I won’t stay on my soapbox long but do need to give my two cents on All-Star season. It recently came to my attention that fans can vote for the Triple-A starters until midnight today. It is a fine idea in theory but flawed due to one good problem. Look at examples A) Jurickson Profar, Round Rock and B) Nolan Arenado, Colorado Springs. Both are still listed on the ballot and have name recognition given they no longer perform their craft in the Minor Leagues.
I have no problem letting the fans vote if the ones they pick will actually be playing in the games. Of course if you look at the relief pitchers listed for Memphis and don’t feel Jorge Rondon or Victor Marte are deserving, there is a third option. I could be going out on a limb here but doubt Barret Browning will be making an appearance July 17th in Reno. The Redbirds released the one-time St. Louis Cardinal a month ago but is still listed on the ballot.
Tuesday, June 25th
White smoke — Tyler Lyons, Memphis, 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO
Gray smoke — Josh Lucas, GCL Cardinals, 3.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 3 SO (rehab start)
Black smoke — Alex Mejia, Palm Beach, 0-4, K, 2 Errors
As for the exhibition contest, it was not much of a game down in Springdale. Outgoing Houston prospect George Springer took two Springfield Cardinals deep and can look fondly back on what will most likely be his final AA at-bats. I personally like the rules that allow players to be replaced by other teammates, but I wonder in the case of the Cards if it was the right call. More on that for tomorrow’s SS.
