The MLB All-Star Game rosters will be announced on Sunday at 1 p.m. on TBS. For the first time since the Nationals came to Washington in 2005, they have a number of players getting serious consideration to be part of the National League team.
Cal Ripken Jr. and John Smoltz will be on site in New York to broadcast Sunday’s game between the Yankees and White Sox.
Both former All-Stars discussed the potential Nationals who could be representing Washington in Kansas City.
What are your thoughts on Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez making the All-Star team?
Smoltz » “They are two of the nastiest right- and left-handed pitchers, respectively. I love watching Gio Gonzalez pitch, and I’ve always been a fan of Strasburg — he’s got electric stuff. Certainly, one or both are going to be in [the All-Star Game].”
Should Bryce Harper be on the All-Star team?
Ripken » “I’ve been really impressed with Bryce. His speedy transition to the big leagues really has impressed me. He’s performing like an All-Star. … Bryce is going to have many opportunities at the All-Star Game, just maybe not this year.”
Have the Nationals established themselves as a legitimate contender in the National League?
Smoltz » “I think the ‘W’ on their [uniform] has gained a lot of respect, and the young players have been a big part of that. When you go through Washington now, [you’re] going to face some dynamic arms. When you put together a young pitching staff who can grow, learn and gain confidence … it adds to the whole team. Washington has been steady all season and a big part of it is they’ve got enough young pitching and good arms to keep them in a position. … They remind me, with a lot more stuff, of what we had in Atlanta [in the early ’90s]. The sky is the limit for them.”
Ripken » “I was really impressed with the team they put on the field last year. They got hot down the stretch … and having that going into this year. They’ve got a good nucleus of a ballclub. They really improved their pitching staff. … Pitching wins games and pitching keeps you in ball games. They’ve got an impressive team, they’re playing well and I think they’re for real.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
