MLB All-Star Game: An overview of the rosters – Part 10
Jonny Venters gets a hard-earned call up to the NL All-Star pitching staff with his performances this year advocating his case. Jonny plays as a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. His forte is his run-stopping ability and he is equipped with the entire
required armoury. His win-loss record is impressive at 4-1 accompanied by 56 strike-outs at an ERA of just 1.53. He has held the 18th ranking the second highest in NL. With a relief pitcher of Venters quality in the bull-pen, the AL batters will
not have to deal with the starters only.
Ryan Vogelsong is only the second player in Major League Baseball history to be out for four full seasons and be selected in the All-Star roster in his return season. Mickey Harris was the only other such player when he stayed out due to World War II from
1942 to 1945. Vogelsongs’ come-back season has been imposing but there could have been better choices that have been performing consistently. Vogelsong has pitched his only complete-game shut-out this season and is using his arm efficiently for an average
of 101.3 pitches per game. More accuracy and concentration on the mound will complete for Vogelsong what it takes to be a true star.
Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants completes the pitching staff for the National League All-Star side. The tall and bearded relief pitcher uses all that he has in his arms when on the mound. This season has been no different and he has saved 24 games
with his dedication, ranking the fourth-highest in the circuit. Adding to his credentials is his overwhelming win-loss record which stands at 6-1. Wilson has been very economical too with just 13 runs leaked in 40.2 innings. His addition to the roster will
be a confidence booster for the already pumped up bull-pen.
The American and National League rosters are justified and well-deserved. There have been a few shocking omissions but Ron Washington and Bruce Bochy have their own arguments to advocate their viewpoint.
There have been a few personalised choices but in an All-Star game, the star status must be rated above the performance of the player. Derek Jeter and A-Rod for example are attractions for the fans in themselves.
With the American League vying to overcome their lacklustre performance from last year, they are expected to field the strongest possible side. The likes of Jose Bautista, Jeter and A-Rod are more than just celebrities. There gaming sense is far superior
than many baseball prodigies and with all brains working together, it might get tough for the National League to overcome the American league.
The National League leads in head-to-head record. Their win last year came after a drought of 13 years. The AL domination for 13 long years will play hard on their mind but they will have motivation from last year’s win to transform the victory into some
sort of streak. They have the firepower to do it. Clayton Kershaw, Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels can single-handedly destroy any batting line-up and combined, the damage may be unbearable. The NL also has the likes of Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks
to hammer the ball out of the park.
With more than just a game at stake, the All-Star encounter on July 12 can be expected to be a real showdown of the stars of baseball.
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