Hi Twins Fans! Well, to no ones surprise, the Twins have three players on the All Star team. C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau , and RP Joe Nathan will be in St. Louis next week to represent the American League. Mauer was voted in by the fans, Morneau was selected by his peers, actually elected by his peers, and Nathan was named as one of the 5 relief pitchers picked by AL manager, Joe Madden. All three players are very deserving.
Mauer is now being tabbed as the best catcher in the game, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that statement. Morneau is having a super ‘09 season, and his recent surge has vaulted him back into the Triple Crown race. He’s listed in the top five in batting average, home runs, and RBI. And Nathan is arguably the best closer in the game. Yes, I know that Brian Fuentes has more saves, and Mariano Rivera is 22 for 23 in save chances, but I can’t imagine that anyone is pitching better than Nathan in a closing role. Joe has 16 consecutive saves and has been absolutely "lights out" in his recent appearances. Twins fans get ready! You are going to see Mauer, Morneau and Nathan on the AL All Star squad for many years to come!
In closing, some Twins fans are a bit upset that Kevin Slowey was not named to the team. First of all, Slowey probably took himself out of the running when he was placed on the disabled list with a strained right wrist. He wouldn’t have been able to pitch. Secondly, Slowey didn’t pitch well down the stretch when Madden was watching closely what pitchers to choose. And thirdly, though Slowey was tied for the AL leadership in wins, he was probably a "bubble" selection. If Slowy had been healthy, my guess is that Madden would have had to choose between Boston’s Tim Wakefield, Detroit’s Edwin Jackson, and Slowey. And with only two of the three being named, Slowey might have missed out.
Let’s hope the three Twins players, Mauer, Morneau and Nathan, contribute to an American League win. After all, the Twins want to have home field advantage come World Series rolls time.
Touch’em All!
John Gordon
