Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Alex Rodriguez is having a good season.
The three-time MVP is hitting .284 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs as a designated hitter (DH) this season while boasting a .513 slugging percentage through Monday’s games. The fact that he’s doing it during a summer where he turns 40 and following a whole year off is even more amazing.
And though his prodigious career numbers will still most likely result in a Hall of Fame snub following his retirement because of his PED-related suspension last year, getting left off the All-Star team this year was no snub.
First, fellow DHs Nelson Cruz of Seattle (who was the elected starter) and his backup Prince Fielder of Texas are both having slightly better seasons than A-Rod. (And yes, both teams will use the DH even though the All-Star Game is in an NL park in Cincinnati.)
