All Star Update

The injury bug has hit a few of the players in this year’s All-Star Game. 

For the AL, Torii Hunter has been forced to miss the game with an abductor strain (whatever that is), allowing one of my favorite players to make the game: Nelson Cruz.  One of the top sluggers in the AL right now (who is somehow being platooned by Rangers Manager Ron Washington) with 20 homers and 50 RBIs, I found it very surprising that he was left off the roster the first time around.

What is especially cool about Cruz’s move to the roster is that he has said he will participate in the Home Run Derby.  It is going to be lots of fun seeing him park balls over the fence in St. Louis.

I am still hoping that something happens so that Carlos Pena will be able to slide into the game.  The chances are getting slimmer, though.  And you have to feel doubly bad now for Ian Kinsler, a guy who should have made the team, then should have won the final vote, and then should have been put on the squad after Hunter’s injury.  Poor guy.

What really bugs me, though, is how Jayson Werth was able to secure a spot on the roster in place of the injured Carlos Beltran.  Don’t we have enough Phillies outfielders on the team!? 

It is surprising to see Werth get the nod, although he has fine enough stats, when you consider that a perfectly acceptable outfielder was up for the final vote and did not get in: Matt Kemp.  I would certainly rather see Kemp on the team than Werth.  I would like to know the reasoning behind that selection, Charlie Manuel.

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On a side note, the no hitter last night by Johnathan Sanchez was just classic.  He missed a perfect game because of an error by his third baseman late in the game, but his no hitter was saved by an amazing play by Aaron Rowand on a huge drive to center field.  I’m sure A Diatribe from a Journalism Student would be thrilled to find that one of her fave players helped to save a no hitter by playing the fearless defense he is known for.  She is right about how hard-nosed that guy is.  Well done Aaron Rowand.

But what makes this whole night perfect is the fact that Sanchez’s dad was in the stands to see him pitch for the first time.  Seeing the father and son hug after the game was a little <sniff, sniff> touching.

I’m not crying.  There is something in my eye.  DOES SOMEBODY HAVE A TISSUE!?

14 comments

  1. Fenway Bleacher Creature

    Congrats to Sanchez! A no-hitter is always amazing, especially when they come so close to a perfect game. I do also feel bad for Kinsler, he’s been snubbed 3 times now, it’s gotta hurt.
    Keep up the great blogging!

    -http://the3rs.mlblogs.com/

    Reply
    • raysfanboy

      FBC, I think Kinsler must be crushed. What else does the guy have to do to make the team? I also think, as somebody said, that he has alot of All-Star Games in his future so maybe this one won’t be so bad to miss.

      Matt, I absolutely agree that the manager’s bias came into play here. But I guess when you win the World Series you get some perks that come along with it. Still, not cool.

      Thanks for visiting, guys. I appreciate it.

      Reply
    • raysfanboy

      Canuck, isn’t is surprising that it took so long to get a no hitter? I mean, we’re at the All-Star Break for goodness sakes!

      Birdland, I agree that the father/son thing was great. A very “Field of Dreams-y” moment!

      Always great to see you guys on the site! Thanks!

      Reply
  5. thepitchersduel

    Good to know there are more guys out here who love watching Nellie Cruz, I saw his numbers in the minors last year and I said “this guy can hit 40 in the majors.” I still think he can, although he might not make it this year. The Derby is going to be perfect for him.

    Reply
  7. devilabrit

    Gotta say, I said Kemp should get it over Werth, I think it’s just one of those things that managers do for their players, am surprised it was approved by the league though….. Shame for Sanchez, kind of unexpected he pitched so well and for Rowand to save the game, he’s the man to have do it, still think he is one the best guys to have in the outfield…..
    wouldn’t it be cool to have a Rays vs Phillies WS repeat this year…. that would P*** off a bunch of people…
    Outside the Phillies Looking In
    http://devilabrit.mlblogs.com

    Reply
    • raysfanboy

      Duel, I’m a BIG Cruz fan. You are right on–that guy can slug 40 if he is in the lineup every day. He has some serious skills.

      Outside, it takes a big man to admit that his own player should have taken a backseat to another. I was worried that my bitterness about last year’s Series might have soured me! I, like you, am hoping for a Series rematch this year–that would be one great grudge match!

      I haven’t seen you guys much here on the blog. I hope to see more of you. I will continue stopping by and reading your insights! Thanks!

      Reply
    • raysfanboy

      Kaybee, that no-hitter must have been torture. It can’t be fun to see a division rival get such recognition. Ouch. Chin up! 🙂

      Really enjoyed finding your blog today–you have some great things to say. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
    • raysfanboy

      RSBS, I agree about Cruz’s streakiness. But I think that if he can feel confident that he will have a spot in the lineup secured, then he might put it together more. He should not be splitting time with Old Man Jones.

      Hilarious! I thought that Sanchez’s dad looked pretty far away from the field. Of all the nights…

      I am surprised that I didn’t get much grief about the Cubs/Cards game yesterday. I appreciate you allowing me to lick my wounds in private. Wow, there’s nothing about those sentences I like.

      Reply

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