O's Get Three On All-Star Team; Hammel Could Still Make It
Orioles outfielder Adam Jones, catcher Matt Wieters and reliever Jim Johnson all made the American League All-Star team, thanks to being selected by fellow players.
The Orioles had been making a promotional push to get several players on the team through popular vote, but the club's stars, outside of Jones and Wieters, are just not big enough household names to win a nationwide poll. Jason Hammel, the Orioles' best starter this season, could still make the team through the "Final Vote."
Jones and Wieters will make their second All-Star appearances, while Johnson will be in his first mid-summer classic. Johnson has converted 23 of 24 save opportunities, but has gotten limited action lately as the Orioles have begun to struggle mightily.
Jones is the club's MVP and signed to a big extension in early June. He has 19 home runs and has 42 RBIs.
Wieters is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, but his offensive skills are lacking this season. Wieters is batting .249 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs.
Hammel is 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA. He had a lackluster performance last week against the Angels, which could be held against him.
Posted July 1, 2012