I've been hanging around Talking Chop a lot lately, and some sort of creative contribution seems like the only way to justify the amount of time I spend here a good way to give back to the community, even if cheesy limericks were the best I could do.

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Although a 5-7 record rarely merits all star consideration, the omission of Javier Vazquez from the Midsummer Classic is still a little puzzling.

As impressed as I have been with Javy this year, I did a little digging and discovered that Vazquez has a lower FIP and more strikeouts this year than every starting pitcher on the National League squad with the exception of Tim Lincecum, who will likely start the game for the Senior Circuit.

Here's a look at what Javy's done compared to the 8 SPs who were fortunate enough to make the roster:

Javier Vazquez, ATL, 2.55/ 130

• Johan Santana, NYM, 3.71/ 104
• Jason Marquis, COL, 4.19/ 51
  
• Ted Lilly, CHC, 4.00/ 88
• Josh Johnson, FLA, 2.92/ 97
• Dan Haren, ARI, 2.76/ 113
• Matt Cain, SFG, 3.95/ 88
• Chad Billingsley, LAD, 3.27/ 110
• Tim Lincecum, SFG, 1.96/ 141

Clearly Timmy is head and shoulders above the rest of this group, but Javy comfortably ranks second in both of these categories, which I consider two of the most important in evaluating a pitcher's performance. I understand guys like Lilly and Marquis are the only representative from their respective teams, but it's hard to understand how those concerned could shut out a pitcher that has had as dominant a first half as Mr. Vazquez.