Ranking the season's best players who won't play in the All-Star game -- MLB - ESPN
Todd Helton appears on Buster Olney's list of the best players likely to be snubbed for this year's All-Star game at Chase Field in Phoenix. As much as I love Todd (he is my all-time fave, after all), I can't see any non-homer reason to put him ahead of Prince Fielder and Joey Votto. Todd's wRC+ of 132 equals his marks in 2007 and 2009, and his current 2.3 WAR is on pace to match that of 2007 (when he notched a 4.6 WAR). If the National League decides to go with three first basemen, then maybe Todd has a shot. However, odds are long that the 37-year-old phenom will make it to Phoenix.
One guy that isn't even on Olney's list should be given a bit more of a look is none other than Rockies' third baseman Ty Wigginton. Not more than three weeks ago, this would have been considered a laughable suggestion, and I would have wholeheartedly agreed. However, fast forward to July 2nd, and you'll see Wiggy ranking second among National League third basemen (that have anything close to a qualifying amount of plate appearances) with a wRC+ of 120. He trails only Chase Headley, who will likely also be snubbed. Wiggy probably has a better case than Headley at this point, though, as he has out-homered him 13 to 2, strikes out less, and isn't assisted by an absurd BABIP (Headley's is .388; Wigginton's is just .277).
The Giants' Pablo Sandoval (with considerably less PA's) is tied with Wigginton on the wRC+ leaderboard, followed by guys like Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Roberts, Chipper Jones, and way down the list, you'll see the NL's leading vote-getter at the hot corner - Placido Polanco, with a 94 wRC+.
Wiggy's no stranger to the All-Star Game, as he made it in the "superior" league last year as a member of the Orioles. Frankly, he should be there this year too - and this is coming from a guy who admittedly has not been the biggest Ty Wigginton fan in the world.
A couple of links after the jump...
Rockies' Jhoulys Chacin disappointed start moved back vs. Royals | All Things Rockies — Colorado Rockies news — Denver Post
As was mentioned yesterday, Jhoulys Chacin's scheduled start for tonight has been pushed back to Tuesday due to some tightness in his forearm that her first felt during Monday's game in Chicago. Not surprisingly, he really struggled with his curveball in that contest. The Rockies are taking the correct precautions in this situation, as they'll call up Greg Reynolds to make the spot start - with the corresponding casualty not yet known (though it will probably be Edgmer Escalona, who was just called up yesterday).
ONEOK Field Reviews, Tulsa Drillers | Stadium Journey
Paul Derrick recently reviewed Security Service Field in Colorado Springs, and now he has visited and reviewed ONEOK Field in Tulsa. He has a great collection of stadium reviews for all professional leagues and levels. Go check them out.
Mets RHP Buchholz is out with depression, anxiety - WSJ.com
This kind of stuff is always very tough to see. Taylor Buchholz isn't alone in his condition, as even stars like Joey Votto and Zack Greinke have made trips to the DL in the past for the very same reason. Here's to a quick recovery for Taylor, who was very effective for the Mets before injuring his shoulder in late-May.