Sign of the Times: Who Are These Guys? All-Star Version:
 

I realize that, at age 66, things are vastly different than when I first started punching holes to vote for the MLB All-Star game:

There are THREE times as many teams as there were in 1968 - and more than three times the number of players.

Still- There was a time when I could rattle off entire rosters...not any more.

Before they were announced as All-Stars, I had NEVER heard of the following:

Paul Blackburn, Oak.
Emmanuel Clase, Cle.
Gregory Soto, Det.
Jorge Lopez, Bal.
(Jose Trevino...had only heard of him because he plays for -still- the most broadcasted team)

Ryan Helsley, StL
David Bednar, Pit.
Joe Mantiply, Ari. and the unknowns just 'Multiply, Ari.


I understand these guys are probably very good players and their families are no doubt thrilled that their loved ones get a 'participation trophy'.


Some of this comes from continuing to include at least one player from every team...


Here's hoping the relief pitchers are in the home run derby.


.

How many one inning wonders per team? Say 8, but probably more with shuttling bulls back and forth from AAA, sore arms, finger nail injuries and the like.

That's at least 240 bulls in the pen to choose from.

No wonder nobody, but mom, knows their name.

They never bat, but maybe they should have walk up songs every time they issue a base on balls.

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing.

I hate walk-up songs!