The MLB released its All-Star game rosters today, demonstrating yet again why the mid summer classic is virtually irrelevant to Bucs fans.
Despite having many candidates, the Pirates will only be fielding one representative, closer Joel Hanrahan, Hanrahan is certainly deserving; he has been utterly dominant this season, posting a stingy 1.41 ERA. While the relative importance of the closer position is often overstated by analysts, there can be little debate that Hanrahan is a big reason why the Pirates have been able to win games this year in spite of their sputtering offense.
The Pittsburgh faithful will likely be furious that their team’s brightest star, Andrew McCutchen, has been so flagrantly snubbed. McCutchen’s offensive numbers have certainly been impressive thus far, but what sets the young centerfielder apart is the way he combines his potent bat with game changing defense. Unfortunately, neither the league nor the public has noticed.
To pour salt in the wound Bruce Bochy selected former Pirate and poster-child for futility Ryan Vogelsong, who has somehow managed to put together a good first half.
There are just so many reasons for Pittsburgh fans not to care about this. Hopefully, you are one of those glass-is-half-full types who can sit through an entire game and feel happy that you got to see Joel Hanrahan pitch 2/3 of an inning. Since I am not, you can count me out of the festivities.