No one is going to argue with the inclusion of Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez in the 2012 MLB All-Star game. Gonzalez is hitting .337/.394/.604 this year, and his first All-Star selection is deserved. But were any Rockies snubbed? What about reliever Matt Belisle?
As Andrew Martin of SB Nation's Rockies blog Purple Row notes, Belisle has been rather amazing this year, posting a 1.88 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio that is approaching five. Going by WAR, he's either been the best or third best reliever in the National League so far this season, depending on whether you prefer Baseball Reference's version of the measure or the one done by Fangraphs.
Martin also notes that it's hard to call Belisle a snub, since he's far from a household name -- even by a relief pitcher's standards. He's also pitching for one of the worst teams in the National League, and teams as bad as the Rockies rarely get multiple All-Star bids, especially for a non-closing reliever. That said, Belisle has had a fantastic season.
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