Wake in today’s All Star parade. Photo taken by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

A drive-by post so I can get my anger out:

Everyone is reporting (but I’ll just link Alex Speier) that Joe Maddon told Tim Wakefield that he’s going to “save” him in case the game goes into extra innings.

Someone needs to explain to me why Maddon even bothered choosing Wake if that’s what he had planned for him?  How did this work?  “I know, I’ll choose Tim Wakefield.  I know how much it means to him to be in an All Star Game.  I’ll get him all excited and the day of the game I’ll kick  him in the nuts and tell him that he probably won’t even play!”

WTH?

How mean-hearted is this?   I mean, Maddon has already, historically, screwed up this team (no Ian Kinsler at all?) and now he’s pretty much popped the balloon that was Wakefield’s hope to get into the game?

Wake, of course, is taking it like the classy, rational, good-natured, wonderful person he is:

“I am the extra-inning guy. (Maddon) had to project at least 16 innings out. Based on my availability today – because I was scheduled to pitch yesterday (on a normal rotation turn, since he last started on Thursday) – I think I’m the only guy who has the multiple inning insurance policy for us,” said Wakefield. “I’m just happy to be here. If I pitch, great. If not, it’s not a big deal. It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to be upset either way.”

It’s okay, Tim.  I’m upset (and spiteful and irrational) enough for both of us.

Once again, Tim Wakefield shows us that he’s the bigger person than most any of us.

Get him in this game, Maddon.  Don’t be the asshat some of us already think you are.

8 Comments for “At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet…”

1. KellyO Says:
   July 14th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

   Couldn’t really disagree more. It’s always the case that deserving pitchers at the event don’t get into the game. Wake was by no means a slam dunk to make the team. There’s no way I consider Maddon an “asshat” if he doesn’t get him in. To me, that’s homerism.

   “Maddon has already, historically, screwed up this team (no Ian Kinsler at all?)”

   Do we know that Maddon himself chose not to take Kinsler (i.e. that Kinsler didn’t choose not to change plans when Longoria was scratched)? Do we know that Maddon wasn’t “encouraged” to take Pena so they’d have bodies for the Home Run Derby?

2. Cyn Says:
   July 14th, 2009 at 9:39 pm

   I knew you would disagree.

   If Maddon isn’t to blame (for the Kinsler oversights) I can probably blame Bud Selig for the way the league makes demands on the AS managers.

   In any event…I tire of the whole “Everyone plays, every team is represented, but wait a few of you won’t be able to play because we have to hold you back in case this game goes to extra innings” crap. The game is a conflict within itself.

3. Ted Says:
   July 14th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

   It may make me a homer, but after all these years and finally making the All Star Team if Wake doesn’t get to pitch?

   Maddon is an ass hat.

   And I’m not ashamed to say I feel that way.

4. Tru Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 5:49 am

   There was the bullpen shot last night of Wakefield sitting with and talking to Mo Rivera. It’s kind of burned into my mind in a pleasing way. So sure, I watched the game, although, and despite what AirBud’s marketing machine would have me believe; it doesn’t really count this time.

   FWIW, I don’t think it was mean hearted, or something done to purposely snub Wakefield, or any of the other players who didn’t get into the game. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t amount to anything of importance at all. Would I have liked to see Wake pitch last night? Sure. Was I disappointed he didn’t? Yes, again. Did I give it any further thought because he didn’t?

   Nope.

5. Noni Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 5:50 am

   What is an ass hat? Oh wait I found the answer, see picture of Joe Maddon!

6. Brenken Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 8:06 am

   I was angry when I heard Wake might not pitch, I was angry all through the game and I woke up angry. I absolutely know it’s total homerism on my part but this is probably the one and only time Wake goes to the All-Star game and I wanted to see him pitch.

7. Bridget Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 10:38 am

   Our Wake is too cool. Chillin’ like a popsicle.
   All good things come to those who wait and wait he has.
   He’s soo proud with his family [really cute kids too]to be at All-Star.
   For that it makes me cherish him more.
   The dude who doesn’t play him needs to Wake up!
   Happy day all. Off to take my kid to see Harry Potter 6! Woo-hoo! 2 more days til the Red Sox play, TG!

8. John Says:
   July 17th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

   I knew all along that Wake would probably be the designated “extra innings” pitcher, unless he was called on to start. That was only going to happen if Halladay, Greinke and Beckett were all unavailable. Once it was clear that Halladay and Greinke were available to start, the decision was made.

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