The Padres will be represented by at least Wil Myers as a reserve in the 2016 MLB All Star Game to be held next Tuesday at Petco Park. It is the first All Star Game in Petco Park history.
The Padres should get partial credit for Fernando Rodney, whom the Padres rescued out of reliever purgatory and watched him allow just 1 earned run while being perfect in save opportunities before being traded to the Marlins last week.
More from Padres News
- Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
- Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
- Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
- Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
- This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
Myers really sealed the deal with an incredible month of June. This is the first All Star Game selection of Myers career which also already includes a Rookie of the Year with the Rays in 2013 and if his health stays will certainly not be his last.
Padres starting pitching Drew Pomeranz was left off the initial roster but could be added if an injury comes up which often does as teams don’t necessarily want to send their best players to a glorified exhibition games.
The Cubs nabbed all 4 starting infield spots, with just Buster Posey sneaking in behind the plate as a starter. Dexter Fowler of the Cubs also was named to the starting outfield with Yoenis Cepsedes and 2015 NL MVP Bryce Harper getting the other starting spot.
The Home Run Derby participants have not been selected yet – and Myers would love a chance to participate in that as well. He is also serving as an All Star Ambassador and could serve as the DH as a way for his hometown fans to see him more than just relegated to a pinch hit opportunity or make fans miss out on seeing other top first baseman like Anthony Rizzo and Paul Goldschmidt.
Next: Padres Sign International Free Agent Out of Taiwan
Myers certainly deserved the All Star selection, chosen by coaches who recognized that fan voting often leaves out players from bad teams having good years. While there is often debate about the state of All Star Game voting, I like the idea both that fans votes do matter and that every team deserves at least one representative.
As far as Fernando Rodney goes, I think it would even be fair for him to wear a Padres hat in the All Star Game as he had made so far just two appearances with Miami and nearly 20 with the Padres. He is still after all on the same team(National League) as far as determining home field advantage for the World Series.