All-Star Team Selection Flotsam and Jetsam

MLB announced the rosters to the All-Star Game last night. Here are some miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

- I think it would be hard to find fault with the AL starters voted by the fans. The only selection that would be close would be Brian Roberts at second with Alphonso Soriano being another deserving choice. I think the fans got it right with Roberts.

- It is much easier to take issue with the NL starters. Neither Piazza nor Rolen should be starting based upon what they did in the first half of this year. Carlos Beltran is also a questionable choice.

- I would not have chosen Kenny Rogers for the team. The selection process does not happen in a vacuum and Rogers' actions do not merit being rewarded like this. MLB and Terry Francona could easily have added Matt Clement instead of Rogers and pawned it off as a manager's choice. Francona has stated that Clement will be the first pitcher added. Rogers was voted in by the players - so it was a bit tricky (it doesn't change the fact that Kenny Rogers is a jackass).

- At catcher in the NL - I would have liked to see Ramon Hernandez named even though he can't play. Up until the point he got hurt, Hernandez was the best catcher in the NL. What's the harm in recognizing him if he would agree not to play (you wouldn't want him reinjured or just sit on the bench). Brian Schneider of Washington is one player with an excellent case to make as NL catcher but who you won't see many people mention. Michael Barrett of the Cubs also has a very good case to make.

- At catcher in the AL - Joe Mauer is in the same position Miguel Tejada was in a few years ago. Tejada had A-Rod, Nomar and Jeter in front of him. Mauer has Varitek (who deserves to start), I-Rod (who's a Hall of Famer and from host team Detroit) and Jorge POSada. If Mauer can stay healthy - he's the star of tomorrow at catcher in the AL.

- The decision to carry two SS instead of two 1st in the NL probably cost Nick Johnson a spot on the team. Carlos Delgado is better known but after Derek Lee and Albert Pujols - Johnson has been the best at 1st this year in the NL.

- At 1st in the AL - Travis Hafner should have gotten the nod for the back-up. He's better than Konerko and Mike Sweeney missed too many games to deserve an All-Star berth. Why did the AL carry 3 first baggers? Extra DH's? Hafner should have been the Indians rep over Wickman (who will give up at least 1 HR if he pitches in the game).

- Craig Counsell was hurt by his numbers not being as fancy (especially batting average) as Louis Castillo but I would argue that Counsell is more deserving of being the NL reserve at 2nd.

- The five choices for the final position for the AL are all position players while the five choices for the NL are all pitchers. What's up for that?

- Houston has two guys on the roster and one of them isn't Morgan Ensberg? What's up with that?

- Cliff Floyd has 15 win shares and Carlos Beltran just 11. The Mets should have had an outfielder named to the team but based on the first half - the wrong Met was chosen. Floyd gets no respect.

- Brian Fuentes? I guess someone from Colorada had to be chosen.