Felipe Lopez is an All-star

[Kirkendall]

I wrote this on my blog, but wanted to put it here too to see how far off-base I am. Not only do I think Felipe should be an all-star, but I think he should be the starting shortstop. Here's what I got (joesph, please notice the line breaks ):

Reds shortstop Felipe Lopez is behind Cesar Izturis, David Eckstein, Nomar Garciaparra, Clint Barmes, and Jose Reyes who round out the top-five at shortstop.

First of all, Clint Barmes fractured his left collarbone, probably will miss the rest of the season and, somehow, ranks fourth amongst NL shortstops. If that’s not insane enough, Nomar Garciaparra hasn’t played since April 20th from a ruptured tendon in his groin.

So both players above justifies taking the starting positions players away from fan voting. Neither player has proved to be an all-star while the likes of Lopez and Bill Hall (Brewers) sit around anonymously. Anyway, here's a run down of the top five shortstops in fan voting (minus Garciaparra and Barmes) with Felipe at the bottom.

Jose Reyes: 86-326 .264, 13 doubles, 8 triples, and 3 homers. With 288 total chances, Reyes has 8 errors for a .972 fielding percentage.

Cesar Izturis: 83-301 .276, 12 doubles, 2 triples, one yak. With 329 total chances, Izturis has 8 errors for a .976 fielding percentage.

David Eckstein: 83-283 .293, 9 doubles, 4 triples, and two jacks. With 352 total chances, Eckstein has 9 errors for a .974 fielding percentage.

Felipe Lopez: 73-240 .304 18 doubles, one triple, and 13 homers. With 215 total chances, Lopez has five errors for a .977 fielding percentage.

Do you think Lopez should be the starting shortstop for the 2005 All-Star game?

[bengalboomer7]

I did not know his numbers were so good

Do I think he should? Maybe

Do I think it will happen? Not in a million years.

However, this guy does offer some hope for the future. After years of hearing guys like Pokey Reese being tabbed as Larkin's successor, it's nice to see this young guy out there

Now let's get some pitching

[jditty47]

he might make the team, will he start no.

[Kirkendall]

He has better offensive numbers, in the major stat dept., than any starting shortstop in the league. His defense is comparable to those listed in the fans voting.

I guess the question should be, "should fans still vote for the all-star team" if the game has meaning behind it? For us National Leaguers I'd rather have the best option at SS and Felipe is IT!

[CBin2k7]

Lopez deserves a spot on the all star team. He has been the best offensive shortstop in the NL.

[bengalboomer7]

That I think is a very important question Kirk, fans have no business whatsoever voting for the All Atar Game, especially since now it decides home field in the World Series(which is also completely stupid!) Oh no, I feel a rant coming on, must fight,aaaahhh

Why the hell does the all star game have anything to do with the World Series. Does the season mean nothing? Here's a thought, shouldn't the team that did the best over a very long (and boring ) 162 game season get to play at home. Why the hell did Bud Selig think this is a good idea?

AND, if the All Star game means so much why let casual fans vote over and over for their home town players. Nomar in the All star game!! It'll be tough to play short with a walker slowing him down!

Just fuel to the fire that is burning away our so called National Pastime.

Is it football season yet

[Rimington over Marino]

I am not upset over Lopez not getting more popular vote. It is his 1st full season and the Reds pitchers suck. Look how many votes Griffey is getting. Lopez day will come. If he stays healthy and consistent, he may start a Larkin like streak of All Star appearances.

As I am writing this I am amazed Milton has a shutout going into the 6th inning. I never woulda guessed that would ever happen.