Angels could have three at All-Star Game

July 5th, 2009, 10:32 am · 2 Comments · posted by Al Balderas, staff writer

Angels center fielder Torii Hunter and closer Brian Fuentes are headed to the All-Star Game. Both have been there before. But they could be joined by a first-timer — third baseman Chone Figgins.

Hunter and Fuentes were chosen by Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon, who will be running things from the American League dugout. Figgins is one of five American League candidates in the online “Final Vote” balloting to name the last player on the A.L. and N.L. rosters.

This will be the third time Hunter has been picked as an All-Star but his first since joining the Angels. He was tabbed as an All-Star in 2002 and 2007.

The outfielder is batting .303 this season with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs.

Fuentes, one of the top closers in the league with 23 saves this season, was an All-Star pick in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

This would be Figgins’ first All-Star Game. He is batting .316, with 22 extra-base hits and 26 stolen bases. He has also emerged as one of the top defensive players in the league.

The A.L. ‘Final Vote’ candidates are Figgins, Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge, Rays first baseman Carlos Pena and Blue Jays DH Adam Lind.

The N.L. candidates are Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, Diamondbacks infielder Mark Reynolds, Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman, Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval and Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino.

Voting runs through Thursday afternoon.

The game will be played on July 14 at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium.

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Angels 2009 projections

Player	Projection
Mike Napoli	.246/.351/.481
Jeff Mathis	.222/.288/.364
Kendry Morales	.274/.317/.430
Howie Kendrick	.304/.335/.440
Erick Aybar	.268/.309/.369
Chone Figgins	.278/.354/.367
Brandon Wood	.237/.295/.424
Maicer Izturis	.273/.343/.383
Juan Rivera	.273/.321/.453
Bobby Abreu	.282/.376/.440
Torii Hunter	.273/.331/.462
Vladimir Guerrero	.306/.369/.513
Gary Matthews, Jr	.260/.331/.402
Ervin Santana	3.87 ERA
John Lackey	3.82 ERA
Kelvim Escobar	3.93 ERA
Jered Weaver	3.94 ERA
Joe Saunders	4.24 ERA
Dustin Moseley	5.34 ERA
Brian Fuentes	3.33 ERA
Scot Shields	3.67 ERA
Jose Arredondo	3.75 ERA
Darren Oliver	4.01 ERA
Justin Speier	4.23 ERA
Kevin Jepsen	5.05 ERA

(These projections are an average of six common statistical forecasting systems. They are based on the players' previous performances, ages and, in some cases, physical characteristics.)

ihatefatgurls says:

July 5, 2009 at 10:57 am

Glad to see some Angel players attending the all star game.

Post Reply

Earl Bloom, staff writer says:

July 5, 2009 at 11:57 am

Where’s Jered Weaver?

Do they really need six Boston players? Compare Weaver (8-3, 3.10 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) to Tim Wakefield (10-3, 4.30 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). Is this a lifetime achievement award? Who gets to catch Wakefield in the ASG?

With that exception, the AL pitching staff is awesome. The Yankees spent millions on two starters, and neither made it.

There’s only three Phillies on the NL team; they won the World Series and are leading their division.

Dodgers that made the NL team are pitchers Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton, plus second baseman Orlando Hudson as a reserve. Matt Kemp is a candidate for the 33rd spot. Not bad for the team with the best record in baseball …

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