Top 5 Most Surprising American League All-Star Vote Snubs
By Josh Sippie
May 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman
Jason Kipnis(22) reacts after being hit by a pitch for the second time during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
It happens every year, especially after the first voting update, that a lot of all-star caliber players are judged by the all-knowing fans as not worthy of their vote. This year is no different. However, what is different from this year is it’s apparently now mandatory for all citizens of Kansas City Missouri to vote a straight Royals ticket or they’ll be exiled into Kansas (ew).
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Controlling five of the nine starting positions on the American League all-star team, it only makes sense that there are going to be some serious snubs – players that should be starting based on their stats and talent, but who get ignored by the fans, or because they’re not playing for the Kansas City Royals.
Fans can be a fickle bunch, voting for names rather than what gives their league the best chance of succeeding, but such is the risk the MLB is willing to take by giving their faithful fans the judicial power of deciding who plays and who doesn’t.
Part of the reason the initial voting results are important is because it wakes up a lot of fans. They realize that their players aren’t where they should be and they get out and vote. I imagine that on further updates, not as many Royals will be duking it out on the leader board, but who knows. Alex Rios hasn’t played since mid-April, yet he’s higher than the best No. 3 hitter in the league, Michael Brantley. Makes total sense.
But without further ado, let’s take a look at who’s getting snubbed this early in the all-star race (spoiler: no Royals are on this list)
Next: Number 5