This is something that just hit me, and I have to fume about it.

The 2008 All-Star Game is tomorrow, and the fans have seemed to pick a pretty decent roster for both leagues. But one move in particular puzzles me.

How can Fukodome be in the starting position over Nate McLouth? That is just complete and utter B.S. What exactly has Fukodome done to deserve this honor?

Answer me this: If the Cubs didn’t have Fukodome,. Would they still be at the top of their division, and contending for a world title? Of course!

Now answer this one: Would the Pirates be in 4th place or last place without McLouth? The answer is: Dead last, there is no doubt in my mind that he is the one guy that keeps us from sinking to the very bottom of the NL Central. Sure, we have Jason Bay, Freddy Sanchez, Adam LaRoche, Jack Wilson, and Xavier Nady, but McLouth keeps the team going.

Here are some statistics heading into the All-Star Game.

Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh Pirates CF, All-Star Reserve
69 Runs
19 Home Runs
65 RBIs
.281 Batting Average
11 Stolen Bases

Kosuke Fukodome, Chicago Cubs CF, All-Star Starter
59 Runs
7 Home Runs
36 RBIs
.279 Batting Average
8 Stolen Bases

As you can see, McLouth tops Fukodome in every category. This is ridiculous, and the Cubs players who are doing a below-average job are getting recognized because the team is doing terrific. But, when a team like Pittsburgh is doing bad, the above-average Pirate players get overlooked.

That’s all I’ve got to say about this topic. Let me hear your opinions.

-Mike Greenspire