Sunday, July 02, 2006
Looking like one
The All-Star teams will be unveiled later today, but as I look at the possibilities I'm not sure I see more than one Reds player getting the call. That would be Bronson Arroyo, who's a perfect fit as a marquee-type personality who's having a fantastic year.
If Junior didn't make the cut in the fan voting, which appears likely, he won't be there. David Ross has some great numbers at a fairly thin position, but he still isn't really a full-time starter, so I don't expect him to go. Aaron Harang should be in contention, but I have a hard time seeing two Reds starting pitchers making the team.
That leaves Brandon Phillips, who certainly deserves to go with his offensive work (.320, 7 HR, 44 RBI, 16 SB, .828 OPS) and his glove. Chase Utley will be the starting second baseman, but there are two possibilities beyond him that may keep Phillips out. First, Florida's Dan Uggla (.309, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 1.006 OPS), who's on track to be Rookie of the Year. That choice would make sense. One other option facing NL manager Phil Garner is taking his own veteran second baseman Craig Biggio, despite a mediocre year at the plate (.267, 6 HR, 28 RBI, .740 OPS).
Either way, I don't know that Phillips will make the cut, though in my opinion he should. Guess we'll see in a few hours...