A record of 82 players were selected to play in the 2011 All-Star game at Chase Field in Arizona. For an event that lasted less than three hours, it was slow, non-competitive and almost boring.
The starters, as elected by the fans:
American League
C Alex Avila, Tigers
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
2B Robinson Cano, Yankees
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
OF Jose Batista, Blue Jays
OF Curtis Granderson, Yankees
OF Josh Hamilton, Rangers
DH David Ortiz, Red Sox
SP Jered Weaver, Angels
Jeter and A-Rod were replaced by Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians) and Adrian Beltre (Rangers), respectively.
National League
C Brian McCann, Braves
1B Prince Fielder, Brewers
2B Rickie Weeks, Brewers
SS Jose Reyes, Mets
3B Placido Polanco, Phillies
OF Ryan Braun, Brewers
OF Lance Berkman, Cardinals
OF Matt Kemp, Dodgers
SP Roy Halliday, Phillies
Carlos Beltran (Mets) was named DH. Reyes (Troy Tulowitski, Rockies); Polanco (Scott Rolen, Reds); and Braun (Matt Holliday, Cardinals) were unable to play.
For the first time in his Major League career, Ichiro was not selected. Other big names such as Chipper Jones and Josh Beckett were absent due to injury.
I don't like the rule that a pitcher who plays the Sunday before the All-Star game is automatically ineligible. While that was a blessing to Michael Pineda, who was selected due to Justin Verlander's Sunday outing, it's still a dumb requirement. Pineda is having a great year and should have been selected on his own merit. I'm sure 2011 is his first of many All-Star appearances to come. However, I would have rather seen Felix. Unsure that a rookie, albeit one as talented as Michael, should take the spot of a big-name veteran.
I'm also disappointed in Jeter. I understand that he had an emotional weekend and didn't want to play. But he should have at least made an appearance in Arizona. He is absolutely a first ballot Hall of Famer. Perhaps his selection will be unanimous. However, his playing days are numbered. I predict he will play one or possibly two more seasons before he retires. Jeets is the only Yankee player I vote for. Compared to some of his teammates, he's classy, well-liked and clearly dedicated to his team. Not showing up is selfish. The fans wanted him there despite his declining numbers.
Another thing I hate is the home field advantage for the World Series. Flip a coin. Alternate years. Or have the team with the best home record get it. 32 players per team is too many. Not all will play unless it goes to extra innings or there's an injury. The American League ultimately used 29 players; for the NL, everyone except Ryan Vogelsong of the Giants participated. Tyler Clippard (Nationals) was credited with the win though he threw a mere three pitches ... and allowed a hit. Doesn't make sense.
2012 All-Star game will be held in Kansas City. Hoping it will be better than its predecessor.
For a complete list of the 82 players selected:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar11/news/story?id=6732660
