Awesome Sign of Respect

Looks like Ortiz and the Sox have stepped up to bat for Youk. They requested that Youk's name replace Papi on the Player's Ballot.

This means 3 things in my mind:

A. David Ortiz is the ultimate team player. Add this act of generosity to the 3726 clutch hits he'd had in a Sox uniform. The guy's done a ton for the city of Boston since coming here, and this only adds to his legacy. Plus I read the other day he helped a guy propose to his girlfriend. Bravo, Papi. I nominate you for sainthood.

B. There's justice in MLB after all. Youk belongs in the All-Star game (realistically he should be starting but we'll let it slide as long as he's there). Look at the numbers. Top of the league all-around. Plus he has grown the most bad ass goatee since Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart was tearing up the WWF in the '80s (see the pic), or since Danny Mac circa 2003-present.

C. Apparently Ortiz and the Sox front office check out The Sports Hub on occasion because just yesterday I went on a mini-rant about Youk and the All-Star game (2nd paragraph from the bottom, but I'd rather you read your way through the entire thing 'til you get to Youk. Just do it, please??)

When's the last time a Yankee took himself off an All-Star ballot for a teammate? Willing to bet that never has, and never will happen.