At least six Sox are All-Stars
The results are in, and San Diego will be seeing a lot of red when next week’s All-Star Game is played at the Padres’ Petco Park.
At least six players will represent the Red Sox at the annual Midsummer Classic. Designated hitter David Ortiz, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., right fielder Mookie Betts, starting pitcher Steven Wright and closer Craig Kimbrel made the American League’s squad that was announced last night, while second baseman Dustin Pedroia has a chance to join his teammates in MLB’s Final Vote.
Ortiz, Bogaerts, Bradley Jr. and Betts were voted in as starters. Wright, a player’s selection, also has a chance to start (that won’t be announced until next week), while Kimbrel was a manager’s pick by the Kansas City Royals’ Ned Yost.
Ortiz’ 10th career AllStar appearance will come in his final season, while this is Kimbrel’s fifth. Bradley Jr., Bogaerts, Betts and Wright are All-Star rookies. For Pedroia, a roster spot would be his fifth.
“It’s special, a special feeling,” Bradley said. “It’s an honor and I’m excited.”
Said Bogaerts: “I’m excited, moreso because we have a lot of teammates going with us. A lot of young guys going with David going out on his last year.”
A big storyline next week will be Ortiz’ final appearance in the All-Star Game, and for good reason. The 40-year-old is having perhaps his most deserving All-Star season during the unlikeliest of times. Add in his unquestioned popularity and it should make for a special scene.
“There’s not going to be another time, so I’m just going to go out there, have fun and make sure I give the fans what they want who vote for David Ortiz and enjoy watching me,” Ortiz said.
His All-Star teammates are thrilled to get to tag along for the ride.
Wright was asked if there was any point this season when he realized making the AL All-Star team could be a reality.
“Yeah, when they just told me,” Wright said. “It’s awesome. I think it speaks more volumes that one of the reasons I get to go is because of Mookie and Jackie and Bogey. They’re back there working their butts off, doing their jobs on defense. It’s been incredible to be part of this team, and it speaks a lot that there are six guys going. I’m excited to go with all those guys and experience this together, because most of us have never gone, so it’ll be fun to do it together.”
Kimbrel was surprised at being picked. The closer’s numbers (17 saves, 2.53 ERA) haven’t been bad on paper, but he hasn’t been as good as advertised in the first half of his first AL season.
“I don’t expect it at all; I am a little surprised,” Kimbrel said. “This year has been up and down so far, but being selected is definitely an honor. If I get the chance to pitch, I’ll try to get some outs.”
For Bogaerts, being voted in is especially rewarding after he came up just short of making the team last season.
“Coming up, you always want to win a World Series first, but any time you get a chance like this to go to the All-Star Game, it’s nice,” Bogaerts said. “I want to thank everyone who voted for me. Obviously all the coaches, the fans, the players, especially all the people back home in Aruba.”
Two-thirds of the AL outfield will belong to Bradley and Betts, a testament to their rapid development.
“I’ve been through a lot of adversity, but I honestly think that shows that I’m willing to go through it to put the work in and keep moving forward,” Bradley said. “It sounds cliche, everybody says it’s a dream come true. I never really thought of the All-Star as being a dream for me. My dream was always to play at the major league level.”
Said Betts: “I’d be lying if I said I never dreamed about it, so for it to come true is definitely a blessing.”
For the teammates, the All-Star experience will be special.
“I think it’s going to be fun,” Betts said. “They’re six of us going, so I just know it’s going to be fun.”