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Auggie

(31,054 posts)
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:05 AM Jul 2012

MLB All-Star game: Internet voting a failure.

Want to see a "nobody" starting shortstop with a .232 batting average? You almost did.

Baseball fans did indeed stuff the ballot boxes -- in San Francisco. The Giants launched an all-out marketing push in the past few days to get their players elected. They made constant announcements on the air and in the ballpark. They installed electronic terminals at AT&T Park so fans could cast the 25 ballots each was allowed. The result:

• San Francisco's Brandon Crawford, a .232 hitter, came within 306,000 votes of upending Rafael Furcal for starting shortstop.

• Pablo Sandoval, who missed five weeks after his hamate surgery, blew past Wright to win at third base, beating the Met 5.74 million to 4.13 million. Sandoval had trailed by 400,000 in the last update.

• First baseman Brandon Belt, who had only 171 at-bats before Sunday, received 3.9 million votes and finished second behind the Reds' Joey Votto, who got 7.3 million.

• Miguel Cabrera, who fell into fourth place in outfield voting in results announced six days ago, rocketed over Carlos Beltran, Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun to lead all outfielders with 7.52 million votes, nearly 1.1 million more than Beltran got in second place.

• Injured Freddy Sanchez got 2.29 million votes and finished fourth at second base even though he has not played in 13 months.

• Aubrey Huff, currently rehabbing in AAA, got 1.9 million votes for the outfield spot.


Epic fail, MLB. Giants' fans sent you a loud message. The system can be rigged, legally, especially when a franchise promotes ballot stuffing and installs ball-park voting terminals to help. Think this won't spur retaliation from the Yankees? Phillies? Dodgers?

Do you hear the grumbling? Internet voting -- at a maximum 25 votes per fan -- is doing the opposite of which it was intended. Instead of engaging fans it is polarizing them even more.

So do it now -- limit internet voting to one vote per fan.

Better yet -- end fan voting entirely and let current and former players and coaches set the rosters. This will make the game actually mean something.

Info for this post came from The San Francisco Chronicle Sports page on 7-2-12: http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Posey-Cabrera-Sandoval-Cain-are-NL-All-Stars-3677369.php
57 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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MLB All-Star game: Internet voting a failure. (Original Post) Auggie Jul 2012 OP
LOL trumad Jul 2012 #1
When I heard that Ryan Howard TZ Jul 2012 #2
I remember that vote JonLP24 Jul 2012 #5
There's complaining every year..it's nothing new. Upton Jul 2012 #3
Posey didn't deserve to start RockaFowler Jul 2012 #4
He has good numbers JonLP24 Jul 2012 #7
I thought he was a closer RockaFowler Jul 2012 #10
You're correct JonLP24 Jul 2012 #11
He's a closer TZ Jul 2012 #15
Lets take a look.. Upton Jul 2012 #12
You do realize there is more to the game than hitting RockaFowler Jul 2012 #32
Indeed.. Upton Jul 2012 #33
They should not be starting RockaFowler Jul 2012 #35
You're right.. Upton Jul 2012 #44
I guess . . . RockaFowler Jul 2012 #47
Let me say this in defense of Posey: Auggie Jul 2012 #34
Its not debatable about starting TZ Jul 2012 #36
I looked at the stats Auggie Jul 2012 #43
Well I'll be able to compare in a few days TZ Jul 2012 #48
I'd don't vote for the Nats TZ Jul 2012 #6
Gee, thanks TZ.. Upton Jul 2012 #8
I'm sure you do TZ Jul 2012 #13
Yeah---like we take you seriously. trumad Jul 2012 #16
Good to have you back trumad Auggie Jul 2012 #18
Can you imagine how Douchey it is to vote for someone over a hundred times... trumad Jul 2012 #19
+1 TZ Jul 2012 #21
How many times did you vote for Michael Morse last year? JonLP24 Jul 2012 #23
I voted the alloted times TZ Jul 2012 #27
There is no limit on the final vote JonLP24 Jul 2012 #28
Its the all star ballot stuffing TZ Jul 2012 #37
Agree JonLP24 Jul 2012 #38
It would be JonLP24 Jul 2012 #22
No---not even close trumad Jul 2012 #24
It's kinda like a JonLP24 Jul 2012 #25
Douchebags can be counted on to exploit the flaw in any system ... Auggie Jul 2012 #26
How insulting! El Supremo Jul 2012 #29
.... TZ Jul 2012 #30
I'm laughing too Auggie Jul 2012 #31
I guess you would know all about Cheetos.. Upton Jul 2012 #39
Nope---I just know a douchebag when I see one.... trumad Jul 2012 #40
This message was self-deleted by its author Upton Jul 2012 #41
Got some advice.. Upton Jul 2012 #42
Really trumad Jul 2012 #45
You voted for Crawford and Belt? Auggie Jul 2012 #9
Why not? Upton Jul 2012 #49
You picked Belt over Votto? Auggie Jul 2012 #50
With Votto.. Upton Jul 2012 #53
"Brandon Belt is another Bonds" ... Did his balls shrink too? Auggie Jul 2012 #55
"When you screw us it's wrong, when we screw you it's right!" dakota_democrat Jul 2012 #46
Well, as Boss Tweed used to say . . . Jack Rabbit Jul 2012 #14
Wasn't that BossHOG who said that?? Oh wait, he was a Saint's fan. madinmaryland Jul 2012 #57
Yeah, but the Panda should be in because something happened in 2009 Kingofalldems Jul 2012 #17
! TZ Jul 2012 #20
Then there's people like me who vote from mutliple e-mail accounts! joeybee12 Jul 2012 #51
Ahh! The good old days!! Right up there with the "real fan" and BARROID threads!! madinmaryland Jul 2012 #52
I posted a BARROID thread just for you JonLP24 Jul 2012 #54
Thanks, Jon!! madinmaryland Jul 2012 #56

TZ

(42,998 posts)
2. When I heard that Ryan Howard
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:33 AM
Jul 2012

was 5th in voting for 1st base it became evident what a joke this is. I also watched the well deserving Michael Morse lose on the beauty contest vote last year (last one in). This isn't about talent.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
5. I remember that vote
Reply to TZ (Reply #2)
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:48 AM
Jul 2012

I think I voted for Todd Helton. Maybe a little bias on my part but he was a very good year at that point. I don't think Helton won either.

I didn't vote this year, many other things I'd rather do online.

Upton

(9,709 posts)
3. There's complaining every year..it's nothing new.
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:35 AM
Jul 2012

Schulman reminds me of Ratto..lets cause some controversy by running down the hometown heroes.

In 2009..Wright, in the first half, hit .324 with five homers and 44 RBI and was voted as the NL starting third baseman.. Pablo's numbers in '09 were .330/15 HR/55 RBI and he, unlike Wright this year, didn't even get a reserve spot.

Don't you think it's about time Pablo got a break?

And Melky and Posey deserved it...

What MLB needs to do, is not produce the final ballots until about a month before the game. That way, you won't have players like Sanchez as the only Giants selection at 2B. And there were only 2 viable options in the OF, Pagan and Melky...so I went with those two along with McCutchen

I'm a Giants fan..who voted for both Crawford and Belt. I have nothing to be ashamed of. Giants fans have put up with East Coast Bias seems like forever. Payback time. Every time.



RockaFowler

(7,429 posts)
4. Posey didn't deserve to start
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:47 AM
Jul 2012

That should have gone to Ruiz or Molina. Both of whom are having much better years than Poser I mean Posey is.

And the Panda doesn't deserve to be there either. Wright should be the starter. It's a disgrace that those 2 guys are starters.

Oh and why is Chapman one of the pitchers?? Just because he can throw 100 mph doesn't mean he deserves to be there.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
7. He has good numbers
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:52 AM
Jul 2012

referring to Chapman. Is he still a set-up man? If so, I can understand being the set-up for the All-Star team.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
11. You're correct
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:14 AM
Jul 2012

I remembered he was set-up last year but checked, he is a closer this year.

He seems to be sharing the role w/ Sean Marshall. I can't really tell though.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
15. He's a closer
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:29 AM
Jul 2012

and until recently he had unbelievable numbers (I think his ERA was sub .9 at one point). I'm okay with Chapman in.

Upton

(9,709 posts)
12. Lets take a look..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:17 AM
Jul 2012

Posey: .303/.370/.480

Molina: .312/.364/.519

Ruiz: .356/.420/.579

Okay, you can make a case when it comes to Ruiz, but remember he plays in a bandbox..

As far as Molina goes, his numbers and Posey's are virtually the same. Claiming Molina is having a much better year is not supportable. And your claim that Posey's inclusion on to the All Star team is a disgrace isn't either.

Upton

(9,709 posts)
33. Indeed..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 01:26 PM
Jul 2012

then put up some stats supporting your contention that Posey being on the All Star team is a "disgrace'...

RockaFowler

(7,429 posts)
35. They should not be starting
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 01:44 PM
Jul 2012

Or do you have reading comprehension, too??

It's a disgrace that they are STARTING!!!

Upton

(9,709 posts)
44. You're right..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:50 PM
Jul 2012

I went and reread the offending post and you actually do specify starting. So, am I to take it then that while you have objections to Posey starting, you do believe he belongs on the All Star team?

RockaFowler

(7,429 posts)
47. I guess . . .
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 03:59 PM
Jul 2012

Let me see if there are any other people out there. Of the 3 that are on the team, he should not be starting, though

Auggie

(31,054 posts)
34. Let me say this in defense of Posey:
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 01:31 PM
Jul 2012

he calls a great game and has the trust and respect of his pitching staff -- Matt Cain didn't brush him off once during his perfect game. He plays great defense. Consider his batting numbers are skewed playing in AT&T Park.

He has every right to play in the ASG. I agree it debatable whether he should start, though in the last few weeks he's played like he really should.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
36. Its not debatable about starting
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:10 PM
Jul 2012

Ruiz has been doing a TREMENDOUS job this year, hell he's supporting the whole team, Posey is just one of many good players on the GIants. Ruiz is having a career year. Posey a good one, but not nearly in the same category.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
48. Well I'll be able to compare in a few days
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 04:16 PM
Jul 2012

Seen Ruiz play in person a couple of times, Will be seeing Posey in person on July 4th.....

TZ

(42,998 posts)
6. I'd don't vote for the Nats
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 10:50 AM
Jul 2012

that don't deserve it. It cheapens the game. But go in, if you want to make the ASG your own 4th grade popularity contest then don't call yourself a true baseball fan, cause you aren't.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
13. I'm sure you do
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:27 AM
Jul 2012

But I have a lot of baseball friends who are fans of many different teams who think the same way I do. I'm sorry but your attitude IS turning the ASG into a joke. And the smart fans know that.

 

trumad

(41,692 posts)
19. Can you imagine how Douchey it is to vote for someone over a hundred times...
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:49 AM
Jul 2012

and then come on this forum to defend it.

Seriously---this is why this guy is the biggest douchebag on this forum.

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
23. How many times did you vote for Michael Morse last year?
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:57 AM
Jul 2012

Did you have issues for those who voted for Morse as many times as they did last year?

I rarely defend Upton on anything but the blame lies w/ MLB.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
27. I voted the alloted times
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 12:22 PM
Jul 2012

I don't think it was 100 though. I do blame the people who treat it like a popularity contest and vote for players that are hurt are playing like crap or because of past slights.I wish MLB would change it, I blame both. (also, I don't change email addresses to vote more than my alloted slot)

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
28. There is no limit on the final vote
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 12:24 PM
Jul 2012

The all-star lineup vote is 25 times but the final vote is unlimited.

TZ

(42,998 posts)
37. Its the all star ballot stuffing
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:12 PM
Jul 2012

Thats very bad, not so much the final vote, I knew last year Morse would lose to Victorino because the Philly fan base is much larger...

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
38. Agree
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:17 PM
Jul 2012

though this sub-thread starting from #16 was about the final vote. Just to see if it was unlimited I voted for Yu Darvish & Bryce Harper at-least 30 times and they still haven't stopped me.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/fv/ballot.jsp

JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
22. It would be
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:54 AM
Jul 2012

douchey and indefensible if MLB not only disallowed it but didn't encourage it.

I saw the set-up last year when I voted for Helton. I think I only made it up to 15-20 times before I got tired but could have voted many more times.

I think in this case, the douches are MLB for the set-up. Can't blame fans for following the rules.

 

trumad

(41,692 posts)
24. No---not even close
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 12:06 PM
Jul 2012

Some fucking douchebag in his moms basement eating Cheetos---and voting over and over for a player.

That defines douchebag perfectly.

Auggie

(31,054 posts)
26. Douchebags can be counted on to exploit the flaw in any system ...
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 12:19 PM
Jul 2012

You can't change a douchebag. But take away the flaw and their douchebaggery moves elsewhere.

Upton

(9,709 posts)
39. I guess you would know all about Cheetos..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:22 PM
Jul 2012

Issues. Cheer up though, at least presumably you don't live in mom's basement...and one out of two ain't bad.

Response to trumad (Reply #40)

Upton

(9,709 posts)
42. Got some advice..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 02:32 PM
Jul 2012

try educating yourself on the rules of MLB as it applies to the All Star voting..

If possible, and believe me I'm not at all sure it is, you may look less foolish in the future when discussing this topic..

 

trumad

(41,692 posts)
45. Really
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 03:49 PM
Jul 2012

You sitting in your mom's basement voting over and over for a player.....

DUDE..... you're too fucking much.

Upton

(9,709 posts)
49. Why not?
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 04:33 PM
Jul 2012

There really wasn't anybody at those positions that stood head and shoulders above everybody else. So I went Giants.

Have you checked out the Brandon's blog? Seems like Belt might be a little embarrassed about finishing second..

http://brandon.mlblogs.com/

Upton

(9,709 posts)
53. With Votto..
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 05:44 PM
Jul 2012

I'm frankly tired of the sports media anointing him as the best hitter in the NL if not all of MLB (when Hamilton is busy drinking)..

Cincinnati has a park factor of 1.132. Leading to discrepancies like this in Votto's stats:

Joey Votto SLG:

Overall: .632

Home: .746

Away: .515

He's obviously being helped significantly by where he plays. Something that is often overlooked by fans and media alike. Does that mean Votto isn't deserving of an All Star place?..No, but he'll get there without my help..

Anyway, Brandon Belt is another Bonds:



Auggie

(31,054 posts)
55. "Brandon Belt is another Bonds" ... Did his balls shrink too?
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 07:37 PM
Jul 2012

Sorry ... couldn't resist.

Hey, I like Belt, and eagerly await his arrival among the greats. Giants can't win a pennant without contribution from Baby Giraffe. Here's to a productive second half:



Tough week coming up. What's worse, the Nats, the Pirates or the heat?

madinmaryland

(64,920 posts)
57. Wasn't that BossHOG who said that?? Oh wait, he was a Saint's fan.
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 08:06 PM
Jul 2012

Maybe he did vote alot after (or during) a night of heavy drinking!!

Kingofalldems

(38,359 posts)
17. Yeah, but the Panda should be in because something happened in 2009
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 11:46 AM
Jul 2012

and even though his manager picked him over Zimmerman in 2010 as a 'makeup', it still doesn't matter and he should be an all star forever and and and....

 

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)
51. Then there's people like me who vote from mutliple e-mail accounts!
Mon Jul 2, 2012, 05:39 PM
Jul 2012


Not this year, though...didn't vote once.
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