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You gotta wonder if anyone who votes for All-Stars even looks at how the players are doing (or if they’re playing at all). This year’s voting re-enforces my notion that voting should be left to managers, players, sportswriters, anyone who has a clue.

Yes, it’s the fan’s game and they ultimately pay the the salaries of the players… I’ve heard the arguement before. But why is Garciaparra with his 51 at-bats leading the NL shortstops in the balloting?

Why he’s even still on the ballot instead of Neifi Perez I don’t know. Unfortunately, it looks like the Neifi! write-in campaign isn’t working.

This definitely a situation where democracy is NOT working.

NL balloting results so far

AL balloting results so far

Good Sports Recordings has put out CD of some current and former MLB players singing (and rapping) their favorite tunes. They’re now selling it to the public with a portion of the profits going to the players’ favorite charities.

The biggest name is Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith who probably had some coaching from his American Idol son Nikko. Some other on the CD include Omar Vizquel, Coco Crisp, Sean Casey and Aubrey Huff.

David Pinto from Baseball Musings forked over the $17.99 (plus s+h) to check it out. According to David, musical masterpiece this is not. It might be worth the cash for the kicks and giggles just the same. Check out his review.

According to this article on Bleed Cubbie Blue, this is only the fifth time the Cubs have played six or more straight night games on the West Coast. The last time it has happened was 1983 when they were swept by the Padres and lost 2 of 3 to LA.

Looks like they have a chance to reverse that record this time if they can win tonight.

Champaign, IL native Matt Herges didn’t spend too much time being unemployed. After being designated for assignment a couple days ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks picked him up from the Giants for outfielder Doug Devore.

I noted in an earlier posting that Herges’ has been on the decline in the last year or so. For what it’s worth, despite a high ERA, he did have a career high 23 saves last year for the Giants.

I’ll bet the Giants fans just love LaTroy Hawkins now.

In his second appearance with his new team, he loaded the bases and gave up a grand slam to Chase Utley to lose the game.

But the word is the Giant fans weren’t too happy with the deal before this happened. At least not on this Giant web forum.

So much for making a “fresh start” on a new team.

In their debut game in the Women’s National Professional Fastpitch League, the Chicago Bandits won handily against the Australian team behind the pitching of Jennie Finch.

You might know that name.

Jennie Finch

Finch holds the NCAA record for 60 consecutive wins. She was also a 2004 Olympic gold medalist who went 2-0.

The game before her consecutive win streak started, she gave up a game-winning home run. She says she told herself, “I didn’t want to feel that way again.”

Good luck to the Bandits this season.

The Twins won today but it came at a cost.

In the course of their 4-3 extra inning defeat of the Indians, the Twins lost the services of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Nick Punto.

Morneau was replaced in the 2nd inning. He reportedly “tweaked” his elbow during batting practice. Mauer aggravated his previous groin injury. Punto pulled his right hamstring while trying to steal second.

Morneau is listed day-to-day. Punto, it seems, won’t be so lucky and will be headed to the DL.

On the postive side, Minnesota’s 18 Ks set a club record for an extra inning game.

Juan Gonzalez injures himself after one at-bat.

Gives another meaning to the name Juan Gone.

The LaTroy Hawkins deal may help the Cubs. It may even help the Giants. But the one person who may not like this deal is Champaign, Illinois native and reliever Matt Herges.

Herges was designated for assignment by the Giants to make room for Hawkins. Herges was 1-1 with a 4.71 in 21 appearances.

Herges, who had a 2.62 ERA in 2003, has not pitched effectively since then with a 5.24 ERA in 2004.

Apparently, Herges has been a good influence in the clubhouse. At least according to sophomore starter Noah Lowry:

“Hergie’s been an outstanding teammate and good friend. It’s disappointing to see him go. It’s an unfortunate situation he ended up being the odd man out. It’s upsetting, but at the same time, it’s a business.”