As expected (judging from recent voting totals), no Detroit Tiger was voted to the 2008 American League All-Star team as a starter. What a difference 365 days make, as fans put three Tigers in last year's starting lineup (with five Detroiters making the overall roster). This year, Detroit just gets one guy.
Carlos Guillen will be the Tigers' lone All-Star representative, named as a reserve by manager Terry Francona. He's batting .292/.371/.450 with eight home runs and 44 RBIs, and has done everything Jim Leyland has asked of him. Guillen began the season at first base, then moved across the infield to third base, and even played a game in left field when no one could make a claim on the position.
If Detroit only got one All-Star nod, it was expected that Placido Polanco would be the guy making the trip to Yankee Stadium next week. The AL's reserve second baseman is Ian Kinsler, who's having a fantastic season, batting .328/.387/.544 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. Polanco's no slouch, hitting .317/.364/.408, but Francona opted for one back-up at each infield position, with Guillen filling a general infielder type of role.
Regarding the selection show, I have to say how much I enjoyed seeing Harold Reynolds back on TV, talking baseball. I know he's been working for MLB.com, and I've heard some of his work via stream and podcast, but he is so sorely missed on "Baseball Tonight." TBS made a great decision in bringing him onto their telecast. I was also amused to see that Dennis Eckersley subscribes to the Tom Petty school of keeping the exact same haircut through the decades.