On Sunday afternoon the Blue Jays finally got a bit of good news after a few weeks of utter despair.
Outfielders Vernon Wells and Jose Bautista were odds on favorites to make the American League All-Star team and did so, but to everyone’s surprise, catcher John Buck was also named to the team as a replacement for injured Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez. This is Buck’s first ever all-star selection.
All three made it as reserves.
Buck, who was regarded by many as a short term fix, signed a one-year deal with the club this past offseason. It seems like the returns for such a signing were immense. If anything, Buck really cemented himself in the league, but also gave the Blue Jays front office a major trading chip on their hands.
Many teams are in need of catching, and the Jays are supplied with catching up and down the minor leagues.
As for Baustista and Wells, this will be Bautista’s first appearance and Wells’ third. Bautista leads the Blue Jays with 21 home runs and Wells is second with 19. Both players easily make up the most powerful three, four hitters in the league. It appears the league has also taken notice.
In related news, Canadian first baseman Justin Morneau was voted as a starter to the American League Team. He is enjoying a wonderful season thus far, and he received more votes than rival first baseman Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers.
The All Star Game will be played on July 13th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
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