Player Profiles: Jose Bautista

After the 2010 season, Jose Bautista came into 2011 with something to prove. He had always been a reject of a player, dumped off by many teams, including the Rays, Pirates and Royals and Orioles. But John Farrell believed in him and gave him a shot. Well, he dropped 54 bombs on the American League, and suddenly everyone was talking about how he was on steroids. Joey Bats is not on steroids, and he is a flat out boss. He hit .302 this season while tallying the highest SLG and OPS in the league. He improved his walk rate dramatically, walking 132 times, most in the American League, in 28 less plate appearances than his 2010 campaign. He also became more versatile, showing critics that he can play third base and right field effectively. Though Bautista won't see anymore playing time at third (prospect Brett Lawrie was promoted mid-season), he is more than capable in right field, making a spectacular play in the All-Star Game.

Well, Its been awhile...

The "long-awaited" return of this blog is officially underway. As of now, I'm sitting in Oklahoma City trying to find a channel to watch the All-Star Game. Speaking of All-Stars, this year's roster seems to be missing a few perennials, such as Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and all of the pitchers that pitched this past Sunday. The MLB All-Star game has essentially become a joke due to the absence of the real "Stars." It is a shame that the fanfare around the game has become so strong that a few voted-in All-Stars do not want to attend. (Yes Jeter, I'm talking to you.) But more specifically, Aramis Ramirez. What the heck? He was invited by NL Manager Bruce Bochy of the San Fransisco Giants, but declined the invitation because he was going to visit family in Puerto Rico. I understand that he was invited on Friday, but other All-Stars, such as Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and Miguel Montero of the Arizona Diamondbacks were invited AFTER Ramirez, yet they're still attending. Considered an All-Star is supposed to be an honor, yet the top players in the league are declining to even go to the fanfare before the game. Last year, Troy Tulowitzki was injured, yet he still attended the ceremonies before and after the games. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez didn't even bother to show up to the festivities. I am essentially saying that the All-Star Game is supposed to be an honor, and if you have no desire in attending the fanfare, request for your name to be taken off the ballot. There are plenty of players willing to play in the All-Star game, but don't get the chance to do so.