ARLINGTON, Texas -- Gaby Sanchez said Saturday he thought the most deserving Marlin who should make the All-Star team was pitcher Anibal Sanchez.
That didn't happen -- and that surely will be something the Marlins talk plenty about before their game tonight against the Rangers. As for his own All-Star aspirations, Gaby said he really didn't have any.
"It's not something I think about, it really isn't," Sanchez said. "The way things are going right now, it's the furthest thing from my mind. If we were still going the same way we were before June, 10, 12, 15 games over .500, I would a little bit. But right now we have to go out there, win ball games, get back into that race, do those kind of things -- not making the All-Star game.
"It would be nice if it does happen of course. I would take it and smile about it."
Sanchez can smile plenty now. The 27-year old Marlins first baseman and former Miami Hurricane earned his first All-Star invite when he was selected by Giants manager Bruce Bochy as a reserve.
Sanchez, the Marlins leader in batting average and RBI, has started in all 83 games this season. His .292 average ranks 25th in NL (6th among NL first basemen) and his 46 RBI rank 15th in the senior circuit (tied for 3rd among NL first basemen). His 13 homers are second on the team and are tied for 18th in the NL (6th among NL first basemen).
Sanchez's former roommate at UM and close friend Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was the leading vote getter in the National League and one of three Hurricanes to get selected (Indians reliever Chris Perez was also).
Bochy warned people he would be biast in selecting his own players -- and he delivered. He used his manager’s pick to select the Giants Brian Wilson, Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum.
Anibal Sanchez could definitely make an argument he deserved a spot. He went 6-2 with a 3.30 ERA in the first half, struckout 111 (5th most in the NL) and tossed a complete game shutout in 1-0 a win against the Giants at AT&T Park on May 26. He also had 11 quality starts for a last place team-- just as much as Lincecum, who went 6-6 on a first place team. Vogelsong had made just 12 starts.
Anibal told reporters Saturday he wasn’t sure if he’d get the All Star nod since he was pounded for seven runs in 3 2/3 innings Friday in his worst start of the year. Prior to that, Anibal hadn’t lost since April 10 -- a span of 14 consecutive starts.
Texas manager Ron Washington, who will manager the AL squad, said that he picked McKeon’s brain for advice on All Star selections and managing the game.
“I talked to McKeon for a half hour," Washington said. "That’s quite a lot of experience right there.”
McKeon managed the NL team in 2004.
Congrats to Gaby Sanchez for making the All-Star team...Marlins fans should be proud to have Gaby Sanchez represent The Marlins....
Posted by: Samsons Boyfriend | July 03, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Congrats to former Hurricane and current Marlin Gaby Sanchez. Go Canes, Go Fish!
Posted by: 86Cane | July 03, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Well deserved. Gaby has been showing talent, consistency and lots of maturity in his sophomore year. This guy is the true face of the Marlins.
Posted by: Flav C | July 03, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Congrats Gaby, but I got good news and bad news for you.The good news is you made it to the All Star game and will represent the Marlins. The bad news is Loria is going to trade you soon (I guess that can also be good news) you've played well enough and are helping the Marlins (try) to win.
Posted by: noname | July 03, 2011 at 01:50 PM
way to go Gaby.....the rest of the team can get some relaxtion & get ready for the run for the wild card.
Posted by: spitballer | July 03, 2011 at 03:43 PM
noname is Lou in Greenville
Posted by: Cant Fool Anybody | July 03, 2011 at 04:21 PM
marlins didnt deserve to have anyone on team...
Posted by: hi | July 03, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Yeah,but they gotta pick somebody
Posted by: Lou from Greenville | July 03, 2011 at 05:07 PM
HOICH HOICH HOICH HOICH HOICH HOICH HOICH
Posted by: Thomas Larson | July 03, 2011 at 05:23 PM
They didn't deserve a spot in expansion season '93 either, but every team has to be represented so that year's one and only All-Star Fish was Jeff Conine, who won the game with a homer.
Posted by: 'witz | July 03, 2011 at 05:26 PM
What the hell is HOICH, Thomas? Are you crazy?
Posted by: Eddie Sanchez | July 03, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Another Sanchez..Gaby,Anibal,Brian,now Eddie?Are you related or is that like Smith in Miami?
Posted by: YaDoesnt Have To Call Me Johnson | July 03, 2011 at 06:19 PM