Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
For over a decade A.J. Pierzynski has been among the best catchers in the American League and all of Major League Baseball. His numbers are always very good and all-star worthy most of the time. Of course because of the way votes are cast, there is no guarantee that consistent good play will grant a spot on the All-star team at all, much less a starting spot. Pierzynski is off to a good start catching for the Texas Rangers and it seems that this could be his year to start.
Pierzynski has only made the team twice over his successful career. He most certainly has deserved to go more than twice but that is the nature of the voting beast. Even though he has gone a couple of times, he has yet to start the game and it seems to be something he really wants to do. Last year when his manager was managing the AL team, he was extremely upset not to have been chosen as a reserve. I think that desire to go in any respect shows how badly he wants to start as well.
This should be his year. Statistically there is another man that stands in the way. Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia is having an awesome offensive season so far. His power numbers outshine Pierzynski’s but not by a lot. Pierzynski has him on batting average but Arencibia is more impressive stat-wise overall. Considering the tenure of Pierzynski having played so long and the fact that he catches a very popular team should push him over the top if he keeps producing. Hopefully he will make the starting line-up. He deserves it.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
