OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Foxes Add Devers as Boston Retools Staff
BoSox Gain Chirinos and Tejada

The Red Sox and Foxes are both in tough races. The Red Sox are in 3rd place in the AL Wild Card race while the Foxes are in a complete logjam mess of both the NL East and the NL Wild Card races. On the penultimate day of the trading season, the Red Sox got busy and one of their trading partners was the Foxes.

Boston is in need of pitching, owning the second best offense in the AL...and it's worst pitching staff. The Foxes have almost the opposite situation...an offense that's producing everything but runs with a staff that's generally competitive.

The two GMs came to an agreement that could help both clubs.

The Foxes sent Yonny Chirinos, considered a very solid control artist, along with young 3B Anderson Alexander Tejada, prospect 2B Josh Zamudia, and cash considerations to the Red Sox for Devers and a trio of prospects, RF Bryan Gonzales and pitchers Drew Rom and Owen Meaney.

"Yonito" as Chirinos is often called, posted a 6-7 record with a 3.70 ERA so far this season in about 100 IP. Last season, he posted a 3.80 ERA and 3.5 WAR in 180 innings. In addition to his well-regarding command, he keeps the ball in the park, something he might do even better since lefty power at Fenway does worse than it does at The Fox's Den according to analytics. Meanwhile, Tejada should step in relatively well for Devers in what's likely a better lineup. He's a step below Devers with the bat, but capable and probably better defensively.

In addition, the Sox have Bobby Dalbec, also a third baseman. In fact, reports are that Tejada will shift over to second base. Chirinos moves to the #1 spot in the Red Sox rotation.

For the Foxes, they get a potentially potent bat on the infield. While Devers is probably playing over his head this season, already posting 3 WAR, he should be a solid contributer down the stretch and going forward. Devers and Witt, Jr. could be a nice left side of the infield if things go well.

The Red Sox weren't done. They made a trade with the Astros to acquire 1B Brandon Belt and SP Freylin Garcia for a pair of prospects. Belt was inserted into the lineup as starting first baseman. Garcia, for now, was allocated to the minors, but he could very well be in the running for the bottom of a struggling rotation.

The Nationals, one of four teams in the NL East within 2 games of the division lead, added pitcher Jhreal Cotton from the A's. This was a lower profile move, but the Nationals have inserted Cotton as 5th starter, so they feel he can help their squad.

However, they just got word that phenom Juan Soto will miss the rest of the season with a broken kneecap. He suffered the injury in the midst of a 3-for-3 game in which the Nats won 5-2. He was legging out his second triple of the game when he slid hard into third base and couldn't get up. He's expected to miss 9 months with the injury.

The Angels, already severely defying the preseason expectation that they would be a losing club, have added to the offense by picking up 1B C.J. Cron from the Twins for a trio of prospects. Expected to win just 79 games this season, the Angels are already 67-37, on a 12-game win streak, and hold a 9 game lead in the AL West.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

2022 Season

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For the second time in three seasons, the Foxes found themselves on the outside looking in during the final days of the season. The team won 82 games, one of the few BNN projections that came in close to what was predicted.

The problem was September. The Foxes were in solid position, but the starting rotation collapsed as did Carl Edwards, Jr., who saw his ERA balloon in the final month. His ERA was a staggering 14.83 in the final month. Combined with the other relievers having a slump of their own, the bullpen wasn't as consistent as needed.

The defense was also disappointing. What was a shining strength the last couple of seasons turned into a weakness. Witt, Jr. and Lewis were steady on defense, but most everyone else was not, and it led to the team being ranked low in defensive efficiency.

On the plus side, Rafael Devers was a positive influence. He hit 11 home runs in the two months with the Foxes, holding up with his rate the rest of the season. Royce Lewis led the NL in WAR with 6.7 while Witt, Jr. continues to improve. Justin Williams hit 50 doubles as he was strong all season long at the plate.

Another disappointing season will likely have the Foxes looking for upgrades in the free agent market. The team will especially focus on the finding a top-end defender for second base and a pitcher or two, especially in the bullpen and perhaps a starter if one could be acquired without costing a small fortune.

The team may be looking at Conner Jones as the template for what they'll seek in the offseason. Jones again delivered a heavy workload out of the bullpen, working 120 innings.

There are also rumblings that the team might need to move on from Hidalgo, but through no fault of his own.

"He's done fine, but the roster-size change will really stress his bullpen unless the Foxes keep with carrying 13 pitchers, which, now, means only 11 fielders and a short bench. A manager that puts more emphasis, and patience, on the starters might be necessary, " one analyst commented.

There's no word out of the Foxes about any manager changes and no one is commenting one way or another.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

NL Adopts the DH

In another significant rules change, the NL has decided to adopt the DH.

"The NL has devoid of offense and it can't be exciting for the fans of those teams. So, we are going to help that out and put in the DH, " one league official commented.

This change, combined with the shorter rosters, is going to stress NL benches even more. Now, there are nine hitters to arrange, pulling one more player from the bench and into the starting lineup.

It might free up some more player types, though. Players that would be passed over by NL teams might have extra appeal now that the DH is around.

The Foxes might use this to bring in more defense. Tsutsugo or Williams could either head to the DH spot.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Foxes Extend Left Infield Combo
Devers, Witt, Jr. Ink Extensions

The Foxes handed out the first serious dollar value extensions of its history when the organization signed its young infield combo on the left side in Witt. Jr, and Devers.

Devers got his done first, a five-year extension worth about $121 million in total value, clearly indicating that the Foxes will make him an anchor for the lineup.

Then, about a week before the start of spring training, Bobby Witt, Jr., following in similar footsteps that Ronald Acuna, Jr. did in 2019, signed a long term deal even before entering arbitration.

The Foxes signed a 10-year extension with Witt, Jr. that includes a player opt-out after the 7th year and a team option in the final year. The value as stated on the contract, for all 10 years, is $180 million. Even if the contract is voided by the player after 7 years, the Foxes will still get useful cost stability, which is helpful for when other players, like Guzman, McKay, and Williams, for example, come talking for their paydays.

Of course, if Witt, Jr. continues to improve, who knows what that salary number will be, but for now, the Foxes are pleased with the situation.

"It's good to get this done, for both of them. Both players are talented young players that we wanted in a Foxes jersey for years to come. They have certainty of knowing we want them in our long-term plans, and we have the certainty of them being there for those plans. All it is now is up to the players to keep showing the skills they already have that earned them these deals, " Foxes G.M. Ander Lyle commented.

There is still the case of Will Smith, who was somewhat disappointing. He battled injuries and suffered along with the whole team being somewhat disappointing. It bears watching to see what, if anything, the Foxes do in this situation. There's been no word just yet on what the plan is with him. It likely will depend on his performance this season.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

2023 Foxes

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Once again, BNN isn't making many definitive calls about the races in either league.

In the AL, BNN is basically calling it as one big "too close to call". There's an expected four-team race in the AL East, a three-team race in the West, and the Royals in the Central. The AL Wild Card is a big mess and basically pick names out of a hat. In fact, every team but four is expected to be at 81 wins or more wins. Those four are the O's, Warriors, Rangers, and Twins, and only the O's are expected to be below 70 wins. The Royals are projected for 91 wins, the only AL team in the 90's.

The NL is not much different. The Braves are still considered the class of the NL, and having won the World Series two out of the last three seasons and the division each time in those three seasons, it's not hard to figure. Beyond the Braves, it's back to the dog fights. The fight for second in the NL East should be heated once again. The Braves are the only 90+ win team in the NL projected standings.

Given the starting players, the team might should be called the Montreal Southpaws, since all but four players between the rotation and the starting nine are left handed hitters or pitchers, and that's not considering that Wander Franco will likely be hitting lefty most of the time.

For the third year in a row, the Foxes are expected to be just short in a contested season for the duration. Twice, that prediction has come true, once, in 2021, the Foxes sneaked into the playoffs. BNN sees the Foxes as driven by the offense and expected this year to be the breakout year for Witt, Jr., with his power coming online. There's an outside chance he could even be a 30/30 hitter. A full season of Devers should help as well. BNN sees 35 HR from Devers, solidly inline with his previous production.

The Foxes pitching staff should be decent. Nothing great but it shouldn't get in the way either. That would be a win, all things considered, since the rotation is anything but determined beyond McKay at the top. In fact, if the staff didn't get in the way last September, the Foxes probably would have made the playoffs.


The team making strides faster offensively makes sense given their manager. Hildago has always been better at emphasizing offensive skills, and that's been the case so far in his tenure with the Foxes.

One place in the standings the Foxes aren't coming up short is farm system standings. The slow and steady accumulation and searching for talent has landed the Foxes in the top spot overall, although one of its prospects has been knocked down.

Luke Leto has been devalued from 9th to 22nd, still highly ranked but no longer a top 10 in the eyes of BNN. One of those top prospects is Masashi Asai, a pitcher picked up from the SILP independent league. He's well regarded for his potential strikeout ability. However, he has a very bad habit of giving up home runs, so he'll either need to fix that or really maximize his stuff to reach those lofty expectations.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

September Arrives and Foxes Eye Division
Blazing Second Half has Foxes in Position

The Foxes looked be hovering around .500 as has been the norm, keeping them hanging around but never able to build sustained momentum or pressure.

Then, manager Alex Hidalgo demoted Carl Edwards, Jr. to middle relief.

Suddenly, the bullpen fell in line, leads were protected more frequently and fewer late inning runs in general scored. This also allowed for some late-game rallies to turn into wins.

"I'm not going to say that move caused us to suddenly become red hot. I think not naming any closer and just rolling with who is ready and who feels most "on" that day is just helping everyone. There's no pressure and also no let down. You might go two innings if you're mowing people down. I get that freedom as well, " Hidalgo commented.

Of course, the manager didn't want to blame a player, implied or otherwise, for slowing down the team. However, moving Edwards, Jr. and his 4.60 ERA out of many of the late inning roles could only help the bullpen. In addition, it allowed the rapid-developing Mitch McIntyre to receive more work, which has helped him get into more of a rhythm.

Carl Edwards, Jr. had little to say, stating that "he's the manager, it's his call", but it was clear he wasn't all that thrilled.

That said, he sort of dug this hole himself. After three solid seasons, he inexplicable fell apart last season, posting nearly a 5.00 ERA. After Hidalgo stuck with him through that and more of the same this year, a move had to be made with the Foxes just constantly so close.

It remains to be seen how, or if, this will disrupt what's been a happy and excited clubhouse. Reese McGuire and Yo****omo Tsutsugo, the team captains, probably won't let it get out of hand. However, any energy that detracts from the field could be enough to derail things. The Foxes are ahead, but it's not an insurmountable lead.

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

September Arrives and Foxes Eye Division
Blazing Second Half has Foxes in Position

The Foxes looked be hovering around .500 as has been the norm, keeping them hanging around but never able to build sustained momentum or pressure.

Then, manager Alex Hidalgo demoted Carl Edwards, Jr. to middle relief.

Suddenly, the bullpen fell in line, leads were protected more frequently and fewer late inning runs in general scored. This also allowed for some late-game rallies to turn into wins.

"I'm not going to say that move caused us to suddenly become red hot. I think not naming any closer and just rolling with who is ready and who feels most "on" that day is just helping everyone. There's no pressure and also no let down. You might go two innings if you're mowing people down. I get that freedom as well, " Hidalgo commented.

Of course, the manager didn't want to blame a player, implied or otherwise, for slowing down the team. However, moving Edwards, Jr. and his 4.60 ERA out of many of the late inning roles could only help the bullpen. In addition, it allowed the rapid-developing Mitch McIntyre to receive more work, which has helped him get into more of a rhythm.

Carl Edwards, Jr. had little to say, stating that "he's the manager, it's his call", but it was clear he wasn't all that thrilled.

That said, he sort of dug this hole himself. After three solid seasons, he inexplicable fell apart last season, posting nearly a 5.00 ERA. After Hidalgo stuck with him through that and more of the same this year, a move had to be made with the Foxes just constantly so close.

It remains to be seen how, or if, this will disrupt what's been a happy and excited clubhouse. Reese McGuire and Yo****omo Tsutsugo, the team captains, probably won't let it get out of hand. However, any energy that detracts from the field could be enough to derail things. The Foxes are ahead, but it's not an insurmountable lead.

Even virtual Carl Edwards is struggling. When you say you're going with the hot hand, what mechanic do you use for that? Do you not assign anyone to the closer role and assign 2 or 3 guys as "high leverage"?

lol at the language filter censoring the Japanese player.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Even virtual Carl Edwards is struggling. When you say you're going with the hot hand, what mechanic do you use for that? Do you not assign anyone to the closer role and assign 2 or 3 guys as "high leverage"?

lol at the language filter censoring the Japanese player.

IKR?? LOL I should nickname him "Asterisks" or maybe just "****"


Here's my bullpen set up:



Normally, I carry 7 relievers. The bottom two "no specified role" are September call-ups.

No closer and no secondary roles. Setup roles set for early entrance (before 8th/9th) being possible. If they come in early, it lets MR move back. If setup doesn't come in, MR can come and stay in if effective and have energy, allowing setup to get save chances.

Connor Jones ends up with a lot of work this way because he keeps saying in as long as he can/is effective. It also works well with the manager's quick hook in general.

I thought about going all "no specified role", but I do like Connor being in long relief and there's some loose organization, especially with a quick hook manager. Keeps him from going too ADHD with bringing in guys without locking him in with subroles like high leverage or stopper. Also thought about setting setup to MR secondary and 2 MR to setup secondary but that seems redundant and might also lockout the other MR from innings, leading back to some guys getting overworked based on role.

If I could get the Opener/Follower thing to work, I'd try that, too, but I never see it work right. The Follower in the rotation just get outright skipped instead of coming in when the Opener is finished.

Some examples of it in action (played these just now...team now on a 9-game win streak lol).

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Oh, the other things I did was turn reliever usage back to Very Often (what it was in 19) and lowered Reliever Stamina to .900.

Extreme is just stupid. It led to guys getting way too many games and being constantly in the red for energy all year long.

I doubt real relievers are constantly exhausted from mid-April on. When I look at boxes, I don't see entire bullpens dumped out on every 9 inning game...

Relievers still get too many games, but it's reasonable and (perhaps most important) innings are very reasonable. Part of it is OOTP is NOT playing around when it comes to "specialist". There's lefties with 80 games and like 38 innings LOL

[WaitTilNextYear]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Nice write up.

I've tried the opener/follower thing once in Perfect Team and it seemed to work without any problems. My opener (Tom Burgmeier--a historical BoSox reliver) went 1.1 IP and then my follower (Hisashi Iwakuma) went 7.1 IP (probably a little too long actually). I had Iwakuma in the rotation, he was 100% rested, and his game strategy was set to "follower"--it said "fo" next to his name. I had Burgmeier's primary role set as "opener." He was 100% rested and in the bullpen. I didn't designate any other openers or followers on the pitching staff and I had the rotation set for it to be Iwakuma's turn. I also checked my team strategy just so the opener/follower slider was maxed out for that game.

Maybe you find a nugget in that paragraph that makes it work better for you.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Nice write up.

I've tried the opener/follower thing once in Perfect Team and it seemed to work without any problems. My opener (Tom Burgmeier--a historical BoSox reliver) went 1.1 IP and then my follower (Hisashi Iwakuma) went 7.1 IP (probably a little too long actually). I had Iwakuma in the rotation, he was 100% rested, and his game strategy was set to "follower"--it said "fo" next to his name. I had Burgmeier's primary role set as "opener." He was 100% rested and in the bullpen. I didn't designate any other openers or followers on the pitching staff and I had the rotation set for it to be Iwakuma's turn. I also checked my team strategy just so the opener/follower slider was maxed out for that game.

Maybe you find a nugget in that paragraph that makes it work better for you.

Only thing different was that I didn't max the opener/follower in the team strategy. I'll try that come spring training.

Otherwise, I had one follower (with the FO next to his name) in the rotation and only one opener in the bullpen.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

2023 Foxes

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If you want to see the story of the Foxes season, you only need to look at the following two lines:

Pre-AS record: 53-41 (.563)
Post-AS record: 47-21 (.691)

"It was surreal to watch this team in the second half. It's like they were just baseball zen masters. Everything worked, no one got flustered, everyone chipped in, pitching, defense, hitting, everything just fell in line. I've never seen this team play like this, " a local sportswriter wrote in her column.

Indeed, the Foxes probably played the best baseball of their young existence all compressed in a 2 1/2 month time frame. It peaked in September where the team put the hammer lock down with a 24-8 march that took a small lead and turned it into an NL East crown.

What is interesting is there's still not much in the way of classically elite performances on the roster.

WAR likes Royce Lewis (5.7) and Bobby Witt, Jr. (5.1) more than the NL home run leader Rafael Devers (4.7, 39 HR), and those three are the closest to "elite" in the category, and Lewis and Witt, Jr. are as much for their positional adjustment (especially Witt, Jr.) as for the bats.

wRC+, weighted runs created relative to the league, shows the story. Witt, Jr. is at 119, 19% better than average. Not bad, but not elite. Lewis? 130. Getting there. Witt, Jr.? 124. Nope. And those were the best among qualifiers.

What's elite? Jose Ramirez (Indians), 172. Juan Soto (Nationals), 169. Cavan Biggio (Blue Jays), 160. That's elite.

Yet the Foxes were tied for 2nd in the NL in runs scored, 3rd in average, 2nd in slugging, 1st in batting WAR.

"There's a pass the baton mentality that's taken hold in that dugout. No one wants to be the guy to end the threat, kill the rally, or leave a guy on base. No one stands out, but they all do the job, " MLBN analyst Mark DeRosa commented, "I think it's their manager preaching it day after day and the guys are believing it and doing it every time the walk up to the plate."


On the mound, the highly publicized demotion of Carl Edwards, Jr. grabbed the headlines, but what went unnoticed was a strong performance by the rotation. Will Smith might not get an extension from the Foxes, but he certainly put up a contract year that will get him noticed. Meanwhile, reports are that McKay's third consecutive season of solid production will get him to the negotiating table.

Then there's Rollie Lacy who came completely out of left field with a 2.56 ERA.

"He really looked good all year once he got another shot. I think he started getting that change up working and guys couldn't hit him hard, " pitching coach Johnny Gregory commented.

And, of course, the bullpen. Connor Jones continues to be an unsung hero, filling in any gaps necessary along with Brandon Brennan, who was signed this offseason on a minor league contract. Edwin Diaz, another addition this offseason, was also effective, leading the relievers with 13 K/9 and a solid 2.91 ERA.

The Foxes might develop a reputation for having a great home park advantage at this rate, too. The team posted a .691 winning percentage in The Fox's Den this season. This in contrast to being just seven games over .500 on the road. Their 56 home wins led all of baseball.

On the farm, outfielder Juan Salas and infielder Luke Leto continue to do exciting things in the minors. Both have reached the high minors, working at AA-Leon Valley.

A prospect that's causing more conflict is pitcher Masashi Asai. Scouts are in love with the fireballer and think his up-in-the-zone style will produce a lot of strikeouts. The front office is concerned that it will cause produce a lot of home run balls. While scouts agree it's a risk, for now, Asai is showing it will produce strikeouts more than home runs. Though, also for now, he's not assigned to the high minors.

McKay Extended
Five years at $9 million Each

While the playoffs are getting under way, Brandon McKay and the Foxes came to an extension agreement that will net the pitcher about $9 million per year for the next five years.

McKay was acquired in a trade with the Rays near the 2021 trading deadline where he posted a 5.20 ERA before the trade. As soon as he arrived with the Foxes, his ERA dropped to 3.50, and it's been at or lower the next two seasons.

"It's nice to be where an organization believes in you. I do wish I could swing the bat more, I miss it now that the DH is in the NL also, but I enjoy playing for the Foxes and glad it will continue, " McKay commented.

Foxes Playoff Run

The Foxes found themselves down 2-1 in the NLDS to the rival Mets when Larry Allen came up big with six shutout innings and McIntyre picked up the three-inning save to force a game five.

However, the Foxes were overcome in game five, falling 7-4 to have their season end. McKay faltered for one of the few times where he wasn't competitive, and, ironically, the Foxes were shut down by the Mets bullpen, preventing the chance for a miracle rally.

"Like I always say, we have work to do. We won the division, won 100 games, and we got a taste of what we can do when we're on the same page. But we have to keep going and keep improving, " manager Hidalgo commented.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

40-Man Roster is Now 42 Men

Another year, another rules change, and this one expands the secondary roster to 42 players, up from the usual 40. In addition, the expanded September roster will expand to 42 players.

For the Foxes, the change might just mean more Rule 5 selections more than anything else at this point.

"The Foxes have never been shy about making selections in the annual December draft. Now, they might have two more spots to fill. They'll probably use them, too, " one analyst commented.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

2024 Foxes

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The start of spring training ravaged the Foxes. Several injuries struck the team with the worst bring the shoulder tear Rollie Lacy suffered. Lacy will retire due to the severity of the injury. Last season, Lacy was one of the surprise stories of the season, posting a 9-5 record with a 2.56 ERA.

The Connor Jones injury could be a problem if it's long term. Jones have been a huge part of the bullpen, so a long term injury there would leave some big shoes to fill.

Fortunately, Justin Williams will be back soon. Although, Joe Berrera is plenty good enough to play.

In terms of the season predictions, BNN is expecting the Foxes to take some steps back. It is understandable, however. The Foxes were insanely hot the whole second half, and repeating that would be unlikely unless the Foxes were anywhere nearly that good, which is also unlikely at this point.

BNN has the Foxes at 90 wins, which is only good enough for third in the NL East. However, it would be good enough to keep them in the playoffs as second Wild Card out of the NL.

The rotation will be a bigger question mark than usual. Will Smith was indeed allowed to leave via free agency. In addition, Lacy's injury opened up a slot. The rotation moves back towards uncertainty so it is possible that arms in AAA will get a chance should McCarville or Rom, or anyone not named McKay, falters.

The bullpen should remain steady. Carl Edwards, Jr. was moved in the offseason after his agent demanded a trade. James Pazos was signed on to that the spot. The team also sees the return of Art Warren from a 14-month injury, and he will be watched closely for signs of degraded stuff or health.

And much of the bullpen's fortunes depends on how quickly Jones returns.

Offensively, the team is stable. Not even much to say other than Devers might have taken another step forward while Witt, Jr. is again expected to be a 30/30 player. It didn't happen last season, though he did hit 29 home runs with 23 stolen bases.

There are two large figures looming. Juan Salas and Luke Leto appear on the doorstep to the majors. They got a long look this spring, and the consensus was "close but not quite" on their major league readiness. Both Leto and Salas will head to AAA-Honolulu where they will look to demand more than a long spring look...and a possible call-up during the season.

When they arrive, and it looks to be "when" and not "if" at this point, existing starters will need to continue playing well, and it might not be enough.

Also getting a look was the divisive prospect Misashi Asai. His spring performance didn't do much to dissuade his critics within the organization. While his 1.8 HR/9 rate in spring action is not good, and it would hold back his projections if that held true.

Overall, the Foxes farm is still considered one of the best. Most of the prospects are still in the low minors. Only Salas, Leto, and pitcher Arthur Becker are in AA or higher, and Becker is 24 and looking to be a late-bloomer at best at this point.

[KBLover]

Re: OOTP 20 Franchise Progress Thread

Royce Lewis is Foxes' First Ever All-Star Starter,
Winning Tight Race at Center Field

The Foxes have sent players to the All-Star game, but never as a fan-voted starter, until this season.

Royce Lewis collected 2.25 million votes to nudge ahead of Taylor Trammel (Reds), who collected 2.1 million votes.

"I'm honored and will represent the Foxes with pride. The significance of being the first player chosen by the fans for this team is not lost on me, " Lewis commented at a press conference.

Lewis converted from shortstop to center field when it seemed apparent that Bobby Witt, Jr. would hold down the position. While Witt, Jr. likely would have been moved to third base if Lewis couldn't, or wouldn't, make the transition, the then 20-year-old readily agreed and he took to the position rapidly.

However, Lewis' selection is not acceptable to some. Analysts point out Sam Thompson from the Rockies, who is the NL leader in WAR for center fielders and is playing for a 1st place Rockies squad.

"I think a lot of people write off what he [Thompson] is doing as being about Coors Field and 'he's only hitting .240 on the road' and all that. Sure, and he's hitting for more power than you'd think, and maybe it won't last yadda yadda. But this is about what players have done. It's fair to say that Thompson's a snub, " a Rockies columnist commented.

As it is - Lewis will be on the field for the NL. Let the debate over his worthiness rage on.

Also representing the Foxes will be a trio of pitchers. Relievers Mitch McIntyre, who is again proving indispensable in the bullpen, and Art Warren, who is looking like the latest feel-good Tommy John surgery story. McIntyre has a 2.54 ERA in 60 innings of work while Warren boasts a 1.57 ERA in 40 innings of work.

Brendan McKay will work out of the All-Star Bullpen despite not being selected by the fans. His 2.40 ERA is third in the NL.