2011 MLB All-Star Game to lack shimmer as star players opt-out – Part 2
Another key player absent from the festivities of the All-Star Game is the baseball genius Alex Rodriguez. After getting elected for his 13th All-Star Game, A-Rod opted out of the game to cure his injured right-knee.
Rodriguez suffered from a meniscus tear in the right knee on June 19 and had continued to play through pain since then. The New York Yankees have confirmed that the surgery has been successful and that there will be no complications. A-Rod will be out of
action for at least four to six weeks, placing him on the disabled list for the fourth consecutive season.
A-Rod’s decision comes at a crucial point when other star players including team-mate Jeter have opted out. Alex’s reason, however, is legitimate and he needs to get himself in good shape in quick time to represent the Yankees in the second-half of the season.
His position at third base is set to be filled by Eduardo Nunez but his hitting skill cannot be replicated. Russell Martin, A-Rod’s team-mate at the Yankees and also an All-Star selection said, "You take one of the best hitters of all-time out of your line-up;
you're going to miss him. But he's going to be back when it really counts and he'll be healthy. That's what we want."
Rodriguez is a hitting machine with loads of experience. His absence will be felt in the bull-pen.
The National League’s short-stop Jose Reyes has also withdrawn participation from the All-Star Game. Reyes has been in inspirational form this season with 65 runs and 32 RBIs at an average of .354. Jose’s cross-town rival Derek Jeter has also opted out but
the reasons behind withdrawal vary for both.
With Jeter opting out due to exhaustion and injury avoidance, Reyes has an injured hamstring. He is not deemed fit for running by the doctors and he himself is in no hurry to feature in the game. Reyes has rightfully placed reality before emotions and has
opted for what is beneficial for his career and his team, the New York Mets.
Reyes possesses the vital short-stop position and needs to get fit in time to represent the Mets in the all-important second-half of the season. His withdrawal is surely a blow for the National League but the All-Star Game has lost importance and stardom
of recent and thus players who already enjoy fame are not moved by the game.
Ryan Braun of Milwaukee Brewers has had an exceptional season thus far but calf injury has restricted the hard-hitting batter from featuring in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 12.
In 83 games this season for the Brewers, Braun has amassed 98 hits and 57 runs. His captivating performance was well appreciated by the fans as Braun received the most votes among the NL players. Even though he is not participating in the game, Ryan made
it a point to be present at the event thanks to the millions of fans who voted for him and to cheer his team-mates Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder.
Braun said, “There's less stress, less anxiety. I'm not playing in the game; I'm not participating in the Home Run Derby. It's an opportunity to watch two of my teammates, who are two of the best players in the league. So, I'm looking forward to that."
Ryan is undergoing rehabilitation to alleviate the injury and make himself available for Thursday’s game against Colorado Rockies.
Continued in Part 3
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