Everyone rails about players “snubbed” in the All-Star selection process. But there are only so many spots on the teams. So don’t talk about snubs unless you also address who should be dropped. Here are five nominations:
CC Sabathia for Felix Hernandez » AL manager Ron Washington had to select someone from Seattle, but why include both underwhelming Brandon League (0-4, 22 saves, 3.38 ERA) and Hernandez (8-7, 3.35 ERA), while leaving Yankees ace Sabathia (11-4, 3.05) at home?
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Victor Martinez for Russell Martin » Granted the pickings were slim among AL catchers. But what is Yankees catcher Martin (10 HR, 34 RBI, .222) doing on this team? Why not the Tigers’ Martinez (six, 46, .333), even though he has played more games as a designated hitter (44) than a catcher (23)?
Jhonny Peralta for Adrian Beltre » This is the second straight year that Rangers third baseman Beltre was voted in by the players. This time Mr. Homecoming King got the nod even though his good numbers (.271 BA, 15 HR, .787 OPS) fall short of those of the Tigers’ Peralta (.311, 14, .902).
Andrew McCutchen for Jay Bruce » Would any general manager take the big-swinging, 24-year-old Bruce (.265 BA, 18 HR, .825 OPS) over the multidimensional, 24-year-old McCutchen (.294, 12 HR, 15 SB, .892 OPS), the best player on the surprising Pirates?
Alex Gordon for Aaron Crow » With apologies to Tyler Clippard, why are so many setup men making All-Star teams these days, especially ones like the Royals’ Crow, who has been the majors for about 15 minutes? Why not reward Kansas City’s most valuable player, Gordon (.853 OPS), who has finally found his stroke?
