Texas Rangers: Alexi Ogando Joins the American League All-Star Team

One of the players many fans believed was snubbed for the this year's All-Star game in Arizona was Alexi Ogando. The reliever turned starter is posting incredible numbers for a pitcher that has never started a game until this year. His win-loss record is 9-3 with an impressive earned run average of 2.92, ninth among AL pitchers.

He replaces CC Sabathia, the New York Yankees southpaw that was supposed to replace James Shields on the roster. Ogando will make his first trip to the midsummer classic with fellow teammates Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, CJ Wilson and Michael Young.

Ogando has been very productive for the Rangers. His first loss didn't come until June 19th, a game in which he gave up six earned runs to the Yankees. His best performance came against the Chicago White Sox at home when he threw a five hit complete game shutout with six strikeouts and a pitch count of 115-76 (total-strikes). His fastball is consistently in the upper 90s and his command is one that separates himself from most rookie starters.

He leads the team in batting average on balls in play and earned run average and is at the top of the standings with CJ Wilson in terms of fielding independent ERA and wins above replacement.

There have been many discussions about his workload and whether or not he will be able to finish the season at full strength. This has been backed up by looking at his recent performances on the mound. From the beginning of the season his earned run totals by month progress from eight in April to nine in May and then to 12 in June. So far in July he has given up five in his first two starts, so workload is going to be an issue in the second half of the 2011 season.

Either way, his first half performance was truly All-Star worthy and it's nice to see him recognized for that performance.