The Question of Deserving It
Tim Wakefield was selected today to his first-ever All-Star Game, joining five Boston teammates. The question, of course, is whether he deserves it. Wakefield is on pace for 20+ wins and leads the league in victories, but he has a 4.30 ERA that is right in line with what you'd expect from him -- and is actually worse than what he posted last season, as well as 1995, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005. He wasn't selected to the All-Star Game in any of those seasons. His ERA is good for a 108 ERA+, which isn't particularly All-Star worthy either.
But Wakefield is closing in on the Sox' records for most wins and most strikeouts, he had the bad fortune of having his 1995 season start too late to warrant All-Star consideration. He has been one of the most important parts of two championship-winning teams -- and has been consistently much better over his career than some of the flashes in pans that are selected each year to All-Star teams.
In one sense, Wakefield probably doesn't deserve to be on this All-Star team, but he deserves to have at least an All-Star apearance. I'm happy it's finally happening this year.
He joins more clear cut selections in teammates Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon.
On the Yankee side, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter are heading to the All-Star Game.
Congratulations to all nine of the honorees.


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