The 2012 All-Star Game Rosters have been announced. Perhaps a little surprisingly, only one Jay made the cut this year (I'll let you guess who). Brandon Morrow might have had a case if he hadn't been injured, and if the game was a month later so too might Colby Rasmus and Brett Lawrie. But it's not. Edwin Encarnacion is probably the only Jay with a legitimate gripe - his performance has basically been equal to that of the three reserve 1B chosen (Konerko, Cabrera - I'm assuming technically a 3B - and Trumbo), the reserve DH (Butler) and far superior to starter Prince Fielder; nevertheless he was the odd man out. Blame Canada I guess. The full line-ups, and a couple of quick thoughts after the break.
American League
C: Mike Napoli
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Derek Jeter
3B: Adrian Beltre
OF: Josh Hamilton
OF: Curtis Granderson
OF: Jose Bautista
DH: David Ortiz
C: Matt Wieters, Joe Mauer
INF: Paul Konerko, Asdrubal Cabrera, Miguel Cabrera, Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, Mark Trumbo
OF: Adam Jones, Adam Dunn, Mike Trout
P: Matt Harrison, Joe Nathan, Felix Hernandez, Ryan Cook, Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, CJ Wilson, Jered Weaver, Jim Johnson, Chris Sale, Chris Perez, Fernando Rodney, David Price.
Final Vote: Jonathan Broxton, Yu Darvish, Ernesto Frieri, Jason Hammel, Jake Peavy
National League
C: Buster Posey
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Dan Uggla
SS: Rafael Furcal
3B: Pablo Sandoval
OF: Matt Kemp
OF: Carlos Beltran
OF: Melky Cabrera
DH: To be selected
C: Carlos Ruiz, Yadier Molina
INF: Starlin Castro, Bryan Lahair, Jose Altuve, David Wright, Ian Desmond
OF: Jay Bruce, Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Braun, Andrew McCutchen, Giancarlo Stanton,
P: Clayton Kershaw, Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Wade Miley, RA DIckey, Lance Lynn, Joel Hanrahan, Huston street, Matt Cain.
Final Vote: Michael Bourn, David Freese, Bryce Harper, Aaron Hill, Chipper Jones
Thoughts: Well, nothing seems patently ridiculous. The fans make a couple of weird choices, but that happens every year. If you would have told me two months ago that Melky Cabrera was the only Giant voted into the starting line up that actually deserved to start I would have laughed at you, but here we are. Pablo Sandoval wouldn't have made the team if he wasn't selected by the fans, as he's missed about half the year and has been mediocre, while David Wright has been transcendent; Buster Posey has probably been the NL's third best catcher, though the other two made it as reserves. Derek Jeter makes it on reputation, while A-Rod does not. Suck it, Alex. In the NL Rafael Furcal opened liked gangbusters but has been awful subsequently, and he's probably the worst overall selection. Dan Uggla probably doesn't deserve to be here, while Aaron Hill probably does, though he's been bumped to the fan vote (which he will lose to Bryce Harper) because the Astros had to have a representative, and it's Jose Altuve, who also plays 2B. Curtis Granderson's had a fine year, but probably doesn't make the cut if not for the Yankees fans; ditto Mike Napoli/Rangers fans. They were really good last year though! Austin Jackson probably deserved a shake, but it's hard to argue with the guys they took ahead of him. I find it funny Matt Harrison is an All-Star, but he's been good!
Otherwise, a pretty good job was done. Mike Trout (deservedly) makes the team, whereas despite probably even more hype, Bryce Harper (probably undeservingly) makes the Final Vote list. With that being said, it's hard to argue with Harper possibly (probably) making it. I feel bad for Edwin that he didn't at least make the fan vote, but he also wouldn't have won it anyway, and no one will remember that in two months. Also, this 1 player per team thing is silly. The A's representative is a non-closing reliever who's thrown 34 innings (with a walk rate over 5/9 IP and an xFIP over 4). Who cares.
Your thoughts?
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20120701143856452