Further proof closers are overrated

Ten closers made the All Star team this year, beating out many more deserving starters. The closers were led by the Giants' Brian Wilson. Wilson leads the NL in saves, but is the definition of a mediocre relief pitcher. He has a WHIP of 1.40 and and ERA of 4.37 which are stats even a ROTO fantasy owner can understand. But he's an all star. If he had the same numbers, but was a starter with three times the innings like this guy, he wouldn't be in. He could be a much better reliever who didn't pitch the 9th, like this guy and not get in. He could even be a starter who was much better like this guy or this guy and not be in. But he's got saves, so he must be good, right?

It would be one thing if Wilson was a perennial star stopper having an off year like Billy Wagner sort of is. It would also be forgivable if Wilson was the lone Giant on the team, but again, this isn't the case as Lincecum was a lock to make the team and a good bet to start. This is yet another reason why the All Star game should count for nothing.

I hope Brian Wilson comes in the game with home field advantage in the series on the line.