When Brian Roberts dislocated his left elbow nearly two years ago, he had no idea if he could come back and be the same player he was in 2005, his first season as an American League All-Star. That year, he batted .314 with 18 home runs.

On Sunday, Roberts got some tangible proof that he is back at that level, as the second baseman was named to the 78th All-Star game in San Francisco on July 10th. Perhaps the most validating aspect of his inclusion was the fact that he was voted to the team as a player selection.

“He is great,” said Orioles’ outfielder Jay Payton. “He has been our best and most consistent player. I voted for him.”

Along with shortstop Miguel Tejada, Roberts was a logical choice to make the All-Star team this year with a .327 batting average, but snubbed pitchers Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie put up All-Star caliber numbers as well.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Bedard is 6-4 this season with a 3.36 ERA and a Major League leading 129 strikeouts through Saturday. Guthrie, a rookie, is 4-2 on the season and has a 2.63 ERA with 69 strikeouts and has issued only 15 walks in 96 innings pitched.

“It was fun to be considered,” Guthrie said Sunday, following a 4-3 loss to the Angels. “It is fun to be able to have a first half that would allow consideration. Hopefully, I can get better for the second half.”

Exposure for players like Guthrie and Bedard is one factor for chances of selection that manager Dave Trembley speculated on before the final rosters were announced Sunday afternoon. For Trembley, however, Roberts is one of the most deserving get the honor.

“I told Brian Roberts that if I were a dad and I were bringing my son to the game I would pay to see him play,” Trembley said.

“It is always special,” Roberts said after Sunday’s game. “It is an honor and I feel very blessed and fortunate. Especially coming off of 2005, I had no idea if I would ever make it back to play at that level again. It is nice to prove it to yourself and realize that you can get back.”

Why do you think Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie were snubbed? Respond below in our comment section.