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Mariners’ fans know that Nelson Cruz has done more than enough to warrant an All-Star Game appearance, but apparently the rest of baseball disagrees.
Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano has been named an All-Star and is heading to San Diego next week. He is the reserve for starting second baseman Jose Altuve. He is also the lone representative for the Seattle Mariners.
The honor is completely deserved as Cano has exploded out to 19 home runs, which is the most in a first half for him since 2013, when he was still a New York Yankee. He has also hit .302 and has an OPS of .889, which is 4th among MLB second baseman. His 19 HRs leads all MLB second baseman.
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Cano is finally playing up to the 10-year, $240 million contract he signed in 2014.
Nelson Cruz on the other hand, got snubbed. Boomstick has launched 22 home runs, which is tied for 5th best in all of baseball. I feel like if someone is in the top five in home runs and RBI (Cruz’s 57 also 5th in MLB), they should be an All-Star. Period. It would have also been cool to see him in the Home Run Derby, shattering windows of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building at Petco Park.
Cruz is right on pace for his third straight 40+ home run season. He also had been selected for three straight All-Star games, this would make a fourth.
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Now, there is still a chance we could see Cruz in San Diego. Players get hurt and spots need to be filled, since you know, “this one counts”. Cruz could also be considered an outfielder since he has played 35 of his 82 games (about 43%) in right field.
The All-Star Game is supposed to have the biggest and best stars currently in the game in attendance. You are telling me that Michael Saunders (an A.L. Final Vote candidate) is better than Cruz? Saunders has 15 HRs compared to Cruz’s 22 and their slugging percentages are virtually the same (Saunders has a slight two point advantage).
George Springer is also on the Final Vote ballot. He has three less home runs than Cruz and Cruz’s batting average is 16 points higher.
Next: Robinson Cano Reserves Spot At The All-Star Game
Nelson Cruz got snubbed. It’s that simple. He still has a chance given some injuries (I am not rooting for anyone to get hurt) but you have to think that A.L. manager Ned Yost wants someone with Cruz’s raw power and household name on the team. It also doesn’t hurt that Cruz’s longest home run of the year so far came at Petco Park, the host park next week.