Pirates Send Three To the All-Star Game

 

As the first half of the 2011 baseball season winds to a close, fans get ready for the beloved MLB All-Star Game set to take place in Arizona this week. Pirates Send Three to All-Star Game. 

Unlike in years past though, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be sending multiple representatives.

Widely considered as a team unworthy of any All-Star selection in years past, the Pirates will be sending three legitimate candidates to the Midsummer Classic this year - Andrew McCutchen, Joel Hanrahan, and Kevin Correia.

Initially left off the roster, McCutchen and Correia earned the nod to the All-Star squad thanks to an injury to Brewers' outfielder Ryan Braun, and the ineligibility of Phillies' starting pitcher Cole Hamels (pitched Sunday and will be unable to pitch in AS Game).  Nonetheless, both are well deserving.

Andrew McCutchen, had he been playing in any other city, would have already been a superstar on everyone's radar.  His .291 average, 14 home runs, and 54 runs scored are all good enough to lead the Pirates.  Aside from the Dodgers Matt Kemp, McCutchen has been the most productive center fielder in the National League this year.  "Cutch" is on pace to set career highs in every offensive category.

Off-season acquisition Kevin Correia has already exceeded expectations too, winning 11 games before the break and posting an ERA of 4.01.  He has been a workhorse atop the Pirates rotation, something that the Pirates have been missing for years.  His ability to eat up innings (116.2 IP) has made it an easy handoff to the bullpen and the Bucs last All-Star, their closer, Joel "The Hammer" Hanrahan.

Hanrahan has been perfect in save opportunities this season:  26 for 26.  His ability to dominate hitters in the ninth inning has translated into a volume of wins for the Pirates this season.  Once he enters the game, all is but lost for the opposition.  Able to hit 98 MPH with his fastball regularly, once "The Hammer" is able to establish and locate his fastball, he follows it up with a wicked slider that disappears from sight within a blink of an eye.  The guy is almost unhittable.

Everyone is well aware of the struggles of the Pirates.  18 consecutive losing seasons, but with a first half record of 47-43 in 2011 it's nice to see a team's most valuable players get recognized for their contributions like the Pirates' All-Stars have.

Written by Shane McFarland

Follow me on Twitter @mcfarlands412 or Email me at stmcfarland5@gmail.com