Monday, July 06, 2009

Fat Guy, Animated Gesticulator Ahead of Kemp in Final Vote

Looks like Matt Kemp is tracking third in the field of five for the NL's last All-Star Game slot, dictated by the "Final Vote" campaign. As of 2p on Monday the 6th:

Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler and Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval are the early leaders in the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote, which is under way through 4 p.m. ET on Thursday exclusively at MLB.com. [...]

Sandoval has a slim lead in the National League race over center fielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies, center fielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs and shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals.

But wait, there's hope for Kemp (and Dodger fans) yet!

Recent history shows mixed results for those who have taken early leads in the Final Vote. Last year, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria and Brewers right fielder Corey Hart were the narrow leaders after the first day, and they went on to the Midsummer Classic at old Yankee Stadium. In 2007, Padres pitcher Chris Young led after the first update -- but early leader Jeremy Bonderman of the Tigers ultimately was overtaken by winner Hideki Okajima of the Red Sox.

In 2006, Nomar Garciaparra was the first announced leader and he eventually won the selection. But it was Minnesota wunderkind pitcher Francisco Liriano who was the AL's leader through much of the early voting, only to be passed by winner A.J. Pierzynski of the White Sox on the morning of the last day of voting.

What are you waiting for, people? VOTE BISON NOW!

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