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!?