Jeter Discusses All-Star Game Criticism

From MLB.com:

"I understand disappointment," Jeter said. "I was disappointed; I told [the media] I was disappointed when I made the decision. It wasn't an easy decision, but I felt it was a decision that was best for our team for the second half of the season. I understand the disappointment, but I was just surprised by the coverage of it, especially considering that it wasn't a story until Tuesday."

...

Among those was the Mets' Carlos Beltran, who said, "I don't know if his calf's still bothering him or not. Jose [Reyes] is on the DL, [but] Jose decided to come. I do believe that as a ballplayer, if you have no injuries, you should be here, because the fans are the ones who vote for you, who want to see you here. But if those players have injuries, sometimes they prefer to get the rest and take treatments, and try to get better for the season."

Jeter responded by saying, "If I went out there, I was going to play. If I went out there, that was the plan, to play."

And when told about the comments made by Beltran and the Cardinals' Lance Berkman, who made a similar statement, he said, "I'm happy they had good first halves. Congratulations to them for making the All-Star Game. I've never commented on people unless I know all the facts. I guess that's the best way to put it."

...

"Last I checked," he said, "the head baseball official had no problem with it."

...

"I do," he said. "It's just interesting, because when I got hurt, everybody's talking about how difficult an injury it is and [how] it takes until the offseason and it's serious, and you don't want to come back too soon. And then I decided to take some days to help out, and it turned into this. Yeah, the days help."

It's also mentioned in the article that Jeter dismissed the FOX report that he missed the game because of "emotional and physical exhaustion."

First-Half Report Card: Starters

CC Sabathia, A+

Named an All-Star for the second consecutive year, Sabathia shut out the Rays in the last game before the break for his league leading 13th win against just 4 losses. As good as Sabathia has performed in his first two seasons in New York, this may turn out to be his best.

Bartolo Colon, A+

When evaluating Colon, one has to consider what was expected of him entering the season. His signing was met with mockery and ridicule, perhaps justifiably, as the hurler had not been healthy since his Cy-Young award winning 2005 season. Now, beneficiary of a revolutionary stem-cell surgery, Colon is pitching better then at any other time in his career and is a legitimate top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Paired with Sabathia, the Yankees have a 1-2 punch of ample proportions (literally).

A. J. Burnett, C+

The A. J. Burnett of the first half is the best version one could hope for. I think everyone has stopped day-dreaming of what could be if he were to ever harness his stuff. He gets points for curtailing innings of spontaneous self-combustion.

Freddy Garcia, A+

It would be impossible to ask anything more of Freddy Garcia. The man seldom touches 90 miles-per-hour on the radar gun yet has pitched to a 3.13 ERA in the first half. 11 of his 15 starts have been quality (6 innings pitched, 3 or fewer earned runs allowed).

Ivan Nova, B

Ivan Nova was rewarded for a quality first-half performance with a demotion to AAA. Admittedly, the Yankees had little alternative with the return of PHil Hughes. They could have put Nova in the bullpen but decided they'd rather have him continue starting in the minors.

Phil Hughes, F

Let's face it, Hughes has been an underachiever since his arrival on the scene in 2007. This season has been no different. Possibly falling victim to the effects of last season's inning-spike, Hughes has been derailed by the infamous "dead arm". He has totaled only 15 innings in his four starts, allowing 18 earned runs. After a prolonged stay on the DL and extensive rehabilitation, Hughes returned before the All-Star break and showed off a slightly better fast ball.

Follow A. X. Sayed on Twitter. Friend on Facebook.

2011 All-Star Game Lineups

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Curtis Granderson, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Jose Bautista, RF
Josh Hamilton, LF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Alex Avila, C

Pitching: RHP Jered Weaver

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Rickie Weeks, 2B
Carlos Beltran, DH
Matt Kemp, CF
Prince Fielder, 1B
Brian McCann, C
Lance Berkman, RF
Matt Holliday, LF
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Scott Rolen, 3B

Pitching: RHP Roy Halladay

For the full rosters, click here. First pitch is set for 8PM and the game is on FOX.

Selig Defends Jeter

From Mark Feinsand:

Some MLB officials may be disappointed with Derek Jeter's decision not to attend All-Star festivities in Arizona this week, but Commissioner Bud Selig isn't one of them.

"There isn't a player in the last 15 years that I've been more proud of Derek Jeter," Selig said during a meeting with the Baseball Writers Association of America Tuesday morning. "I think I would have made the same decision."

Wow, for once I actually agree with Selig. Shocking.

Home Run Derby Highlights

Robinson Cano is Your 2011 Home Run Derby Champion

And to make things even sweeter, he beat Adrian Gonzalez in the final round. It didn't look good for Cano after Gonzalez knocked 11 balls out of the yard to start the final round. But with his father throwing to him, Robbie would put on a show, blasting 12 out with just six outs to lock up the title.

He also hit about three or four out that were 460 or longer.

Nicely done, Robbie. Congrats!

Sabathia, Yankees Shut out Rays 1-0

 

CC Sabathia, who before the game was named to the All-Star game after being snubbed in the initial selection process, substantiated the honor by recording a 1-0 complete game shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

Continuing a recent trend of excellence, the burley left-hander struck out 9 while surrendering only 4 hits and 1 walk. In his last ten starts, Sabathia is 9-1 with a 2.42 ERA.Rays starter James Shields, also an All-Star, matched Sabathia for much of the game but suffered the loss due to an errant throw on a pick-off attempt of Robinson Cano in the seventh inning. Cano lead off the inning with a single and and advanced to third when Rays center fielder B. J. Upton threw a ball into the seats trying to chase back the runner after a fly-out.

Shields's throw seemed to catch both Cano and third baseman Sean Rodriguez off guard and sailed down the left field line allowing the only run of the game to score.

 (Boxscore)

Follow A. X. Sayed on Twitter. Friend on Facebook.

News & Notes: CC, Swish, Robertson

- During his dominating performance against the Rays this afternoon, CC Sabathia was named an All-Star, replacing today's game's loser, James Shields. CC, however, will not travel to the game since he's ineligible to pitch because he started today.


- David Robertson was also added to the team and will be at the game. He's replacing yesterday's Rays starter, David Price. That makes 8 Yankees to make the team.

Nick Swisher sat again today, but does expect to return to the lineup after the ASB. “I feel good (Sunday), but we’ve got three days (of rest) coming up too so I don’t see the point of rushing it,” Swisher said. “Either way, I’ll just get back after the break.

A-Rod and Jeet Replaced by Youkilis and Peralta

From MLB:

Major League Baseball on Friday night announced several changes to the American League All-Star team and lineup. Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta and Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis were added to the roster.

Peralta and Youkilis replace New York's Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, who earlier in the day announced they weren't going to participate in the game, citing injuries. Both replacements were named by Texas and AL skipper Ron Washington because Jeter and Rodriguez were fan-elected All-Stars.

Also, Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was named the AL starting shortstop in place of Jeter. Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre was named the starter in place of Rodriguez.

6 Yanks Headed To Arizona

Six Yankees will be headed to Arizona for the midsummer classic next week. Robinson Cano (3rd all-star game), Derek Jeter (12th), Alex Rodriguez (14th) and Curtis Granderson (2nd) were voted in as starters. Russell Martin (3rd) and Mariano Rivera (12th) also made the squad.

If you ask me, both CC Sabathia and David Robertson deserved to be there as well. Mark Teixeira, who probably also deserves to be there, might participate in the HR Derby.

Here are the rest of the 2011 MLB All-Star game starters:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox
2B: Robinson Cano, Yankees
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
OF: Curtis Granderson, Yankees
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox
C: Alex Avila, Tigers

NATIONAL LEAGUE

1B: Prince Fielder, Brewers
2B: Rickie Weeks, Brewers
3B: Jose Reyes, Mets
SS: Placido Polanco, Phillies
OF: Lance Berkman, Cardinals
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers
OF: Matt Kemp, Dodgers
C: Brian McCann, Braves

AL All-Star Voting Update #5 - Just a day left to vote!

Remember folks, Thursday is the final day to vote.

2011 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR BALLOTING (as of June 28)

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 2,779,592
Alex Avila, Tigers: 2,345,065
Joe Mauer, Twins: 1,699,604
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox: 1,505,143
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 1,309,802

FIRST BASE
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 4,014,722
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 3,077,242
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 2,184,480
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 1,209,258
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 932,422

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 4,724,816
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 2,979,181
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 1,896,259
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 1,127,840
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 963,481

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 3,735,406
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 2,935,373
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 2,724,286
Evan Longoria, Rays: 2,000,379
Brandon Inge, Tigers: 633,519

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 3,392,128
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 2,885,778
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 1,971,514
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: 1,178,114
Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: 1,099,744

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 4,237,014
Michael Young, Rangers: 2,235,504
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 1,453,385
Victor Martinez, Tigers: 1,234,879
Johnny Damon, Rays: 1,028,366

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 5,263,840
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 4,582,419
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 3,173,000
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 3,051,675
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 2,294,337
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 1,912,783
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 1,912,062
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 1,648,599
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 1,499,367
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 1,428,367
Matt Joyce, Rays: 1,226,439
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 1,061,445
David Murphy, Rangers: 1,057,887
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 1,033,014
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 924,326

(Source: MLB.com)

AL All-Star Voting Update #4 - Gonzalez Widens Lead on Tex

2011 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR BALLOTING

(as of June 21)

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 2,226,797
Alex Avila, Tigers: 1,730,511
Joe Mauer, Twins: 1,341,474
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox: 1,135,617
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 980,697

FIRST BASE
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 3,017,960
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 2,407,665
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 1,771,893
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 890,468
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 676,194

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 3,664,498
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 2,239,172
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 1,452,880
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 910,941
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 828,771

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 2,876,537
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 2,307,380
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 2,025,438
Evan Longoria, Rays: 1,639,405
Brandon Inge, Tigers: 490,734

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 2,654,040
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 2,242,157
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 1,513,929
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: 875,371
Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: 813,888

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 3,116,578
Michael Young, Rangers: 1,760,195
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 1,120,830
Victor Martinez, Tigers: 932,711
Johnny Damon, Rays: 864,535

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 4,156,940
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 3,473,227
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 2,400,408
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 2,249,323
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 1,789,097
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 1,537,101
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 1,462,426
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 1,271,843
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 1,120,179
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 1,112,720
Matt Joyce, Rays: 1,038,098
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 906,983
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 867,281
David Murphy, Rangers: 785,630
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 764,817

(via MLB.com)

AL All-Star Voting Update #3

2011 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR BALLOTING

(as of June 14)

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 1,712,156
Alex Avila, Tigers: 1,093,070
Joe Mauer, Twins: 1,041,798
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox: 763,607
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 751,858


FIRST BASE
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 2,027,537
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 1,774,024
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 1,295,547
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 692,670
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 507,547

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 2,649,737
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 1,518,231
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 1,129,023
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 732,308
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 633,533

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 2,063,520
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 1,752,729
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 1,381,381
Evan Longoria, Rays: 1,226,770
Maicer Izturis, Angels: 364,623

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 1,931,670
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 1,647,802
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 1,180,962
Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays: 640,395
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: 540,601

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 1,974,918
Michael Young, Rangers: 1,428,833
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 810,672
Travis Hafner, Indians: 691,205
Johnny Damon, Rays: 672,529

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 3,042,091
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 2,406,946
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 1,799,339
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 1,447,715
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 1,231,035
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 1,222,687
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 1,123,608
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 937,365
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 796,905
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 778,871
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 752,687
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 739,930
Matt Joyce, Rays: 737,377
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 642,387
David Murphy, Rangers: 622,160

Only real change is that Adrian Gonzalez has taken the lead from Tex at first. 

2011 AL All-Star Voting Update #2

From MLB.com:

2011 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR BALLOTING (as of June 7)

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 1,317,557
Joe Mauer, Twins: 829,073
Alex Avila, Tigers: 722,385
Carlos Santana, Indians: 588,407
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 515,274

FIRST BASE
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 1,333,445
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 1,268,706
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 962,242
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 453,354
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 370,897

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 1,930,762
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 963,996
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 782,285
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 577,746
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 518,942

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 1,515,188
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 1,224,381
Evan Longoria, Rays: 939,549
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 852,260
Maicer Izturis, Angels: 283,131

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 1,454,795
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 1,162,728
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 831,061
Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays: 482,614
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: 344,198

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 1,160,590
Michael Young, Rangers: 1,033,514
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 626,495
Travis Hafner, Indians: 575,407
Johnny Damon, Rays: 544,421

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 2,142,867
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 1,725,654
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 1,229,040
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 970,622
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 871,897
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 768,115
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 747,644
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 712,924
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 616,328
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 597,890
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 573,420
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 524,758
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 501,187
Matt Joyce, Rays: 497,847
Sam Fuld, Rays: 433,784

AL All-Star Voting Update #1 - Yanks & Bautista Lead the Way

From MLB.com:

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 843,459
Joe Mauer, Twins: 593,949
Alex Avila, Tigers: 407,463
Carlos Santana, Indians: 395,892
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 337,737

FIRST BASE
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 827,247
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 685,262
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 657,594
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 278,055
Adam Lind, Blue Jays: 256,782

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 1,185,952
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 586,361
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 502,012
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 384,004
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 352,904

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 945,127
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 755,551
Evan Longoria, Rays: 588,463
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 491,422
Maicer Izturis, Angels: 199,423

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 931,410
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 672,105
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 560,309
Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays: 320,874
Erick Aybar, Angels: 215,991

DESIGNATED HITTER
Michael Young, Rangers: 646,979
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 618,609
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 414,733
Travis Hafner, Indians: 407,334
Johnny Damon, Rays: 353,340

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 1,261,659
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 994,315
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 748,240
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 674,406
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 514,006
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 494,721
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 465,984
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 457,185
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 440,626
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 407,517
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 370,989
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 366,575
Sam Fuld, Rays: 310,520
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 307,684
B.J. Upton, Rays: 277,173

Keep up the good work, Yankees fans.