southsider2k5 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 The sting of another All-Star Game snub wore off quickly once Frank Thomas saw the names of other players who didn't make it. "I don't feel alone anymore," he said. "There are just too many great players not in that game--Pedro (Martinez), (Jason) Giambi, Sammy (Sosa). And Roger Clemens should be there in his last go-around. "I don't care what type of first half Sammy had. We all know about the suspension for the corked-bat thing, but he still has 13 [home runs]. For him not to be in an All-Star Game in Chicago, that's a major problem." In Thomas' view, it's not the only one. The 35-year-old slugger criticized baseball's selection process, saying it doesn't give enough credit to established stars. "The league has to get back to the old-school way of doing it," he said. "You know the stars in the league, guys who you know [come through] on a day-to-day basis. "Those are your All-Stars, not guys who go out and have two good months. I don't know why the league is leaning that way. I've seen it four years straight. "It's definitely not making the league more marketable. Not when you're leaving all those big stars out of the game, those household names. That's what All-Star Games are about." Thomas also was miffed that Sosa, who had been second in fan voting until the final tally, finished fourth among National League outfielder. St. Louis' Albert Pujols overtook him in the final vote. "C'mon," Thomas said. "They said Pujols got a million and a half votes in four days. Where the [heck] did a million and a half votes come from in four days? I don't trust the voting. Now, nobody trusts it." Thomas smiled after he said that. Perhaps it came out more strongly than he had intended. "I understand the [selection] process," he said. "It's not working, though." Thomas didn't earn the nod for his sixth All-Star appearance despite having 20 homers and ranking fourth in the league in slugging percentage and fifth in on-base percentage. Thomas' teammate, Carl Everett, was selected as the team's backup designated hitter. "I've had better numbers at the break before and gotten snubbed," said Thomas, who got left off in 2000 despite having a .333 average, 26 homers and 75 RBIs at the break. "That's why I didn't make an issue of it. "It's more of a sentimental thing this year with the game being played at Comiskey Park." Thomas still could make the team. He ranks second to Boston's Jason Varitek in on-line voting sponsored by mlb.com that will determine the final players to make the team. The voting ends Wednesday at 5 p.m. Thomas also could be added if Kansas City's Mike Sweeney can't play because of a back injury. "If it happens, it happens," Thomas said. If not, Thomas will go house-shopping in Las Vegas. It seems doubtful that he would tune in to watch the game Tuesday. "I don't feel like the game is what it should be," he said. "The discussion nowadays is what really is an All-Star." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 so Frank still calls it "Comiskey Park" too - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Irish Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 It will always be Comiskey Park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted July 9, 2003 Author Share Posted July 9, 2003 I am alone in thinking that the all stars should be the players who are having the best first half? There should be no "superstar" clause that saids just because you have had great seasons that you should be taking a spot from someone having a better season. The only exception I would support would be a "sunset" clause where the league decides to award an all star spot to a superstar player who is retiring, and give them one last recognition. This spot would not count towards the 32 roster spots of each league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 so Frank still calls it "Comiskey Park" too - lol.....i noticed that too...........but he has a point there about the voting process.. where did a million votes come from??? they should post numbers or something at least it would seem a bit more legit....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Irish Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I agree. The sunset clause would be a great idea. As much as I don't like the guy, Clemens should get to be there as di Ripken, Gwynn, etc....... Then again they were voted in by their fans and Yankee fans must not care because Clemens didn't get in and Giambi is in last in the 32nd man voting. HMMMM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Yankee fans must not care either that or they cant figure out how to point click and send....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Irish Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 That sounds more like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesox247 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I am alone in thinking that the all stars should be the players who are having the best first half? There should be no "superstar" clause that saids just because you have had great seasons that you should be taking a spot from someone having a better season. The only exception I would support would be a "sunset" clause where the league decides to award an all star spot to a superstar player who is retiring, and give them one last recognition. This spot would not count towards the 32 roster spots of each league. I totally agree with that. I'm so sick and tired of all these "superstars" who make the team just because they're "superstars". I know the AS Game is for the fans, but they've got to give it to the most deserving players. I'd much rather see some exciting new guys with good first-halfs than a Giambino hitting .230 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I totally agree with that. I'm so sick and tired of all these "superstars" who make the team just because they're "superstars". I know the AS Game is for the fans, but they've got to give it to the most deserving players. I'd much rather see some exciting new guys with good first-halfs than a Giambino hitting .230 lol well if ya look closely most of the "superstars" didnt make it this year.... poor shamme........ ...no pedro, no giambi........those are some pretty big names to be left off the list............and how does everyone feel about bonds not showing up??? i was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about it......i didnt realize that he wasnt gonna come out here untill i heard them talking ...........anyone have any comments on that one????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted July 9, 2003 Author Share Posted July 9, 2003 lol well if ya look closely most of the "superstars" didnt make it this year.... poor shamme........ ...no pedro, no giambi........those are some pretty big names to be left off the list............and how does everyone feel about bonds not showing up??? i was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about it......i didnt realize that he wasnt gonna come out here untill i heard them talking ...........anyone have any comments on that one????? I have a comment :fyou Barry Bonds. Your dad would be ashamed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Irish Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I know he said something stupid like he is a grown man and he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want but I think I heard his Dad or someone is really sick and he wanted to spend the time off with him. Understandable, if that is the case you can't blame him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I know he said something stupid like he is a grown man and he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want but I think I heard his Dad or someone is really sick and he wanted to spend the time off with him. Understandable, if that is the case you can't blame him. thanks i didnt catch the whole thing on the radio since i was in the car for a short time........if his dad is sick and he wants to be with him then i totaly understand it.. the part i came into the conversation they were talking about how he said hes been there many times before and he didnt feel the need to be there this time around............it helps to have the whole story i guess..........lol...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted July 9, 2003 Author Share Posted July 9, 2003 thanks i didnt catch the whole thing on the radio since i was in the car for a short time........if his dad is sick and he wants to be with him then i totaly understand it.. the part i came into the conversation they were talking about how he said hes been there many times before and he didnt feel the need to be there this time around............it helps to have the whole story i guess..........lol...... That's the part I heard too. Nothing about his dad at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 lol.....i noticed that too...........but he has a point there about the voting process.. where did a million votes come from??? they should post numbers or something at least it would seem a bit more legit....... With all the scripts and hints that have been worked the past couple of days it would be nice if Frank lightened up on the fairness of internet voting Now I need to go back and fulfull my 5,000 vote quota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 Yeah I think BBTN also reported that Bonds is mulling his descion to come because of his dad being sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted July 9, 2003 Share Posted July 9, 2003 I agree. The sunset clause would be a great idea. As much as I don't like the guy, Clemens should get to be there as di Ripken, Gwynn, etc....... Then again they were voted in by their fans and Yankee fans must not care because Clemens didn't get in and Giambi is in last in the 32nd man voting. HMMMM! Remember fans don't vote the pitchers in, so thats up to the managers. I don't think this is Rockets last year so they wouldn't give him any special treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Those quotes by Bonds about being a grown man and he didn't have too..... I think that was referring to the HR Derby. But, yes, Bobby Bonds is very sick and I wouldn't blame Barry for passing on the ASG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathew Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 The fans pick the starters on name recognition, I guess Frank want that to be so for the back ups aswell. I don't agree with him but, I don't care about the AS game either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Those quotes by Bonds about being a grown man and he didn't have too..... I think that was referring to the HR Derby. But, yes, Bobby Bonds is very sick and I wouldn't blame Barry for passing on the ASG. The elder Bonds has at least one form of cancer, I can't remember which kind, but I thought I remembered reading that a second form developed, but I could be wrong. From what I have read via yahoo and other sources, his dad isn't doing too well at all. The guy is relatively young too (in his early to mid 50's I believe). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted July 10, 2003 Share Posted July 10, 2003 Remember fans don't vote the pitchers in, so thats up to the managers. I don't think this is Rockets last year so they wouldn't give him any special treatment. He has said in several places (Sporting News Weekly, an article I read on yahoo) that he plans on retiring after this year to be with his kids. Of course that could change really quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.