Serious Snubs

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I like that each team gets a representative at the All-Star game. Still, the rule always results in a few legitimate snubs. Some of those will be remedied because of injuries or “injuries” -- the latter category representing those players who’d prefer a few days of fly fishing over a trip to San Fran – but a few others could have been cleared up by simply making some better selections.
San Diego’s Chris Young is the most notable on the NL side, though he could (and should) still get in based on the fan vote. Young is 8-3 with a 2.10 ERA through Sunday and is the co-ace of the first-place Padres’ staff. He belongs on the roster.
The solution to the two biggest snubs on the AL side seems simple. Michael Young and Manny Ramirez are both great players who have had great seasons, but this year, they don’t belong.
Instead of Young, Texas’ representative ought to be Sammy Sosa. After being blasted by critics for his comeback bid at the beginning of the season, Sosa has actually been pretty darned good. He’s bashed 14 home runs and driven in 63, and despite a terrible .308 OBP, he’s been a lot of fun to watch this year.
Ramirez, who may not be aware that he’s even on the All-Star team, should be gone, too. In his place should be Angels shortstop and former Ramirez teammate Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera has been one of the best hitters in the AL this year, hitting .337 with 48 RBI, 53 runs scored and an .832 OPS.
- David Hale