Blake Snell and the 5 biggest 2018 All-Star Game snubs

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 3: Starting pitcher Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks off the field after pitching the second inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 2-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 05: Minnesota Twins Left field Eddie Rosario (20) makes contact during a MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles on July 5, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN. The Twins defeated the Orioles 5-2. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Eddie Rosario, Minnesota Twins, OF

The final two names on this list have a lot of reasons to be upset with the selection process. Rosario has to be wondering what he has to do to make an All-Star team. The fourth-year professional is posting an MVP-caliber season for the Twins.

The left-handed hitter is absolutely raking this season. His slash line of .306/.346/.544 is among the top marks in the American League. With all due respect to Indians outfielder Michael Brantley or Astros star George Springer, putting either of them in this game over Rosario was a serious mistake.

The fact that the Twins are currently nine games under .500 certainly didn’t boost his candidacy. His outstanding hitting still should have been good enough to get him a place on the squad. Players with a WAR of four in 85 games should not be anywhere other than the All-Star game when the event is held.

Rosario also got squeezed by the fact that the American League roster features two DHs. Both Nelson Cruz and Shin-Soo Choo made sense due to their offensive outputs, but Rosario’s quality defending should have given him the nod over either of them in a vacuum.

Chances are Rosario will end up on the American League squad, but it’s sad he didn’t make it in via the initial process. He may never have a better first half than he’s enjoyed this season.

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