In the midst of all the All-Star announcements, it is time to gear up for the "Who Got Snubbed?" arguments. As JD discussed, the whole concept of the All-Star Game has become a bit of a farce. We know it's a popularity contest; we know it's difficult at times to represent every single team without leaving someone worthy behind; and we know it most definitely should not determine home field advantage for the World Series. Oh, the All-Star Game...

In an attempt to make fans feel like we're important right up until the final minute, the Final Vote candidates were announced. Both league managers decided to name 5 pitchers as candidates. Okay, fair enough. As discussed in the Facebook forum, many people are up in arms that John Maine was not chosen to the squad, much less as one of these candidates.

In an effort to make sure I was not a homer, I took all five final vote candidate and easily compared their numbers to Maine's. Hands down, John Maine numbers are better in almost every category than every candidate but Chris Young of the Padres. Therefore, I suppose we could all sit back here and argue he got snubbed but what's the use. One of the "bigger name" pitchers will be chosen for that final spot, so sorry Tom Gorzelanny, you can probably book your flight home.

Sure there is an outside chance Maine can still make the squad if someone drops out in the coming days, but his numbers thus far earned him a place on the original All-Star staff, not a spot as an afterthought. If he doesn't end up in San Fran with the Mets contigient, so be it. John Maine may not be known coast-to-coast as a guy to watch out for it just yet, but I'd rather have his coming out party be in October, than San Francisco in a July game with little meaning.