Come into the tap house and sit down today. Make sure it is a sturdy barstool because it’s not just two-for-one Wednesday, it’s five-for-one.
That’s in honor of the Orioles’ five All Stars that were announced Tuesday night.
Third baseman Manny Machado and closer Zach Britton were locks. I thought right fielder Mark Trumbo was too, but some national writers were not in agreement. Trumbo got the nod, though.
And so did catcher Matt Wieters, who clearly is having the second-best, all-around season for American League catchers (behind starter Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals).
The biggest surprise, and the coolest story, is that reliever Brad Brach will attend his first All Star Game – and it’s in San Diego, where he started his pro career. (Brach was taken in the 42nd round by the Padres in 2008 and was dealt to the Orioles in 2013 for minor leaguer Devin Jones).
Although the Orioles legitimately had nine candidates for the All-Star game, I put the over-under at four. And they got five.
That’s their most since 2013 – the club hasn’t had more since six Orioles were named All Stars in 1997 (the Orioles had seven in 1970).
Yet after the announcement, some fans complained to me that the Orioles should have had more this year. One complaint is that the Boston Red Sox got six All Stars, and they are behind the Orioles in the AL East standings.
A case certainly can be made for the inclusion of Chris Tillman and Chris Davis and maybe Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones.
Five is pretty impressive in my estimation – and maybe when replacements get named, Tillman or Davis could sneak in.
But, I’m a bartender and a writer. Not a fan. So answer me this: Did the Orioles get robbed here, or are you content with five All Stars?
Tap-In Question: Do you have a beef with the number of All Stars the Orioles have this year?
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5 for 1 Natty Boh's? Sign me up!
Its hard to complain about having 5 in the All-Star game. How many years did the O's send only one representative to the game, and that was because nobody was voted in and a quota needed to be filled?
Obviously the case could be made for Schoop, Davis, and Tillman. Jones just wasn't there in my opinion, despite a strong June.
However, Tillman's fate was in his own hands and he lost the opportunity by pitching poorly in June. Meanwhile Schoop is still up-and-coming, and will be a future All-Star. Davis though - yeah I'm a little bitter about that one.
But why be bitter? Be happy the O's will have 5 guys on the roster, and maybe one more will be added as a replacement.
Good points 19. O's had only one year from 2001-2011 where they had more than the one required all star. Have had at least 3 each since then.
Since its five-for-one day at the Tap Room, I’ll take five shots of espresso in my coffee this morning good sir. (throws five in the tip jar)
The All-Star Game is nothing more than a popularity contest perpetrated on us fine fans. What started as a game to showcase talent from the senior and junior circuit has become an overblown press junket tooting the horns of the league’s favorite sons and chosen ones. We all know Baltimore is the red headed step child of the league. Anyone remember the love national sports personalities like Howard Cosell lavished on Baltimore. (yup still a little bitter)
With all things considered I am quite content with five sneaking through the iron gate of Baltimore hatred around the league. We should be very surprised with five breaking through the glass wall. I am so trying hard not to be filled with sour grapes, but strong cases for Tillman, Davis, Schoop, and Jones could be made. But in full disclosure several other fans in cities near and far are lamenting the snub of their players being left off and strong cases could be made for their favorites.
The only thing that begs the question is what does a guy like Trumbo have to do to win a spot by the voters? What more could he have done? There is an old quote by Alexander Hamilton, “The masses are asses.” And this is proven every year around this time.
Wow after that rant, I'm cutting you off from the espresso. :). No, I hear ya. I actually think the fans do a pretty solid job putting together the teams. Yes, Trumbo deserved it. But he was top 5 for OFers and the starting three are all having excellent years too. So it's not like a chump got ahead of him.
but but I don't like decaf....
I'm good with the All-Star selections. Can't be bitter. Would of been nice for Adam Jones to make the team. Looking forward to the 2nd half. Duquette has some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks.
Jones' first month killed his chances. But frankly he could probably use the rest with the way he plays while on the field.
We are going to be playing into November. So the ideal situation would be that those guys get a couple of well deserved days off to spend with their families. However it is great to see them getting the respect they deserve, especially the Killer B's.
I agree. Jones and Davis definitely are guys that could use some rest.
As the temp down here in Goose Creek, SC is forecasted to hit 95° with a heat index if 105°, I'll stick to water for now.
I am ok with 5 going. I absolutely remember the years we got our 1. I am also thrilled that Brach got the nod. He deserves it, IMO.
That being said, I'd have like to have seen Davis or Tillman get the nod but can understand them getting passed over. Tillman's June performance was definitely an issue. And, Jones will benefit from the rest. I am actually a bit surprised Wieters wasn't passed over to allow an unvoted team to get their guy in the slot. I'm happy he'll be there though as I think he absolutely deserves it. Trumbo had some stiff competition for an OF slot so I'm not completely bitter he doesn't get the start. The three getting it are absolutely nothing to sneeze at. And, while he does play for the BoSox, it's been nice to see Jackie Bradley, Jr. have a good season.
Water it is. And always the Carolina bent. I can't imagine the celebration when you learned the Goose Creek native son is an All Star again. I was a bit surprised too, for the same reason as you.
Wish Jones had gotten in solely because of it being in his hometown. Would've been a great story. But no issue with the 5. Well, I do think Davis maybe should be gotten a shot. That's on the the fans though. O's fans didn't vote. If they did, no way KC and Boston fans get their guys in over ours. Last, better question is what do you think about Keith Law ripping the Brach selection? Would love to hear your thoughts.
"Should have gotten"
I'll take some coffee and carrot cake. 5 is a good number, and higher than any pre-season expectations. Nice recognition for a middle reliever, that is a nice touch.