Pair of All-Stars for the Tribe

The All-Star teams were announced on Sunday, and the Indians will be represented by Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. Lee will be starting for the AL on the mound in New York in his first All-Star appearance, based on his amazing first 2 months to the season, and continued strong success leading into July.

Lee is 11-2 with a 2.43 ERA on the year. He realistically could and probably should have 13 wins, but his numbers speak for themselves. A great honor for Lee, especially after the year he had last year, to completely turn his career around to be starting the All-Star game. Last year he lost his spot in the rotation, and spent most of the year in AAA Buffalo. Coming into spring training, he was competing with Jeremy Sowers for the 5th spot in the rotation. A sub-par spring had many people doubting him, but he has not disappointed anyone this year.

Making his third All-Star team is Grady Sizemore. He will be a reserve on the team. Sizemore is hitting .269 this year with 22 HR and 50 RBI, along with 20 stolen bases. The 50 RBI all come from the leadoff spot, which is very impressive.

The two most deserving Indians made the team, and no one else had any argument to be on the team, no snubs in Cleveland. I will say, however, what were the players thinking by adding Jason Varitek as the third catcher on the roster? The man is hitting .218 on the year and has only 27 RBI. He is one of the most undeserving players to be on an All-Star roster than I can remember, and he is taking a spot over much more deserving players like Evan Longoria and Jose Guillen. Going even further, there are 7 Red Sox on the roster. David Ortiz made it as the DH, and he's been injured for over a month. Manny Ramirez is having a decent season, and is All-Star worthy, but starting? And I already mentioned Varitek. Also, how are Dustin Pedroia and Derek Jeter starting over Ian Kinsler and Michael Young? The fan vote is absolutely ridiculous.

Also, don't forget to cast your Final Vote. I voted for Evan Longoria and Pat Burrell. Click on a player's face to see their stats.