2011 MLB All-Star Game to lack shimmer as star players opt-out – Part 4
Felix Hernandez of Seattle Mariners has ruffled up batters this season. His scintillating performance at the mound is evident from his statistics. Hernandez has gathered 140 strike-outs in 144 innings over 20 games played this season. His performance earned
him an election to the American League All-Star team but he has become another victim of the “Sunday before” rule.
The Seattle starter has been replaced by Jon Lester who received the last-minute nod after Hernandez featured in the game against Los Angeles Angels on Sunday and became ineligible for the All-Star Game by rule. Lester was right behind Hernandez in the player
vote and thus got this call-up.
Lester, however, is suffering from a strained left latissimus dorsi and hence will not pitch on Tuesday but will make the trip to Phoenix to enjoy the festivities at the All-Star break. Lester is confident about his fitness though and says that he would
be available for the second-half of the season. He has a win-loss record of 10-4 as compared to Hernandez’s 8-7. With both stars unavailable, pitching might become a question for the American League.
Chase Field is renowned as a hitters’ ballpark meaning that batters will be at advantage on Tuesday. The only means of stopping the flow of runs is through precise pitching. The “Sunday before” has not helped the American League’s cause as another pitching
genius, Justin Verlander, has been adjudged ineligible for the All-Star Game after his brilliant effort on Sunday took the Detroit Tigers to the top of the American League Central Division.
Knowing that he could have started for the AL at Chase Field, Verlander preferred playing for his team and helping them improve on their season’s record. His effort earned him his 12th win this season, making him the first Tigers pitcher in 24
years to achieve 12 wins before the All-Star break.
With 147 strike-outs, Verlander has the leading strike-out tally in the circuit. Verlander’s decision does send a strong message to the MLB. The players have their loyalty to their teams and would not place the All-Star Game ahead of it. The rule needs to
be altered or maybe eliminated for the All-Star Game to remain charming with participation of true stars.
Cole Hamels parts ways from team-mates Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay as he becomes ineligible to pitch for National League in Tuesday’s All-Star clash at Phoenix.
Hamels became disqualified after he started for Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Hamels rubbished talks that he was under stress for missing the All-Star Game. He said that he will get a chance to watch everybody from the stands
and enjoy the game rather than thinking which inning to pitch in.
Hamels said that it will be a good break for him before the Phillies get on a tough schedule from July 22 – Aug 10. The Phillies are to play 20 games in 20 days and they need Hamels to be fit for the entire span.
Criticising the “Sunday before” rule, Hamels was quick to add that the home-field advantage for the league winning the All-Star Game does not make sense. This would mean that even if Philadelphia ends up with the best record, they would not be entitled to
home-field advantage if American League manages to win the All-Star Game on July 12.
The favourite to win the Cy Young Award this season will not feature in the All-Star Game.
Continued in Part 5
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