certainly been plentiful. The two Big Apple franchises took major steps into the modern ballpark era, Zack Greinke had us wondering whether a pitcher’s ERA can actually dip BELOW zero, Manny was busy being A-Rod Manny and Tampa Bay hasn’t surprised anyone this season.

With just over a month remaining until the 2009 All-Star Game rosters are announced, I want to talk about what we have learned throughout the first couple months of the season and take a look at who has earned a ticket to St. Louis in July.

Here’s a little of what we have learned so far:

There’s Something in the Water in Detroit:

Last year was a lost season for the Tigers’ starting staff and the franchise as a whole, but the rejuvenation of flamethrower Justin Verlander (6-2, 3.63 ERA), the addition of former Dodgers’ top prospect Edwin Jackson (5-3, 2.30 ERA) and the emergence of rookie sensation Rick Porcello (6-3, 3.48 ERA) have given new life to a team looking to re-establish a winning atmosphere around the ballpark.

Last season the Tigers were 25th in starter’s ERA (5.03), but this year their starters have posted a combined 3.84 ERA, which ranks tied for third in all of baseball. Although they still have yet to activate former ace Jeremy Bonderman (shoulder) from the DL (it could happen soon), and no World Series has been won during the third month of the season, it looks like Detroit has enough stability in their rotation to make a serious run at the postseason.

Adrián González is a Beast:

Widely ignored by anyone outside the greater San Diego area, González continues to rake at an almost “Ruthian” rate. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, however, as he’s averaged 30 HRs and 100 RBI over the last three seasons. Heading into the month of June, though, Adrián has 20 HRs and could become just the 9th player in the last decade to have 30 HRs before the All-Star break.

All that said, he still sits fifth in the balloting for the 2009 All-Star Game behind Joey Votto, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols, respectively. González is a victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He is playing on a mediocre team at a position dominated by household names who have been the face of baseball over the last few years. However, I think you can make the argument that, other than Albert Pujols, no National League first baseman is more deserving of a spot at the Mid-Summer Classic.

Raúl Ibañez Might Actually Be UNDERpaid:

Show of hands. How many of you expected Ibañez’s three-year, $31.5 million deal to be considered a freaking steal bargain heading into June? Ruben, put your hand down. The truth of the matter is that Ibañez, while somewhat playing over his head at the moment, has been a blessing to the City of Philadelphia.

In December, when the Phillies signed the 37-year old outfielder, much was made about the signaled departure of longtime Phillies’ left fielder Pat Burrell. Even more was made of the signing when Burrell agreed to a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays worth just $16 Million over two seasons. He was a terrible defender and he wasn’t exactly clutch, but he was good for about 30 HRs and 90 to 100 RBIs every year and he absolutely killed the Mets. To find out the team was putting this homegrown guy out to pasture was a little disconcerting to Phillies’ fans. Well, Ibañez is making a bid for the Triple Crown and Burrell is getting paid just about the same amount of money to hold down a spot on the Rays’ disabled list. Nobody expects Ibañez to continue his torrid pace, but he is currently second among N.L. outfielders in the 2009 All-Star voting, and he has earned it.

The A.L. West Won’t Be Won By August in 2009:

Entering June of last season, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim held a 3.5-game lead over the Oakland Athletics, a 5.0-game over the Rangers and a 12.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners. The Angels wrapped up the division in July and the Mariners eventually went on to lose over 100 games. Well, things figure to be a little less anticlimactic this time around.

With a contract-motivated Kevin Millwood, a decent bullpen, a healthy Ian Kinsler and a version of Andruw Jones who isn’t allergic to making contact, the Texas Rangers are making a bid for the division. At 30-20 at the end of May, it is the second best start in franchise history. While nothing is certain in June, the Rangers could make the A.L. West race interesting come September if their young pitching continues to progress and Josh Hamilton is able to keep himself off the DL for the majority of the season. Neither of those are guarantees, but I don’t see anyone holding down a 10.0-game lead over the second place team come August like the Angels did in 2008.

Tampa Bay’s New Uniforms Aren’t Fooling Anyone Anymore:

Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays shed their name, logo, uniforms and bottom-dweller persona to become a legitimate contender. With youthful talent pouring out of Tropicana Field, the Rays took everyone by surprise and marched to the 2008 World Series. However, the 2009 Rays aren’t sneaking up on anyone and are currently occupying fourth pace in the American League East heading into June.

Oh, the team is still hitting. In fact, you can make the argument that the 2009 lineup is far more potent than the 2008 version, but their pitching staff has been left in shambles (What would this team give to get Edwin Jackson back from the Tigers?). Injuries to Akinori Iwamura, Scott Kazmir, Jason Bartlett, Pat Burrell and Troy Percival have certainly stung, but the overall ineffectiveness of guys like B.J. Upton (.290 OBP), Andy Sonnanstine (7.66 ERA), Dioner Navarro (.212 AVG), Joe Nelson (6.23 ERA), Grant Balfour (5.48 ERA) and Dan Wheeler (4.67 ERA) may have tempered expectations of a repeat trip to the postseason. David Price, the 23-year old super-prospect has been entrusted with the task of strapping the team to his back and carrying them back into contention, but as talented as he is, the A.L. East might just be too good.

The All-Star Game Has Become a Popularity Contest:

Okay, so we already knew that. But honestly, what would happen if a few million fans decided to make a joke of the All-Star selection system and voted Barry Bonds to the 2009 Mid-Summer Classic? I am not completely convinced he wouldn’t have a spot reserved.

The system in place gives the fans the power to affect the World Series and I do not believe that should ever be the case. If the game is going to have an impact on postseason play in anyway, the popularity element needs to be taken out of the equation or the game should be reverted back to an exhibition. We are all aware of what is going on with the Manny Ramirez’s All-Star vote tally, but even if he is one of the best outfielders in the game, his presence would send the wrong message to young ballplayers all over the country. He was caught cheating and should not be able to represent the league in any capacity until he has served his time and earned the spot. He will return to the Dodgers’ lineup before the All-Star Game rosters are announced, but his performance on the field this season is not even close to enough to justify giving him a spot.

So, let’s take a look at who I think has earned the right to start in the 2009 All-Star Game.

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

C. Bengie Molina (SF) – Brian McCann could certainly close the gap in the next month, but Molina’s stellar defense behind the dish gives him the nod for now.

1B. Albert Pujols (STL) – He is the best player in the game, and it isn’t even close.

2B. Chase Utley (PHI) – Gold Glove caliber defense and he may just be the best hitting second baseman in the majors.

3B. David Wright (NYM) – Part of me really wants to give it to Ryan Zimmerman, but Wright has just been too good.

SS. Hanley Ramírez (FLA) – He hasn’t caught fire yet, but an injury to Jose Reyes (calf) and Jimmy Rollins’ slow start have thinned the field considerably.

OF. Raúl Ibañez (PHI) – Nobody has exceeded expectations like Ibañez has in 2009. He is in the top five in each of the Triple Crown categories and his defense has actually been a asset in Citizen’s Bank Park.

OF. Justin Upton (ARI) – Upton was as close as you can get to being sent to Triple-A without actually being demoted in late April, but he has hit .373 with a 1.154 OPS over the last month of the season. With his potential you should be able to write his name into the All-Star Game starting lineup for the next 15 years.

OF. Carlos Beltran (NYM) – I really wanted to write down Juan Pierre’s (.374 AVG, 20 RBIs, 1.000 fielding percentage) name in this spot, but for some reason my computer kept erasing his name. Weird.

SP. Johan Santana (NYM) – Simply the best pitcher in the game.

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

C. Joe Mauer – I have always thought he could someday be considered the greatest catcher to ever play the game if some of those doubles turned into home runs and he could stay healthy. Well?

1B. Mark Teixeira – Routinely a second half player, Teixeira has turned it on over the past month. And, oh yeah, he is the sole reason the New York Yankees have broken the record for most consecutive games without an error.

2B. Ian Kinsler - He is the only player in the majors who could rival Chase Utley for the title of best two-bagger in the game.

3B. Evan Longoria – League leader in RBIs (55) and bargain-basement contracts.

SS. Jason Bartlett - Though, Derek Jeter will likely assume his usual spot in the A.L. All-Star lineup, Bartlett is the more deserving shortstop. Before being placed on the 15-day DL, Bartlett (ankle) lead all of baseball with a .373 AVG and also lead all everyday Major League shortstops with 30 RBIs, 14 steals and a 1.014 OPS.

OF. Jason Ramirez Bay – It’s amazing what the incentive of playing for a World Series and a new contract can do to a player. Bay has somehow channeled Manny Ramirez circa 2005 and is on pace to obliterate career-highs in ever offensive statistical category this year. Can you say contract extension?

OF. Tori Hunter – He’s having an under-the-radar type of year. Which basically means he doing what he has been doing his entire career; Pacing the offense while playing flawless defense.

OF. Adam Jones - Remember this kids’ name, because you will be hearing it a lot over the next decade or so. His .344 AVG and 1.005 OPS is second to only Ichiro (.358) and Jason Bay (1.042) among A.L. outfielders.

SP. Zack Greinke – He leads all Major League starters in ERA (1.10) and WHIP (0.90) and is second to only Justin Verlander (90) in strikeouts with 88.

There are a lot of players in the Big Leagues who are capable of earning a starting spot in the All-Star Game between now and July, but these are the guys I believe have made the best case for themselves heading into the month of June.

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Topics: all star game, Rangers, Raul Ibanez, Rays, Tigers, Zack Greinke