Los Angeles Angels Howie Kendrick Deserves All-Star Spot

Like every other Angels fan in the universe (and several other baseball writers, chief amongst them Jayson Stark), I am still scratching my head today over the fact that Jered Weaver is not an American League All-Star. I was all set to sit down and write a column about Weaver's leading the majors in strikeouts, his place amongst MLB's elite in quality starts, etc.

However, a quick look over the American League's All-Star Game roster highlighted something that is very problematic. While the ultra-deserving Robinson Cano (960 OPS, 16 HR, 55 RBI) was correctly voted in as the AL's starting second baseman, the reserve voted in by the players was Dustin Pedroia. Because Pedroia is injured, AL Manager Joe Girardi chose to replace Pedroia with... Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler.

There is really no other way I can put this: Joe Girardi got this wrong. Howie Kendrick deserves to replace Dustin Pedroia as the American League's reserve second baseman in the All-Star Game. It should be Kendrick- and not Kinsler-stepping forward to doff his cap and receive a wild ovation from the fans at Angel Stadium on July 13th.

Click here to continue this article at LA Angels Insider.com

Ryan VanderYacht is a feature columnist for LA Angels Insider.com