Voting for Pablo ain't easy
Pablo Sandoval, the Giants' rookie phenom third baseman/utility man, is a finalist for the All-Star game, so of course the Giants are pushing hard to get fans to vote for him.
Now, Pablo shouldn't be in this situation - he's having the best season among National League 3rd basemen, hands down - leading the position in average and slugging with 13 homers and 48 RBI. Guys have more homers or RBI or better on-base, but Sandoval's doing well in everything.
Unfortunately, he's not the best choice in the final vote. Matt Kemp, *gasp* a Dodger, is. His numbers aren't quite as good as Sandoval's, except for 19 steals. But they're barely worse, and Kemp plays center field. The National League doesn't have a center fielder and probably needs one. Kemp's having an outstanding season as a small-baller with some pop, and Sandoval's having an outstanding season as a long-baller, but Kemp is the last man standing at his position.
I have voted for Pablo, but I do so with a guilty conscience because I really think Kemp should be in the game. There are 9 positions on a baseball diamond, not 7. Put the center fielder in.
Otherwise, the Giants were chosen correctly, I think. Lincecum should start the All-Star game, and Cain is probably the next-best NL pitcher, and I don't think anyone else on the Giants should have gone. Brian Wilson doesn't throw strikes. I don't care how good his numbers are, they're not as good as they could be if he would control his pitches a little more. Affeldt? Pssh, who? I don't even know if I spelled his name right. Should have been Lincecum starter, Cain reserve, Sandoval reserve. Lincecum may start, he and Cain are in, so the only Giants-hiccup is missing Sandoval - so far.