Aaron Crow Validates Dayton Moore Draft Strategy

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 10:06 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 22: Relief pitcher Aaron Crow #43 of the Kansas City Royals throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Kauffman Stadium on June 22, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Even though he was overlooked as a "middle reliever All-Star" and didn't even make a Rookie All-Star team as a reliever, Aaron Crow has made the one the All-Star team that matters, the American League Team that will play in the 82nd All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona. The selection highlights the meteoric rise of the twenty-four year old who just a year ago was struggling in AA after a recent promotion following a lackluster performance in A ball. Just thirteen months ago, this board was asking - what the heck was wrong with Aaron Crow?

That was then, this is now. Crow has gone from huge disappointment to the crown jewel in a bullpen full of outstanding rookie relievers. After beginning his Major League career with 15.1 innings of shutout ball, Crow was briefly named closer during the struggles of former All-Star closer Joakim Soria. In all, he has posted an outstanding ERA of 1.38, 3rd among American League relievers (with at least 20 IP) in 39.2 innings with a strikeout per inning. He is 16th among relievers in WHIP and 17th in strikeouts per 9 innings (although to be honest, fellow rookie teammates Louis Coleman exceeds him in both categories, although in fewer innings). Crow is the third rookie in Royals history to be named to the All-Star team joining catcher Ellie Rodriguez in 1969 and reliever Mike MacDougal in 2003 - hopefully he can live up to their storied careers.

Crow - the Royals' first round selection in 2009 - becomes the first Dayton Moore draftee to be named an All-Star, surprising the many who thought Hilton Richardson would achieve that feat. Here is the excitement we exhibited when Aaron Crow was drafted by the Royals. Clearly, this All-Star selection validates everything Dayton Moore has done in the draft. Congratulations Dayton, you've earned this.

We also shouldn't overlook the possible selection of a second Royals All-Star - Alex Gordon. Gordon is a nominee for the final roster spot voted on by YOU THE FAN (sponsored by Sprint-Nextel - now with 4G technology)! Now you messed up the 1972 Presidential Election and the 2008 American Idol, so don't screw this up. Take it seriously. Here are the five candidates, ranked by WAR:

Ben Zobrist TBR 3.1

Alex Gordon KCR 2.9

Paul Konerko CHW 2.6

Victor Martinez DET 2.1

Adam Jones BAL 0.5

But Konerko has 62 RBI and plays for a larger market club and you can vote online as many times as you want so he'll probably get in. That's how seriously MLB takes this.

Here are the complete All-Star rosters. Among the highlights:

Former Royal (for like five minutes) third baseman Jose Bautista was the leading vote-getter after hitting 583 home runs this year.

Derek Jeter was voted in as a starter despite posting an OPS three points higher than Matt Treanor. The Yankees have four starters (Jeter, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson) in all showing that voting is tilted towards large market clubs. Except that the small-market Brewers have three starters (Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun).

Placido Polanco was voted in as the NL starter at third base. Twelve NL third baseman with at least 100 PAs have a higher OPS than Polanco's .689.

If Gordon makes it, that makes seven players in the first round/supplemental round of the 2005 draft that are All-Stars, and four of the first five picks (sorry Seattle for drafting Jeff Clement!) and Andrew McCutcheon should be the eighth but was snubbed.

The National are at .500 and only sent a middle reliever to the All-Star team. And not to rain on Aaron Crow's parade, but what's with middle relievers getting selected recently? Who thinks middle relievers are stars? I understand this move to make the All-Star Game more like a real game, but I have a hard time treating it so when rosters have 34 players, and the starters are all pulled after three innings.

Ryan Vogelsong was once a prospect with the Giants. He hasn't pitched in the big leagues in four seasons, but is an All-Star for them this year. My conclusion? The Royals need to sign Jimmy Gobble.

Poll

Will you watch the 2011 All-Star Game?

Yes!

60 votes

No.

39 votes

I am a hipster and do not own a television.

37 votes

136 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Obligatory VOTE GORDON post--

VOTE GORDON— http://atmlb.com/lxcRRx

by OnixConcepcion on Jul 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

wow

OK, that’s silly. I went and voted and then it gave that screen that actually TELLS you to keep voting. So, I went ahead and voted for Alex about 15 times before I realized that it’s not like I actually know him or anything. So….I decided that was enough.

CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal

by kabrink on Jul 3, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I just did...

…the exact same thing.

"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.

by timlacy on Jul 3, 2011 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too.

I’ve sent in about sixty or so votes so far. All true Röyals fans must show unified collective support for Alex.

"First we got the bomb and that was good, 'cause we love peace and motherhood
Then Russia got the bomb but that's okay, 'cause the balance of power's maintained that way
Then France got the bomb, but don't you grieve, 'cause they're on our side (I believe)
Then China got the bomb, but have no fears, they can't wipe us out for at least five years" --Tom Lehrer

by Juancho on Jul 4, 2011 5:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree, this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen.

by Gus Zernial on Jul 4, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

yea...

truly its is validated

by Freneau on Jul 3, 2011 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

If Ron Washington says Crow is an All-Star

then lets trade him for whatever he is worth!
Honestly though any of our Outfielders could have made it if it wasn’t for the fan vote, which is BS IMO and why I don’t give two $hit$ about the All Star game

by jrcnc on Jul 3, 2011 10:40 PM EDT reply actions

Even though I like how

it the the judge between home field advantage in the World Series, I really wish there was a new voting system for the All Star game.
Yeah the Yankees and Red Sox dominate the East Coast and obviously everyone lives there cause that was the closest point between the new land and England, but for everyone’s sanity, we really need to implement a new system that really determines who the All Stars are.
I chuckled today when I saw the ESPN highlight “Pujols, Ichiro and Sabathia are not elected as All Stars” Well Boo F’N Hoo, this isn’t the Dark Ages MLB, step your game up and put the best position player, regardless of team, and regardless of fan population in the All Star game.

by jrcnc on Jul 3, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

wow my typing is horrible and im done drinking these Boulevards are trying to type!

by jrcnc on Jul 3, 2011 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions

What Texas prospects might match up well with the Royals?

I don’t think we know much about their system.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Honestly though any of our Outfielders could have made it if it wasn’t for the fan vote, which is BS IMO and why I don’t give two $hit$ about the All Star game

I don’t know, some of the manager selections are pretty crappy too. Bruce Bochy going with some of his own guys in Ryan Vogelsong and Matt Cain over more deserving selections.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions

The MLB ASG isn't worthy of a baseball fan's time

At least that’s how I see it. Even if I have nothing to do and there’s nothing on TV, I won’t waste a second of my time on that silly game (and not even primarily because Crow was picked over Gordon, even though that is a travesty).

You may know me as NYRoyal.

by Scott McKinney on Jul 3, 2011 11:06 PM EDT reply actions

I agree.

I may watch the home run derby, but the game itself is pointless.

by Black and Gold on Jul 4, 2011 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Ditto

I need to go take a Davies and wipe my Elarton. Excuse me.

by royaldaddy on Jul 4, 2011 2:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

"An American Tale...that’s traumatic as hell. All those scenes when he’s like so close to reuniting with his parents…that’s like SAW for a six year old." -- Will McDonald

by Crooow on Jul 4, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It's an exhibition game

I don’t care who wins, but I like seeing a group of good players do their thing. And I’d like to see Alex get some national recognition by being voted in; it would be good for our thymos.

by Juancho on Jul 4, 2011 5:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I am surprised to see our hipster quotient is so high

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

or smartass quotient

CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal

by kabrink on Jul 3, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

This is correct.

I’ve been here long enough to know that there are no hipsters here.

by Black and Gold on Jul 4, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

There is, but he's a pretty obscure poster. You've probably never heard of him.

"That's fine wood from... somewhere."

by KeepItCopacetic on Jul 4, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

upamtn?

CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal

by kabrink on Jul 4, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions

perfect.

Your 2010 Royals Review Fantasy Football Keeper League Champion
Since 2006: Royals win% = .4218, Chiefs win% = .3625

by averagegatsby on Jul 4, 2011 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions

It's me

SBN's most random and mysterious lurker

by Lum on Jul 4, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

Kila's slash for Apr 20 to May 4, 2011, right before he was sent down: .276 / .344 / .448

by SagehenMacGyver47 on Jul 4, 2011 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I have a short beard and rectangular glasses

Does that make me a hipster? On the other hand, I like country music, so hipster status is permanently unattainable for me, since I’ve never heard of any of these indie rock or whatever bands you all keep referring to. Also, I only own one ironic piece of clothing, which is a Steve Bono Chiefs jersey purchased very cheaply right after he got let go.

by Juancho on Jul 4, 2011 7:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Also

11am on a Sunday morning on a holiday weekend = worst time ever to have an All-Star selection show. WTF?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Opposite of the Men's Wimbledon Final, too

Hating life as a Royals fan 365 days a year at Royalscentricity

by Old Man Duggan on Jul 4, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

By the way, which is more silly, stupid, pointless and borderline embarrassing?

The ASG or the Home Run Derby?

You may know me as NYRoyal.

by Scott McKinney on Jul 3, 2011 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

Home Run Derby.

No Doubt.

by OnixConcepcion on Jul 3, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Just wait and watch the later innings.

Then you can see most of the best players in baseball. It’s not ideal, but it’s still a game.

by hawkinscm87 on Jul 3, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a game, much in the same way that an early-ST game "is still a game"

Players get a couple innings and then are pulled, not to make the team better, but to make sure everybody plays. It’s a half-assed exhibition game…with extra bunting. This kind of bunting:

You may know me as NYRoyal.

by Scott McKinney on Jul 3, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually...

The better players normally come in later in the game. So much like a ST game, it gets exciting later on in the game (at least Royals ST games).

by hawkinscm87 on Jul 3, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know that the late game players are actually better on average than the starters. Certainly there are usually some big names who start who don’t actually deserve to be on the team at all. At the same time, most of the very best players start too. Regardless, the whole game bears scant resemblance to a real baseball game. It’s a half-assed exhibition.

You may know me as NYRoyal.

by Scott McKinney on Jul 3, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, I still enjoy watching it.

And I won’t lie. A decent part of it is watching the Royals player that gets selected. Being pitchers the past several years, it’s been good to see them go out and dominate for an inning. By that, I mean Soria.

by hawkinscm87 on Jul 4, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

By the way, what I meant

is that most years in the AL especially, the Yankees are voted in rather in the best players. It happened this year too, so it makes it so that the first few innings are a bunch of Yankees players going up there and playing like a normal Yankees game. Then, the best players come in. Sure, the Yankees have SOME of the best players, but they’re already overexposed anyway.

by hawkinscm87 on Jul 3, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

The ASG

At least everyone treats the HR Derby as silly – although they seem to be moving towards taking it more seriously. IIRC, they started keeping stats on it.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The hot dog eating contest.

"That's fine wood from... somewhere."

by KeepItCopacetic on Jul 3, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

At least all of the contestants are genuinely trying hard and are doing all they can to win

The same can’t be said of the ASG.

You may know me as NYRoyal.

by Scott McKinney on Jul 3, 2011 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

As much as I dislike the ASG

It’s still miles ahead of the NFL Pro Bowl (where virtually any QB who is willing or available to play will end up getting selected), and where they completely water down the rules (though if I were a GM, I wouldn’t want any of my players participating otherwise). Maybe they should just go with flag football and hope the novelty factor will get a few people to watch.

"That's fine wood from... somewhere."

by KeepItCopacetic on Jul 3, 2011 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Topless Cheerleaders FTW

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 4, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

The ASG

The home run derby is supposed to be a hokey gimmick. Which it is. But the ASG pretends to be something else.

by Black and Gold on Jul 4, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Is anyone planning on going next year?

I mean, I think the ASG and HR Derby is silly – but I’d still pay a lot of money to go next year.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 3, 2011 11:25 PM EDT reply actions

I'm totally in on that shit.

Once in a lifetime opportunity to see it in your hometown.

I can’t wait.

I might spring for fantastico tickets.

"An American Tale...that’s traumatic as hell. All those scenes when he’s like so close to reuniting with his parents…that’s like SAW for a six year old." -- Will McDonald

by Crooow on Jul 3, 2011 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

you think the good tickets will even be for sale?...

or will mlb/corporate sponsors take them all?

dugout suite would be sweet

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Jul 4, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm planning on going to the Futures Game

by hawkinscm87 on Jul 3, 2011 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I want to go to all of it... Party Porch would be FANTASTIC during the HR derby.

Your 2010 Royals Review Fantasy Football Keeper League Champion
Since 2006: Royals win% = .4218, Chiefs win% = .3625

by averagegatsby on Jul 4, 2011 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone know?

When tickets will go on sale for next year, I want to take the whole week off and take my son who will be 5 years old and snap about a zillion photos. This is something I want him to see and experiance.

Proud Founding Memeber of the UPAMTN Fan Club.

by la flama blanca on Jul 4, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok, Remember how silly this is. Fix that thought in your head

Now, remember to never, ever take seriously any Hall of Fame candidate who claims they should be in because of All Star Game appearances.

by BlueEyes_Austin on Jul 3, 2011 11:27 PM EDT reply actions

In other related news,

Look at that picture!! The dreaded inverted W!! Crow is doomed!!

(August 31, 2010 8:34 PM PDT) Jojothebeachbum: "WP FTW"
Jeff Zimmerman needs to grow a long, grey beard and sit on a mountaintop and dole out knowledge to the masses.

by Jojothebeachbum on Jul 3, 2011 11:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I haven't seen anyone defending or beating down Hamilton starting in OF

I get that he’s been pretty good this season, but he’s only played 46 games. I think Gordon or Ellsbury were more deserving.

MAJOR LEAGUE (The Royals)
Rachel Phelps (Royals Management): I think he'll fit right in with our team concept.
Charlie Donovan (Royals Fans): That reminds me, I was going to ask you. What exactly *is* our team concept?

by Royals Medic on Jul 4, 2011 12:04 AM EDT reply actions

Apparently

You have never heard The Josh Hamilton Story.

by Black and Gold on Jul 4, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

good to see that ERA is still overvalued for relievers

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bhindepmo
Chairman, The Melky Cabrera Seasoning Sauce. It's great on your outfield!

by BHWick on Jul 4, 2011 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

Holds is where it's at

"An American Tale...that’s traumatic as hell. All those scenes when he’s like so close to reuniting with his parents…that’s like SAW for a six year old." -- Will McDonald

by Crooow on Jul 4, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Here is my favorite comment from the 2009 draft thread

I’d rather have Crow
I’ll be more than happy with Green

I will throw things if its Myers

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jun 9, 2009 6:05 PM CDT actions

SUCK IT RETRO!!!

Your 2010 Royals Review Fantasy Football Keeper League Champion
Since 2006: Royals win% = .4218, Chiefs win% = .3625

by averagegatsby on Jul 4, 2011 8:42 AM EDT reply actions

i should trust the process more

DAYTON 1 RETRO 0

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 4, 2011 12:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Correction:

Crow is the third rookie in Royals history to be named to the All-Star team joining catcher Ellie Rodriguez in 1969 and reliever Mike MacDougal in 2003 – hopefully he can live up to their storied careers.

Don’t forget Seitz. He was an all-star in his rookie year.

I'm a 14 year old freshman in high school with a love for all things Royals and Packers.

by Jack Marsh on Jul 4, 2011 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

Good point

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Jul 5, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I go to college

and literally do not own a television.

Pecota, watch over us.

by castille on Jul 4, 2011 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

I have a television

but no cable or satellite. Guess that is WAY cooler than I planned it to be.

by Rufus R. Jones on Jul 4, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

does hipsters own computer?

I am probably the only Royals fan in Hong Kong?

by Yamfun Cheng Kamfun on Jul 4, 2011 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

On another subject

Would someone tell me what the Royals rotation is now, in view of Kyle Davies. Are we going with 6, just to get him in there? If so, we have not given sufficient consideration to the fact that could be the stupidest decision in the history of sports — no, in the history of mankind.

by Gus Zernial on Jul 4, 2011 11:54 AM EDT reply actions