If you were surprised that designated hitter David Ortiz was the only member of the Boston Red Sox elected to the 2012 MLB All-Star Game then you really haven't been paying close attention this season. He is the only big name player that has not only played well but exceeded expectations. Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez and Jon Lester are the main underachievers while Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford have missed most or all of 2012 so far with injuries.
It is the eighth time that Ortiz has made the midsummer classic and you certainly can't argue about his inclusion, even if he plays a dinosaur position that doesn't really have much competition anymore. Heading into this afternoon's series finale against the Mariners at Safeco Field (4:10 p.m., NESN), Ortiz has hit .305 with a .393 OBP and .613 SLG. He is unquestionably Boston's first half MVP with 21 home runs, 53 RBIs, 24 doubles, 86 hits and 57 runs in 78 games (282 at bats). Here's my favorite stat that show's how locked in he is: 42 walks and 41 strikeouts.
This is the first time since 2001 (Manny Ramirez) that the Red Sox have sent only one player to the All-Star Game. At least Ortiz deserved to be there and he wasn't MLB's sanctioned pick (every team has to have one guy). Then again, the joke contest is being held in Kansas City so who could blame them for not wanting to spend their only break during the season in that hot and empty wasteland? For what it's worth, six Red Sox went to the 2011 MLB All-Star Game.
There is always the possibility that a Red Sox player could be a replacement since it seems like half the elected players always chose to skip out with (cough) "injuries." In that case, I think the only realistic option is catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.254, 15 homers, 37 RBIs, .302 OBP) but he needs Mike Napoli (starter), Matt Wieters or Joe Mauer (Minnesota's only player) to go down.
It was fun for a while to pretend that reliever Scott Atchison (2-1, 1.54 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 1.00 WHIP) could make it too but journeymen relievers that generally pitch in non-pressure situations never make the All-Star Game (and rightfully so).
The MLB All-Star Game and its events come at the most dead point in the summer in terms of live sports so you don't really have any other choice but to watch if you care even a little bit about baseball. Players with local connections on the American League: Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (a starter and former Red Sox) and Providence, RI native and White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is a reserve. For the National League: Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon (former Red Sox) and Worcester, MA native and Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair who is a reserve.
Ortiz declined to compete in the Home Run Derby on July 9 so we'll have to settle for a few at bats on July 10 in the All-Star Game. Don't forget the winning league still gains home-field advantage for its World Series representative. One of the most batshit insane rules in professional sports, haha gotta love Uncle Bud Selig. He doesn't care what you think, he'll make this glorified exhibition game mean way too much if he damn well pleases.
