A pair of pitchers from the Tampa Bay Rays, David Price and Fernando Rodney, will be representing their team in the 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. While the All-Star game can often be a mixed bag for fans, it is an honor for the players and provides a little mid-summer entertainment. Fans of the teams with players in the All-Star game can take some delight in their recognition as well.
At D Rays Bay, SB Nation's Rays site, Steve Slowinski reacted to the news:
So kudos to Price and Rodney, as they both heartily deserve this. Rodney has been the second best reliever in the American League, just trailing Joe Nathan in both WAR and FIP by a smidge -- and Price has the 5th lowest ERA in the AL (although his 3.41 FIP isn't quite as good). The Rays haven't had many bright spots this season, but we sure can't blame either of these two for the team's struggles.
Also, if you pause and think about it for a second, Rodney making the All-Star Game is a little bit unreal. Coming into the season, what were the odds that he'd be even a serviceable reliever, nonetheless one of the top three in the American League? It's been an absolutely unreal season.
The Miami Marlins have one player appearing the game, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. At Fish Stripes, SB Nation's Marlins blog, Stanton's selection was praised.
Stanton's selection is the first of his career and it is a well deserved one. Through yesterday, Stanton is hitting .282/.362/.554 on the season, good for a .391 wOBA that ranks 18th in the league. In addition, Stanton has been solid defensively after some early season struggles, as many of the zone statistics once again rate him as a positive in 2012. Each of the major Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metrics have Stanton at around 3.0 WAR this season, which puts him on pace for a five-win campaign that would best his 2011 season.
The All-Star game is set for July 10 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
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