MLB All-Star Game: An overview of the rosters – Part 4
The 6ft 5in brawny Josh Beckett of Boston Red Sox spearheads the AL pitching staff for the July 12 clash against the NL All-Star side. Given his form this season, there could have been no better choice than the lanky right-handed pitcher. In 16 games started
this season, Beckett has struck-out 91 batters at a phenomenal ERA of 2.12. He has recorded one complete game shut-out this season. His arm power is depicted in his average of 99.6 pitches per game. Beckett has leaked just 25 runs this season and a win-loss
record of 7-3 speaks for itself. The NL bull-pen will surely be wary of Josh.
Joining Beckett in the pitching staff is the well-deserving youngster Gio Gonzalez from the Oakland Athletics. The A’s starter has featured in 17 games this season and has struck-out 106 batters. He has leaked 33 runs at an ERA of 2.31. Gio has been consistent
with the job at the mound even with an average of 106.3 pitches per game this season. His consistency has resulted in Gonzalez winning eight games with only three losses. He has a golden opportunity of making his mark at the big stage among the stars of the
game in Phoenix.
Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners got honoured for his performance this season and made it to the pitching staff of the AL All-Star roster. His recognition came after he has struck-out 134 batters in 19 games played thus far. He has conceded 55 runs
but this is how he goes about it. He pitches hard, goes for runs but can demolish the opposition single-handedly. Hernandez has pitched two complete games and on average, throws 112.6 pitches per game. He still has a decent ERA of 3.22 with eight wins against
seven losses this season. Gaining appreciation will be a big confidence booster for this Venezuelan fellow.
The gangling David Price gets his opportunity in the All-Star roster. He is still new to the scene with just three years of experience to advocate his position in the AL side. Price however has repeatedly proved his abilities at the mound with variety and
pace blended in his skill. His height is an added advantage and he has shown why with his statistics.
This year alone, in 18 games, Price has managed 122 strike-outs in 124 innings pitched. With almost a strike-out every inning, the average is by no means below par. He has leaked runs occasionally, 50 this season until now, but he is still in the learning
process at the Major Leagues. He has a win-loss record of 8-7. His presence at the All-Star Game will be a definite learning experience. With the likes of Beckett in the pitching staff, Price has all to gain from the experience.
James Shields of Tampa Bay Rays gets his share of recognition by making it to the pitching staff for the AL All-Star team. Shields’ has been pitching vigorously this season. He has pitched six complete games and three shut-outs in the total of 18 games he
has started this season. 132 strike-outs in 134.2 innings depict the firepower Shields possesses. His arsenal of pitching does not lack behind in anything. He has the slider and the fastball and an excellent change-up ball to complete his repertoire. His ERA
this season is impressive at 2.47. All other things remaining same, it can be assured that he will return as a better player after the All-Star break because of the immense learning the AL stars have to offer.
Continued in Part 5
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