For the second year in a row, the Atlanta Braves will be well-represented at the All-Star Game. Brian McCann was named a starter by the fans and Chipper Jones, Jair Jurrjens and Jonny Venters were all selected by either their teammates or manager Bruce Bochy.
For McCann, it's about damn time the fans around Major League Baseball finally make the right decision for who should be representing the National League behind the plate. It only took five years. The 2010 All-Star Game MVP will likely hit in the middle of the NL's lineup and will be responsible for catching Roy Halladay, Jair Jurrjens and (probably) Cliff Lee. That's a big task, but if anyone can do it, it will be the man we all loving call "Heap".
The players voted Chipper Jones in and this will likely be the final All-Star Game for our beloved third baseman. Chipper, who doesn't exactly have great numbers this season, will backup Placido Polanco at the hot corner and should at least get an at-bat or two. There is a chance Chipper isn't able to play should he decide to have his inevitable knee surgery in the next week, but this is a big honor for Jones to be voted in by his peers around the league. Expect No. 10 to give it everything he has at the Mid-Summer Classic.
Jair Jurrjens deserves to be the starting pitcher, but it looks like Roy Halladay will take those honors. The exposure to the national media while playing in the Mid-Summer Classic will be a fun experience for Jair and the entire country will learn of our talented 24-year old out of Curacao.
Jonny Venters was the fourth and final Braves selected and rumor has it he's already warming up in the bullpen for the game. He'll probably pitch six innings.
A big congratulations is in order for each of our four representatives. Making the Mid-Summer Classic is a dream come true for most players. Best of luck to BMac, Chipper, Jair and Jonny.