Jerry Coleman: Orioles Make Their Mark At MLB Showcase Event
The Orioles will have three representatives in the 2012 All-star game in Kansas City. This will mark the first time since 2005 that the O's will have more than one representative in the midsummer classic. In 2005 the Birds had four All-stars on the American League roster they were Brian Robert's, Miguel Tedjada, B.J. Ryan and Melvin Mora. Also 2005 was the last time the Orioles finished with a winning recorded in the first half of the season. This trio of All-stars is different from the four players that were there in 05' they know what it takes to win. They have been through a lot together already and understand what this means to the organization and the city of Baltimore.
Center Fielder Adam Jones says is making his second All-star appearance. His first was in 2009 where he represented the O's in St. Louis. Also making another appearance into the All-star game and going for a second consecutive year is Catcher Matt Wieters. The last Oriole to be represented is closer Jim Johnson and he is well deserving of making his first All-star game. He leads the Major League Baseball with 25 saves on the season. He also has the second lowest ERA in the Majors by a relief pitcher which 1.24 which. He is only behind Tampa's Fernando Rodney who has posted a 0.96 ERA.
Everybody on the All-star team has done something to contribute to the team's early success this season and hopefully can carry into the second half. This game is a chance for these three players to show the baseball world what the Orioles have been battling through the first half of the season, while making a case that the Orioles are contenders and not pretenders in 2012.
-Jerry Coleman
