The rosters for the 2012 All-Star Game have been released, and the Atlanta Braves will have a couple of representatives on the team. The starters for the Mid-Summer Classic are decided on by fan vote, while the pitching staff and backup players are selected by both the manager and player vote.
As for the National League, Dan Uggla was voted in as the starting second baseman. It is the second selection of his career and the first since 2008.
Uggla has been struggling a bit in recent weeks, but he began showing signs of life once again on Saturday. He is currently batting .235 with a strong OPS of .777. Uggla has 12 homers and has driven in 43 runs thus far.
The other selection for the Braves was closer Craig Kimbrel. This was an absolute no-brainer, seeing as the kid is probably the best closer in the game at the ripe old age of 24. Kimbrel has recorded 23 saves, 50 strikeouts in 30 innings, and has an ERA of 1.50.
The biggest snubs from Atlanta: Michael Bourn, Martin Prado and Jason Heyward. It's completely absurd that Bourn, the best leadoff hitter in the game, isn't on the team. And as for Prado and Heyward, they've both been amongst the most valuable outfielders in all of baseball in terms of WAR.
Then again, does anyone actually take the All-Star Game seriously?
Oh, wait, Bud Selig does. He's the commissioner of baseball, and now the exhibition game each July determines home field advantage for the World Series.
(This is the part where you shake your head and/or giggle)
You can find all of the other NL starters here.
For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.