Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro today was named to the 2011 National League All-Star team, the first selection of his MLB career. Castro joins manager Mike Quade, who was named to National League Manager Bruce Bochy’s coaching staff last week, in representing the Cubs at the 82nd Major League All-Star Game Tuesday, July 12 in Phoenix .
At age 21, Castro becomes the youngest player in franchise history to be named an All-Star. 300 game winner Greg Maddux was 22-years-old when selected in ’88 but did not play in the exhibition game. The youngest position player in franchise history to play in the All-Star Game was Ron Santo, who was 23 in 1963.
Right fielder Carlos Quentin was selected as the lone White Sox representative.
Quentin is a deserving candidate, ranking among the American League leaders in extra-base hits (40, third), doubles (23, tied for fourth) and home runs (17, tied for sixth). But his selection won’t make as much noise in the media as the story surrounding the White Sox players who didn’t make the cut.
“Last man in” candidate Paul Konerko ranks fifth in the American League with a .317 average, fourth in home runs at 21 and third in RBIs at 62. He also stands fifth in slugging percentage at .567. It’s safe to say he got royally hosed on that one. How many legit MVP candidates are lef toff? Then there’s unexpected rookie sensation Phillip Humber, who added to his already impressive season by shutting down the Cubs 1-0 in yesterday’s BP Crosstown Cup game. When’s the last time a pitcher won a humid and hot midseason game at Wrigley Field by the score of 1-0? His performance was indicative of the campaign he’s having.
Castro ranks ninth in the NL with a .309 batting average, second with 108 hits and 32 multi-hit games and third with seven triples. He has appeared in 82 of Chicago’s 84 games and leads the club in hits, doubles (21), triples, total bases (149), games played and batting average (among qualifying players).
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports You can follow him on Twitter