Zimmerman, who made a strong push by going 8-for-13 with three homers since learning Sunday he was among the contenders for the All-Star roster spot, finished second out of four finalists (the list originally included five players, but Padres closer Heath Bell was already added to the National League's bullpen yesterday as a replacement for injured Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo.Votto, who leads the NL in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, was selected by fans around the country who had until 4 p.m. today to vote online.
"He's one of the best players of the first half, and I think he deserves to be there," Zimmerman said. "I think he shouldn't even have been on the ballot. He should be the starter at first base."
The Nationals made a strong public push the last two days for Zimmerman, creating an "alliance" with the Rangers, who agreed to share support with third baseman Michael Young.
Zimmerman, who made his first All-Star appearance last season, finished second to Votto but ahead of Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and Braves closer Billy Wagner.
Thus, Matt Capps will be the Nationals' lone representative at Tuesday's midsummer classic in Anaheim. It's the fifth straight year the Nats have sent only one player to the All-Star Game. Only in 2005, when both Livan Hernandez and Chad Cordero participated, has the club had multiple All-Stars.
Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher narrowly beat out Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis for the final spot on the American League roster.
7 comments:
No surprise. I was surprised Zim convincingly got second. I thought Braves fans were going to unite behind Wagner. Zim was given next to no recognition on the MLB show which felt like a diss. Since the Final Vote was announed, it seems to me that he's been the best guy. Certainly, would have been a nice time for MLB network to mention how Zim should be on the roster instead of Omar Infante. Instead of MLB Network kind of just jumped on the Votto lovefest. Not that Votto doesn't deserve all the praise coming his way.
Zim should be the first injury replacement named if a position player can't go. Outside of that, get mad now that one bad month kept you out of the game and go get that Gold Glove and Silver Slugger by punishing the Mets and the rest of the NL East.
I hope it doesn't mean I'm a lousy fan, but I voted for Votto. It was an absolute disgrace he wasn't included the first time around. Love Zimm, he's the better all-around player, but Votto certainly having a finer season so far.
I definitely participated in the charade, submitting probably 50 votes over several days while watching games the past week. I even changed from voting for Kevin Youkilis to Michael Young after being instructed to, helping Youk to be kept off the team.
On another note, it is pretty exciting that compelling arguments have been made for and against trading Adam Dunn. This reminds me of the Dmitri Young and Ronnie Belliard situation of several years ago, but this time there actually is a conundrum. Jim Bowden should have taken anything for Young and Belliard, but Rizzo should follow Bowden's path for Dunn. If Gordon Beckham, carlos Quinton or a similar player is not offered in trade, then the Nats should lock Dunn up on July 31 and have done with it. I remember Dmitri and Ronnie were signed on August 31, but they were lesser players.
I love that none of these BS alliances worked and the two best players made it through, sorry Zim but 3rd base was already crowded and Votto is better than you are!
Frankly Speakly - Who cares what you think. Zim and Votto are better than several in there. Heyward got voted in and he isn't better than the #3,4, or 5 outfielders.
There were cases for Zim, Willingham and Dunn. Zim certainly could make it in if someone drops out. So there is still hope!
Shades of Bush v. Gore, 2000
Has anyone seen an actual vote count, other than that Votto got the most votes 13.7 million or something? Hmmm.
Also, is there an article anywhere that summarizes who was chosen by Manuel and who was chosen in the players' vote?
Post a Comment