So the issue isn't that he did it, rather that he didn't admit to it... Fair enough.

 

No, the issue is that he admitted doing it, then backtracked and gave a bogus explanation.

So the issue isn't that he did it, rather that he didn't admit to it... Fair enough.

That, and the fact that he stated he did it to begin with. It was like saying well Jeter got a double because I grooved him a pitch. It certainly took away from Jeter's moment IMO.

The bigger issue is that Waino was starting the game and not Kershaw.

That, and the fact that he stated he did it to begin with. It was like saying well Jeter got a double because I grooved him a pitch. It certainly took away from Jeter's moment IMO.

 

That's a matter of perspective. I think he meant it as a sign of respect though he disrespects the unwritten rule.

No, the issue is that he admitted doing it, then backtracked and gave a bogus explanation.

 

That, and the fact that he stated he did it to begin with. It was like saying well Jeter got a double because I grooved him a pitch. It certainly took away from Jeter's moment IMO.

 

I don't disagree that he probably should have kept his mouth shut, but I still don't see that big of an issue with it.

That's a matter of perspective. I think he meant it as a sign of respect.

 

I guess we think differently. To me the sign of respect would have been to do my best to get him out. Do you think McCutchen should have slowed down and let Jeter throw him out at 1st on the great diving stop Jeter made in the 1st inning?

The bigger issue is that Waino was starting the game and not Kershaw.

 

I would have started Kershaw as well but understand the politics of why they didn't. You think Kershaw would not have grooved one for Jeter?

I have no problem Wainwright grooved one, because it created a really cool moment for Jeter. But keep your mouth shut, he took the focus away from Jeter as put it all on him. He took a selfless act and turned it into a selfish one. Not cool

Groove it. Who cares. But NEVER admit it. It takes a little bit away from the moment you were attempting to give Jeter.

Was Jeter offended by this? I bet he takes it as a sign of respect.

I would have started Kershaw as well but understand the politics of why they didn't. You think Kershaw would not have grooved one for Jeter?

 

No I don't think Kershaw would've grooved one. I don't have a specific reason for thinking that way but Kershaw doesn't strike me as the "I'm going to groove one for a retiring player" type of person.

I bet Kershaw would have done the same thing, just would not have admitted to it.

Was Jeter offended by this? I bet he takes it as a sign of respect.

 

He said he wished pitchers would groove them to him all season!

The bigger issue is that Waino was starting the game and not Kershaw.

 

Both were legitimate candidates.

I guess we think differently. To me the sign of respect would have been to do my best to get him out. Do you think McCutchen should have slowed down and let Jeter throw him out at 1st on the great diving stop Jeter made in the 1st inning?

You disagree meaning you believe he meant it to denigrate Jeter?

 

To your questions, no, I already said I wish they take it seriously, but they do not. The game is already gimmicky, let's not make more of it than what it has become.

 

1) Fans vote who plays

2) Every team is required to have a player on the team leading to some no-name middle relief guys on rosters.

3) Guys skip the game

4) The game counts for homefield advantage in the World Series

5) Players play in a limited capacity

 

It's as if we are wanting to pick and choose what the professional code is for a game they take seriously a fraction of the time they are on the field. Admitting a pitcher does something we all know they do is the least of the All-Star game's concern.