Jerry Coleman: Orioles Seeing Stars
The 1st place Orioles once again are well represented at the All-Star game, and even though they will not have four playing in the game as they did a year ago, the Birds cannot be disappointed with the league high 3 players getting the bid to go in 2014.
Injured catcher Matt Wieters will attend but not participate , Adam Jones is a four-time all-star, and this will be the second consecutive year that he will start. Nelson Cruz will accompany him in Minnesota. After serving a suspension for PED use last season, Cruz's mantra since joining the team is being "blessed" for the chance to start fresh and the change of scenery has given the MLB leader in HR's (28) something to smile about.
The all-star game is not only about representing the team, but an exhibition game that determines home-field advantage in the World Series in addition to the best players in the Majors all on the same field. It is not everyday that Adam Jones with (4) all-star appearances, Miguel Cabrera (9), and Derek Jeter who will be in his final ASG (14) play together for the same goals.
"I had the chance to go a few another times, last year I had a chance to be with Mariano Riviera in his last all-star game and it was defiantly special, and this year it is going to be the last one for [Derek] Jeter it's going to be something to remember," Cruz said.
Nelson Cruz talks All-Star Game
No matter if a player is going for the first time or the player has been elected multiple times, it is an honor that many players do appreciate. Jones needed every last vote including one fan casting her ballot over 21,000 times for the O's center-fielder.
"That's amazing I would not do that for anybody, but for her and everybody else to take their precious time and vote over and over again, it's a pretty humbling feeling", Jones said.
Adam Jones on Fan Voting
He is currently on and has 16 HR's, but is also shifty with the glove with an .980 fielding percentage which is an essential reason why the club is in first place with the All-Star break looming.
Some players who will not be playing in the ASG will gladly be enjoying their time off, and catch up with the family. Reliever Zach Britton who has been molded into the closer of the team, and has recorded 14 saves out of 16 save opportunities, can't wait to have a break. "With throwing a lot of inning already … "it will nice to be able to take a breather."
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