Associated Press ANAHEIM, Calif. — Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez will start for the National League in the All-Star game while the AL will counter with Tampa Bay's David Price.
In this year of the pitcher, Jimenez was a fitting pick by Phillies manager Charlie Manuel on Monday.
"One of the great talents in baseball and he's a treat to watch pitch," Manuel said of choosing Jimenez over Florida's Josh Johnson. "This guy's 15-1. His record speaks for itself."
The NL will try Tuesday night at Angel Stadium to end a 13-year drought in baseball's midsummer classic. Jimenez has a 2.20 ERA in 18 starts and 127 innings for the surging Rockies. Price is 12-4 with a 2.42 ERA. Johnson is 9-3 with a majors-best 1.70 ERA for the Marlins.
"It's just a huge honor for me to be out here," Jimenez said. "Hopefully we can put everything together and break the losing streak."
I gotta be honest, I hate the MLB All Star game more than I hate the ProBowl, the NBA All Star Game or NHL one, because at least those don't have any outcome on the season, and are truly for the fans. But Selig had to be a big douche and make the winner of the All Star game matter. I can't believe that they actually use an exhibition game to determine who gets home field advantage in the world series. BARBARIC! Almost the same as playing Rock Paper Scissors to determine who the next leader of the free world will be.
However, I have a good feeling about this Rockies team. They finished out the first half of the season 49-39, only 2 games behind the Padres for 1st place. They closed out winning 8 of their last 10, many in dramatic fashion. (They should have won yesterday and been tied for 1st, but Belisle can't throw to home plate under pressure worth a shit)
That being said, I'm glad the NL will be starting Ubaldo. When Rocktober rolls around, and the Rockies make the playoff push and get into the postseason, we will have Jimenez to thank for home field in the World Series.
P.S. How about 2 of the 3 starting outfielders being from the Brewers, Ryan Braun and Corey Hart? That's awesome. First time the Brew Crew had 2 starters in the All Star Game since Paul Molitor and Ted Simmons in 1983
P.P.S. Corey Hart just noted, "I've got the reigning champion from the throwing side" for HR Derby. That's Nashville coach Sandy Guerrero.
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