An insider look at the All-Star Game
Hi NatsTown,
The first half of the season is winding down and I wanted to talk about the All-Star Game and what it means for those of us in baseball.
First, I think it's great that fans get a chance to pick their favorite player, but I also wonder about some less deserving players getting voted in.
It seems as if it has become as much a popularity contest as a reward for players performing well, especially when it comes to big-name players who have spent a lot time on the DL or guys who play in big markets.
Either way, the players do get to vote as well, so maybe it evens it out; but I hope that the most deserving players get rewarded with that experience.
But since fans can't experience an All-Star game for themselves, here's some perspective on the game from the dugout:
From the All-Star's perspective: Obviously, it is a tremendous honor to be considered one of the game's top players. When a player finds out that he's been selected to the All-Star Game, the happiness on his face is undeniable. It's like the face of a kid in the candy store for the first time.
I imagine most people would be surprised by this, but the truth is that the players work tremendously hard in the offseason, spring training, and the first part of the season, and being honored with an All-Star invite is a much desired reward for all of the sacrifices they have made. MLB does a great job of making those guys feel like kings too! The red carpets are rolled out and the guys have a chance to enjoy the activities that MLB has set up.
For a guy like Zim, making his first trip to an All-Star Game, he's really excited and he's going to have the time of his life. He belongs with those big name guys and I'm happy that he's being rewarded for his work.
From a Manager's Perspective: The All Star game is the middle point to the season, and I like to use this time to reflect on the team's first half and to organize thoughts and plans for the second half.
I also get a chance to spend some quality time with family, in addition to getting out into the community. For the most part, I get to re-energize the troops so we can get ready to have an all-out great second half and build momentum for 2010.
I think we're ready to have a great second half. Our starting pitching has done a solid job over the last month and our team has added some personnel that will improve some of our weaknesses. I'm excited about the next 82-game stretch.
From the Perspective of a Player Not Selected: Players who aren't chosen for the All-Star game typically spend the three-day break at home with family and friends. The short break allows the guys to take their minds off of the day-to-day stresses of their jobs and to get prepared to give it their all during the final stretch.
The 2nd half of the season is also the player's last opportunity to leave a good impression on his team. The way the business of baseball works nowadays, a good second half can lead a player to an improved contract situation, prove to the front office that he deserves to be a part of next year's team, or, if they're a free agent, show the other teams in baseball that he is still an attractive player to try and sign.
Well, I'll be looking forward to your questions NatsTown, but in the meantime, be great!
-MA
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Categories (click for archive)MASNblogs | Manny Acta |
Manny:
Ever since Felipe Lopez left D.C., he has performed much better. You could argue the same thing for Emilio Bonifacio. What in your opinion are the reasons behind this? Do you have trouble connecting to or mentoring players?
Go O's!!!!!!
Thanks for the insider perspective on All-Star week, Manny. I agree about the popularity contest aspect of fan voting. It's impressive that Zimmerman was voted in by his fellow players, IMO. I'll be tuned in to see him introduced at the big game. Hope that you have a good break and also hope to see you in the Nats dugout for some time.
Manny, have a great break. Hang in and good luck, I know you will have a better second half
"Manny, have a great break. Hang in and good luck, I know you will have a better second half"
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Based on the reports today in the media, we now know that Manny will have a better, or at least more pleasant, second half.
Good luck, Manny.
Sorry that you got the ax Manny.
We will miss you!
FINALLY ACTA YOU ARE GONE! Such a long time coming and ur outa here! Excited for the second half now that I don't have to see your emotionless face after terrible calls, seeing you bring in ur bullpen guys (colome is finally gone too, maybe u guys can both go on vacation together and spend the money you didn't earn, 100 games under .500 on ur career almost. YUCK.) And loss after loss with a better team compared to last year. Though it should have happened during the off season the day has finally come and it will be remembered by nats fans as a truly great day. Don't let the door hit u manny. Go nationals and thank you rizzo! P.S. All that's left is kearns dukes and (insert bullpen pitcher here)
Manny - We already miss you. You deserve so much better than the Nationals and you will have a new job in no time. It is our loss. Best of luck Manny. Thank you for everything you did for the team and fans.
Thanks for everything, Manny. I'm sure that you will land on your feet, and in a better organization.
As a Nats fans, this pains me to say, but you're better off Manny. An organization that hires a young manager for the future, gives him very little talent, and fires him 2 and a half years later, is dysfunctional. Good luck.
Dear Manny,
thank you for being such a class act - which is more than I can say for the people who just let you go. I hope the very best for you, everything happens for a reason and I know you already know this. Keep your faith, keep your head up high and know that many of us are praying for you.
Manny,
We will miss you! I join with Carolyn Deck and others who know you to be a class act. I will follow your career and hope you find a team that respects you for the great professional that you are. God bless you and good luck!
Manny, we will miss you! I thought you btought some much needed class to the organization and you have a future so bright, you'd better keep your shades on! I hope I can say the same for our 'Nats. I am a die hard fan, but in all honesty, letting you go won't serve the 'Nats best interests in my opinion. I will remember your tenure here fondly although there were some tough times for the team and fans and I wish you and your loved ones all the blessings God has in store for you. You can hold your head up knowing you did your best. God bless!
P.S. MANNY WITH YOU GONE IT REALLY IS LIKE CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT NATIONALS PARK... connie macta? Yeah ok. Good luck on the second half nats, I don't think it will that hard to do better then the .300 win percentage manny gave us. Goal for the second half- finish the year with 63 wins 99 losses. Triple digits in losses is just painful to watch especially when you watch every game. Bobby valentine see ya next year!
The poor performance of the team was not Manny Acta's fault at all. Joe Torre and Terry Francona couldn't do any better with the personnel assembled. The starting pitching is very, very young and it's part of the growing pains. In the bullpen anytime have to depend on Julian Tavarez for meaningful innings, you know the team is in trouble. Tavarez has had a real solid career and would be more effective as someone who could use just for an inning here or there, but not every day. Same thing for the other relievers. In the field, there just isn't a whole lot of talent there. Zim, Guzman, Dunn and Johnson are solid. Morgan will be good for the long haul, but everywhere else, the players are just not that good. I enjoy watching this team very much as they are very young and fun, and I like seeing a team grow, much like the Braves of the late 80s.
Remember, Terry Francona and Joe Torre have been on struggling teams and have been let go as well. I hope the Red Sox sign Acta as a coach on Francona's staff. Not the first time a quality manager who's in a no win situation has been let go and it won't be the last. Good luck to you Manny, and will look forward to seeing you get back out there with another team. In this day and age with cheaters taking steroids and every other day another player breaks the 500 hr plateau, Manny Act is one of the really good people in this great sport.
I am very sorry that you are leaving. Among other things, your example has helped us fans to be patient with what appeared to be a plan to build a team with young players who are still learning to play in the major leagues. I guess not enough people were willing to be patient. I don't know how your leaving fits into their plan, but keep your trust in the Lord and hold your head high. I look forward to following your future career as a manager and seeing you one October day drenched in champaign. God bless you.