The reserves and pitchers have been announced for both the AL and NL All Star teams, and there is one player that stands out as one that was snubbed, and that is Mets closer Jeurys Familia.
The National League relievers that were selected are Cardinals’ Trevor Rosenthal, Reds’ Aroldis Chapman, Pirates’ Mark Melancon, Phillies’ Jonathan Papelbon, and Brewers’ Francisco Rodriguez.
I have no problems with Rosenthal’s 0.70 ERA, Champan’s 61 strikeouts in 35.1 innings, and Melancon’s MLB leading 27 saves. However, if you look at the numbers, it just does not make sense why Papelbon and Rodriguez were selected over Familia. Am I biased? Of course I am.
Here are the statistics for all three:
Francisco Rodriguez: 0-2, 1.45 ERA, 18 Saves, 31.0 Innings, 36 Strikeouts, 0.871 WHIP, 1.5 WAR
Jonathan Papelbon: 1-1, 1.65 ERA, 14 Saves, 32.2 Innings, 34 Strikeouts, 1.010 WHIP, 1.2 WAR
Jeurys Familia: 2-0, 1.13 ERA, 23 Saves, 39.2 Innings, 41 Strikeouts, 0.882 WHIP, 1.8 WAR
With the exception of WHIP, Familia owns the best numbers out of all those closers by far. The only National League reliever with a better ERA than Familia is Rosenthal.
I understand why the other two are heading to Cincinnati, and maybe that’s the problem with the whole All Star selection process.
If the game is an exhibition I have no problem with each major league team being represented. But the fact is that it’s not just an exhibition because home field advantage in the World Series is at stake. That means you should pick your best 34.
NL All-Star manager Bruce Bochy said Familia received strong consideration for a spot on the squad but he was a casualty of the every-team represented rule.
“I know all about him,” Bochy said about Familia. “He’s got great stuff. And, of course, he had a great first half. That’s why he’s on the fan voting. You’re not on that unless you receive a lot of consideration.” (ESPN New York)
“I would like to be there,” Familia said before notching his 23rd save in the Mets’ 3-0 victory over the Giants last night. “Everything happens in my life for a reason. I’m not worried about it. I’m just going to keep trying to do my job and that’s it.”
THERE’S STILL A CHANCE TO GET FAMILIA IN THE ALL STAR GAME!
Bochy included Familia on the final 5-man ballot, along with LHP Clayton Kershaw, RHP Johnny Cueto, SS Troy Tulowitzki, and RHP Carlos Martinez.
Cast your vote here and vote as many times as you can to get our deserving Mets closer into the game!
Congratulations to Jacob deGrom who was rightfully selected to pitch for the National League!
