He has started 53 percent of his team’s games through July 5th.

He has less RBI than Roger Bernadina, Jeff Keppinger, and Chris Snyder.

 

He has fewer home runs than Ross Gload, Dane Sardinha, and Jeff Baker.

 

He is Omar Infante, 2010 All-Star.

 

Every year, it’s much more interesting for baseball fans to debate snubs for the Midsummer Classic than to sing the praises of those who earn their way in. National League manager Charlie Manuel gave those second guessers plenty to chew on when he made July 4th an Independence Day that Infante will never forget, naming the Braves’ super sub to the N.L. squad. The 28-year-old was caught so far off guard that he thought he was being traded out of Atlanta when given the news.

 

Popular opinion has lambasted Manuel, and justifiably so while players like Joey Votto (.318 BA, 21 HR, 59 RBI) and starting pitcher Mat Latos (9-4, 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) were left out, though Votto can still get in via fan balloting for the NL’s final spot. However, we need to remember two things. First off, the game counts, and among players with Infante’s specific skill set, like the ability to play up the middle and to handle a number of positions well defensively, there simply weren’t any who had better offensive numbers.

 

Second, and not enough media outlets have pointed this out yet, Manuel was told he had to have a utility player on the roster. If not for that requirement, the only way Infante gets to the game in Anaheim next week is if he purchases a ticket.

 

There wouldn’t be any requirement if the All-Star Game was an exhibition like it used to be, but that’s another argument for another blog.

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