The exclusion of Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner from the All-Star roster has sparked heated debate, especially given Turner’s leading status in National League hits and his high ranking in stolen bases across Major League Baseball. The controversy gained further attention during a recent Phillies Show episode where former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. strongly criticized the snub.
On Monday’s Phillies Show, Amaro Jr. expressed disbelief that Turner was not selected for the All-Star game, highlighting his impressive statistics. Speaking alongside co-hosts Todd Zolecki and Jim Salisbury, Amaro Jr. said the omission was beyond comprehension considering Turner’s top performance in hits and base stealing in the National League this season.
Ruben Amaro Jr. Expresses Strong Disapproval of Turner’s Omission
Ruben Amaro Jr., who led the Phillies as GM from 2009 to 2015 and now works as a color commentator, voiced his frustration clearly. He rejected the idea that hits are less valuable today, stating,
“The fact that he [Trea Turner] was not an all-star is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen,”
and added,
“Most hits in baseball, I think. Especially in the National League, maybe not in baseball, but in National League, I guess the hit is not all that important anymore.”
Amaro Jr. then drew a comparison to highlight his point:
“And then do you imagine Ichiro not making an all-star? I mean, think about that for a second.”
Despite his defense of Turner, Amaro Jr. acknowledged that designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has earned the team’s top slugger distinction this season. Schwarber, who has hit over 30 home runs, was named an All-Star reserve, condoning his place on the roster but emphasizing that Turner’s exclusion still felt unjust.
Phillies Insider Weighs in on Team’s All-Star Snubs
Jim Salisbury, a Phillies insider and co-host alongside Amaro Jr., also recognized Kyle Schwarber’s strong performance, labeling him the team’s probable MVP this season. However, Salisbury made clear that Turner deserved mention in discussions about the team’s best players.
In addition to Turner, Salisbury raised concerns about other Phillies players who were overlooked for the All-Star Game, specifically Christopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez. He encouraged players to use the frustration from such snubs as fuel to elevate their game on the field.
“If it’s embarrassing, if they’re ticked off, channel it the right way,”
Salisbury said.
“Go out and take some names and kick some a**. That if you want to feel slighted that you didn’t get enough All-Stars, if that grinds your gears, take it out on somebody. Exact a pound of flesh on somebody.”
—Jim Salisbury, Phillies Insider
Controversy Surrounds Brewers Rookie’s Selection Over Phillies Players
Adding to the tension, co-host Todd Zolecki highlighted a highly anticipated September matchup between the Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. The Brewers’ rookie pitcher, Jacob Misiorowski, earned an All-Star berth despite fewer starts than some Phillies players, a choice that fueled dissatisfaction among the Phillies roster.
Many Phillies players, including Turner, voiced disappointment that both Sanchez and Suarez were not included on the All-Star team. The selection of Misiorowski, who had less playing time, was seen as a glaring oversight in comparison to the Phillies’ overlooked talent.
This dispute over All-Star selections highlights ongoing debates about player recognition and criteria within the league, amplifying the pressure on the Phillies as the season progresses. The team’s response on the field in upcoming games, especially during the notable series against the Brewers, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Trea Turner’s 60 time?
A. On scout day in his junior year of college, he ran a 60 in 6.2 seconds. Few people achieve such speeds; 6.2 seconds or faster is uncommon. Avent mentioned, “In my 37 years in college sports, I’ve never seen a faster time.”