For decades, no All-Star choices were more automatic than the Orioles’ Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken. From 1960 to 1974, Robinson played in every All-Star Game; same for Ripken from 1983 to 2001. This season, however, the Orioles (24-53) have the worst record in baseball and no obvious choice. Consider the top candidates.
5. Miguel Tejada » With six HRs and 32 RBI, the 36-year-old is on pace for the lowest power numbers of his career. Maybe he needs a “B-12” shot?
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4. Jeremy Guthrie » With a 4.30 ERA and a 3-9 record, believe it or not, Guthrie is the best Orioles starter. No O’s pitcher has more than three wins.
3. Nick Markakis » Nice average (.303) and tied for the AL lead in doubles (24), but at age 26, his power outage (three HRs, 24 RBI) is inexplicable after averaging 20 HRs and 100 RBI the last three years.
2. Ty Wigginton » Journeyman on his fifth team in nine seasons has 14 home runs and 42 RBI. Wigginton has 135 career HRs and a .270 average — decent stats but hardly deserving of a lifetime achievement award in the form of an All-Star selection.
1. Adam Jones » An All-Star at age 23, Jones was on his way to becoming a perennial choice. He was hitting .252 on June 18 but has hit five home runs since and brought his numbers up to respectable levels — .274, 13 HRs. Expect him to be the choice by default.
