All Stars

Well, it's an off day, and without much to write about, let's breakdown the chances of some different Buccos to end up in Detroit for this year's All-Star Game.

Jack Wilson- We'll open with last year's All-Star. He's probably the best defensive shorstop in the NL, despite what people say about Cesar Izturis. If April never happened, he'd probably be a lock for the game what with his defense and a .260 average (especially with SS being such a weak position in the NL this year with Nomar being injured), but hitting .230ish and being a Pirate means it's gonna be Izturis and Eckstein, especially with LaRussa managing.

Daryle Ward- Good numbers, wrong position. He's on pace for 24 homers and 99 RBIs, but has gone a bit cold in the power department lately (only one dinger in June) and is backed up behind Pujols, Lee, Delgado, etc. It's not gonna happen.

Jose Castillo- A longshot, but a maybe. 2B isn't a real strong position in the NL and Castillo has shown flashes of a great glove and a fairly solid bat. I'm guessing it'll go to Loretta, Kent, and maybe even Utley all over Jose.

Mark Redman- Not gonna happen. He's 4-6 and that ERA is ballooning. Hared to believe a starter with a losing record on a cold streak is going to be an All-Star, no matter how good he started.

Matt Lawton- A bit too streaky and on a cold streak. He's only hitting .265, and it's pretty clear hitting is the only thing he focuses on. Thus his resume is not that impressive.

Jose Mesa- Hopefully not, though I wouldn't put it past LaRussa to name Mesa and only Mesa as our All-Star simply to embarass us (he's all about getting edges people don't see). Yep, 19 saves is nice for the halfway point, but 0-5 with a 4.08 ERA is not All-Star worthy. Hopefully LaRussa agrees.

Rob Mackowiak- He doesn't have a position in the eyes of the voter (though he should be an outfielder). Last year Chone Figgins wasn't selected for the game, though he did have the numbers for it. He is the feel-good story though, 53rd round draft pick, that awesome highlight reel for Garret's birthday, an all-around good guy, etc., etc. His recent cold streak and long name (I haven't heard one member of the national media pronounce it any way other than Mah-KOH-wee-ak instead of the proper Mah-KOH-vee-ak) may cost him in the long run.

Jason Bay- He's looking more and more like the choice. After being accused of stealing signs on Sunday, he single-handedly kept us in the game with his two homers, and he did it against Tony LaRussa. ESPN projects him for 33 homers and 88 RBIs, but you get the feeling that he hasn't really gotten hot yet. Despite all the strikeouts he's hitting .305 and has an OPS of .951. The RBIs will come up with better production in front of him. I'll be surprised if he finishes below 100 ribbies when this whole season is done with. He's a solid outfielder (with a below average arm, but not quite an embarassing arm) and he is reigning NL ROTY. My guess is Bay, especially with Bonds out and some other NL outfielders having sub-par years.