For the second time in three seasons, and the first time since joining the Phillies, Roy Halladay has been named the starter of the 2011 All-Star Game tomorrow night in Phoenix. Jered Weaver of the Angels will start for the American League.
While we're all a little jumpy about the workload on the admittedly horse-like Roy Halladay's precious right arm, I submit that the starting spot is preferable to the alternative.
1. Manager Bruce Bochy won't be tempted to stretch Halladay out to get more innings out of him in the event the game runs long, is particularly close, or goes into extra innings.
2. Halladay knows most of the AL starters and they weren't really a challenge to him before. Why should they be more troubling now?
3. Jair Jurrjens can pound sand.
4. Two innings against the "cream" of the crop in the American League is a bullpen session.
Anyway, great honor, embarrassment of riches, etc. etc. Congratulations Roy!