Varitek an All Star?

I had a few people write to me regarding the Mike Sharperson Award.

I gave the prize, given to the player who is on the roster only because each team needs a rep and will inevitably make people at home say "WHO?" to Nate McLouth.

Mainly people said I was being a homer and ignoring Jason Varitek's selection to the team.

Let me say that first of all he isn't Sharperson eligible.
People HAVE heard of him and clearly has had All Star years in the past.

That being said, the only way that Jason Varitek should be at the 2008 All Star Game is if he buys a ticket.
I love the captain and will give him standing ovations from here to the end of time (which will be indicated by a Cleveland Championship).

But he's been such an automatic out this year that sometimes I wonder if the Sox should bring back Doug Mirabelli for his bat!

This is clearly a reputation selection and a respect selection rather than honoring the production of someone currently batting sub .220.

Plus there is no shortage of Red Sox this year at the All Star Game...
Papi, Papelbon, Drew, Pedroia, Youk, Manny... Christ I think Marty Barrett will be there too!

But how does Varitek get the call over A.J. Pierzynski?
Jorge Posada?

Hell, Kevin Cash!

Oh well, the bizarre selections are as much a part of this game as the snubs.
Starting next year I will hand out not only the Sharperson Award but also the Varitek Award.

How's about that, dear readers?