Thanks in large part to the overexcited Brewers fans who are finally rallying behind their team, Corey Hart was voted as the 25th man on the NL All Star Team. For too long, he's been overshadowed by the likes of Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and JJ Hardy. He was selected in the 11th round of the 2000 draft, which barely got any notice as compared to his current teammates (who, with the exception of Hardy {2nd} were drafted in the 1st round.) I've already designated an award each year named after him for the player that puts up great numbers but gets no love outside of the city of Milwaukee. This award was previously known as the Goeff Jenkins Most Underrated Player Award, but has since been renamed after Hart since Jenkins' departure. If Jenkins had played on any other team than Milwaukee (which was a terrible when he started to decent/good upon his exit) he would have most certainly won a Gold Glove. He certainly was one hell of a defender who gave 110% every time, and even the Brewer bashers can't refute that. Corey Hart, although a solid defender, is not at Gold Glove status yet, but it's ok since he is a converted infielder. He's what people refer to as a 5-tool player - he hits for power (1) and average (2), has good baserunning skills and speed (3), and good throwing (4) and fielding (5) ability. It's hard to believe that it took the country this long to finally recognize a player of his ability. Even though it is long overdue, I'm glad that they finally got it right. Corey Hart will join other deserving teammates Ryan Braun (the NL's starting Leftfielder) and Ben Sheets (quite possibly the NL's starting pitcher) on the NL Roster, and will most likely see time as a late inning replacement. I hope that he gets on base so that he can show the nation that he is the best and most underrated baserunner in the league. Watch him sometime and you'll see exactly what I mean. No one on the Brewers team is as smart and quick as he his, and Yost has appropriately given him the green light to steal in all situations. Classy move Milwaukee, by giving the final roster spot to someone who truly deserved it. No offense to David Wright, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand or Carlos Lee, but those players have had their chance to shine and will continue to do so in the future. Hart has been overlooked for far too long, and this is his moment to stand in the spotlight. Good move by the people who cast over 8 million votes that vaulted Hart into the All Star game. I know that I'm a bit too biased in this matter, but as a true baseball fan, I believe people made a good call. And a good call deserves a Miller Lite. It's Miller time! First CC Sabathia, now this? What in the hell is this team going to do for an encore? I suggest the playoffs, so that this town will be rocking as hard if not harder than it did in 1982. Only time will tell on that once. Stick around Milwaukee, and you'll see what's brewing.
- pookon -
email: pookondotcom@gmail.com
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