The final ballot numbers have been gathered, and the Minnesota Twins will have two representatives headed to the All-Star game: Glen Perkins and Kurt Suzuki.
Glen Perkins
Heading to his second straight All-Star Game, Glen Perkins was chosen through manager selection. So far this season, Perkins has a 3-0 record and a 3.22 ERA over 36.1 innings pitched in 36 games. As a consistent and reliable closer for the Twins, Perkins has racked up 20 saves in 23 save opportunities. With 48 strikeouts, seven walks, and 13 earned runs given up, it’s no wonder the Twins look to him to wrap up the late-innings.
Although this will be his second trip to the All-Star Game, Perkins hopes that this time he’ll get a chance to be on the mound. Perkins did not get a chance to pitch in last year’s Midsummer Classic, which was hosted by the New York Mets, but hopes that he will get a chance this year, especially since the game is hosted right at the Twins’ Target Field.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” Perkins said. “I’m excited to represent the Twins and the state. It’s a dream come true.”
Having closely watched and analyzed the team over the last few months, I feel that Perkins is one great choice to send to the All-Star Game. Through his notable hard
work and team leadership, there should be no doubt that he’ll get the nod at some point to pitch for the American League.
Kurt Suzuki
In his eighth Major League season, Suzuki is headed to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career through manager selection. As a fairly solid player defensively behind the plate, Suzuki’s bat is something that has really caught attention from others. Suzuki currently holds a .306/.363/.400 average over 72 games, which includes 18 doubles, two home runs, and 34 RBIs. Suzuki nearly made the All-Star Break in 2009 when he was with the Oakland Athletics, but unfortunately came up short.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Suzuki said. “It’s kind of surreal right now. I’m just trying to soak it all in”
Although he is not starting the All-Star Game on July 15, I’m sure he will likely see some playing time, particularly in the later innings.
With two great representatives heading to the Midsummer Classic, there are two other Twins who I for one am somewhat surprised they didn’t make the cut. Brian Dozier and Phil Hughes.
Brian Dozier has been outstanding this year, both defensively and offensively. Offensively, Dozier leads the team in runs (63), home runs (16), walks (51), stolen bases (15), and strikeouts (73). Defensively, Dozier has made it clear that he loves to get his uniform dirty, as he has been a part of 62 double plays. As someone who has been leading the team in multiple areas throughout the season, it comes as a bit of a surprise to me that he didn’t get the nod to play in the game.
Phil Hughes is another player who comes as a bit of a surprise that he is not representing the Twins in a week and a half. Hughes is currently the only starter who has a winning record for the Twins, and has the most wins, as well. With a 3.95 ERA over 109.1 innings in 17 starts, Hughes holds a .275 average and leads the team in strikeouts at 94. Although he may not be the ultimate shining ray of a perfect starting pitcher, he has done as much as he could to help the Twins back to a record over .500.
But, with all said and done, the fans and managers have spoken as to who will be going to the All-Star Break at Target Field. So congratulations to all who made it! There will always be next year for more players to make an impact and prove that they are All-Star worthy, and make a push then.
Related Article: Glen Perkins, Kurt Suzuki named All-Stars
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