Multiple All Stars

Wow!
It has been so long since the Pirates have produced a team with multiple All Stars. The Buzz has to use the way back machine to go all the way back to 2009. What? 2009. That can't be right. The Pirates were horrible in 2009. But, the recollection is short when it comes to anything positive about the Pirates because of that long negative string of below .500 seasons. In 2009, though, Zach Duke and Freddy Sanchez were All Stars representing the Pirates. In 2006 it was the Freddy and Jason show, with Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Bay being named as All Stars.

Really?
It is really necessary to dust off the way back machine, though, to find the last time 2 Pirates started in the All Star game. Back in 1992, Mr. Bonds, and Andy Van Slyke both appeared in the outfield in the first inning of that All Star game. In 1990 and 1988 the Pirates had 3 players on the roster.

Who cares about those other guys.
I'm going to pretend that a lot of players didn't drop out and help 3 of our Buccos get on the roster for this game. Why should I pretend? Because I think these 3 guys really deserve to represent the National League in this game and will hopefully help the NLers knock off the ALers to continue the 1 game win streak. The A.L. had dominated up until last year, and I guess you could say they are still dominating. 1 win out of 10 games doesn't really instill confidence that the NL will start their own streak. But, maybe it is just in time for the NL to start their winning streak and give the NL home field advantage in the World Series. With the Pirates looking like they may have the talent for a run that is.

The Selig Rule.
Remember the Selig rule? The other non-loss the NL had in its previous 10 games was the tie when the commissioner decided to end the game all knotted up because there weren't enough players to continue. The next year the Commish decided, in his infinite wisdom, to make the All Star game more meaningful by making it the deciding factor in home field advantage. Doesn't really seem like it motivated the N.L. too much.

But, All that history doesn't make a difference to me, and like I said, I'm going to pretend that those other players injuries and decisions not to play really didn't matter in the decision of the All Star rosters. These 3 Pirates that are to be included in the game are all deserving of a spot.

The 2011 - 3
Joel Hanrahan, the first Pirate to be named was Joel Hanrahan, the Pirates closer. He has been a rock for the Pirates in the 9th inning and is a perfect 26 for 26 in save chances this year. I'm sure everyone realizes how important it is to have a reliable closer. If you don't, check out what the Reds Francisco Cordero has done in his last 4 chances. 3 of those appearances resulted in Ls for the Reds.

Andrew McCutcheon
Then, midway through a game against the Cubs the crowd started cheering and if you looked up to the jumbotron you would see why. The big screen operator found out before McCutcheon, it appeared, that he would be on the roster. Hanrahan definitely deserved a roster spot for his unbelievable performance in the first half, but Andrew McCutcheon was just as deserving. He started slowly and in the last few months has been revving up to full speed culminating in a 5 RBI night the other night, including a Home Run. He has shown everything that the Pirates and fans have expected him to do and it has been a treat. Clint Hurdle even threw Bruce Bochy under the bus saying he whiffed in not picking McCutcheon. Apparently Hurdle and Bochy have mended their fences and made up though.

Kevin Correia
The 3rd Pirate to make the team was the pitcher that has led the way from the start and helped the Pirates to get off to an awesome start on the road, where he won a majority of his games. Kevin Correia has 2 more wins at the All Star break than the winningest Pirate Pitcher had all last year. That was Correia's fellow starter, Paul Maholm. Maholm has turned his fortunes around and if he would have received 3 or 4 runs of support in his games the Pirates could have 4 players in this game. Or, if you really want to be a homer you could say 5 players, because Neil Walker has produced some very good numbers in the first half.

It is a great story and one that is sure to continue after the All Star game if these 3 players have anything to do with it. The Pittsburgh Pirates trio of Joel Hanrahan, Andrew McCutcheon, and Kevin Correia have played some outstanding baseball in the first half of the season and as the young players on the team continue to mature and more of their prospects arrive this could be the year to end the streak and to start a positive streak that could keep Pittsburgh Pirates fans happy for several years to come.