The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Mon, Jul 6th 2009, 10:40

Hanley voted to start All-Star Game for National League

Statistics don’t lie, and neither do the praises.

On Sunday, shortstop Hanley Ramirez became the first player in Marlins history to be voted into the starting lineup of the All-Star Game twice by the fans. And Josh Johnson, an overpowering 6-foot-7 right-hander, was also selected to the National League squad by the players/coaches/managers votes. Fans do not vote for the All-Star pitchers.

Based on the numbers, both were highly deserving.

“I’m glad the players received this recognition,” Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “It’s good for them and good for the organization.”

Obviously biased, Florida’s players say these two choices were no-brainers.

“J.J. and Hanley absolutely deserve it,” Marlins center fielder Cody Ross said. “To be voted in by your peers is awesome. Hanley was a no-brainer. I’ve said before, if he didn’t win the fan vote, chances are I’d never watch another All-Star Game, because that would have been the biggest injustice in a long time.”

Ramirez, 25, is leading the NL in hitting with a .346 average. He was the people’s choice for the second successive season. Previously, the only Florida player to get the fans’ nod was Gary Sheffield, as a third baseman, in 1993.

Johnson, also 25, was named to his first All-Star squad. Armed with a 97-mph fastball, he is 7-1 with a 2.76 ERA, and Florida is 14-3 in his 17 starts.

Considering how dominant Johnson has been, an argument could be made that he deserves to start. However, that won’t be possible. The towering right-hander is slated for two more starts before the break — on Tuesday at San Francisco and July 12 at Arizona.

The All-Star Game is set for July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Johnson should be available for an inning of relief, since that would be his scheduled day to throw between starts.

A year ago, Ramirez represented the Marlins in the Midsummer Classic in the final season at the old Yankee Stadium.

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