American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition, Robert Pannier looks at the players who were snubbed, proving they were well-deserving of a spot on one of the American Association All-Star game rosters.

Remembering the Good ‘Ole Days

It was not too long ago where one of the most enjoyable debates each year centered around who was snubbed for the Major League Baseball All-Star game. The contest used to allow for 24 players on each roster and, with 15 teams in each league, there were going to be a host of players who deserved to be on one of the teams, but were denied the opportunity because fans voted for someone who was not having a great season or because each team had to have at least one representative.

Those days are gone for the most part as there are seemingly 60 guys on each team now (ok, the number is 30), so only a small group of players can lay claim to missing the opportunity to represent their team in the mid-summer classic.

The American Association expanded their roster to 25 players on each team this season and, with six teams in each division, it would not seem that many players were snubbed. However, that is not the case. There is a group of players who were well-deserving of their place at the All-Star game in Milwaukee. Here are the top 10.

Gio Diaz, OF, Gary SouthShore RailCats

This is a tough call, as there are four very good outfielders representing the East Division, but Gio Diaz deserves a place on the team. He is ninth in the league in hitting (.329) and is second in the league in stolen bases with 26. In fact, at his current pace, Diaz looks to challenge the single season stolen base mark set by Alvaro Rondon (Texas AirHogs) in 2017 (60).

Gavin Collins, C, Kansas City Monarchs

There is no denying that Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks catcher B.J. Lopez is one of the best defensive catchers in the league, but his offensive numbers are lacking. He was selected to be the backup meaning that Gavin Collins did not make the team. That is a huge oversight, as Collins is the third best hitting catcher in the American Association (.314), only trailing the two guys who will start, teammate Chris Herrmann and Milwaukee Milkmen catcher Roy Morales. Collins has scored 23 runs and driven in 23.

Luke Roskam, C, Lincoln Saltdogs

Ok, so maybe you don’t like it when two catchers from the same team making the All-Star squad. If that is the case, then Luke Roskam should have been the choice. Roskam is hitting .295 with six homers and 33 RBI. On the offensively challenged Saltdogs, those are huge numbers. Plus, Roskam is on an eight-game hitting streak that has seen him go 16-32 (.500).

Demetrius Sims, IF, Lake Country DockHounds

East Division Manager Anthony Barone made some good selections with the reserves, and not much complaint can be made about him choosing six of his own players. However, the exclusion of Demetrius Sims may be the exception. Barone went with Gabriel Cancel (.294, 3 HR, 29 RBI) when Sims should have been one of the backup infielders. The DockHounds’ infielder is hitting .307 with five homers, 30 runs scored, and 23 RBI. He is 14 of his last 34 (.412).

Marcus Chiu, IF, Lake Country DockHounds

The same case could be made for Sims’ teammate, Marcus Chiu. Chiu is actually hitting a little better than Sims, hitting .313, and has more power, hitting eight homers and driving in 24. He has also scored 37 runs. He has not been as hot of late, hitting .303 over his last seven games, but should have been ahead of Cancel.

Jordan Barth, IF, Sioux Falls Canaries

It should be stated up front that there is no bigger fan of RedHawks infielder Sam Dexter than me, but he did not deserve to make the All-Star team ahead of Sioux Falls Canaries shortstop Jordan Barth. The rookie is having a phenomenal season, hitting .301 with 33 RBI in 48 games. Plus, Barth has been hot of late, seeing his 11-game hitting streak come to an end on Monday, a streak where the infielder was 21-49 (.429).

Charlie Hasty, RHP, Sioux Falls Canaries

Here is a news flash out there for those who have not been paying attention. The second best closer in the American Association is in Sioux Falls and his name is Charlie Hasty. Kane County Cougars right-hander Daniel Bies has ascended to become king of the group, but Hasty is a close second. He is tied for the lead league in saves and has yielded just one run in his last nine appearances, a span of 8.1 innings. Ya, the ERA is 3.66, but keep in mind that he pitches in Sioux Falls. In fact, he has given up just three earned runs in 12 appearances at home, and all three runs came in one outing. Hasty should have been selected ahead of teammate Akeem Bostick.

Brian Schlitter, RHP, Chicago Dogs

Right-hander Joe Corbett was one of the pitchers chosen in the East, ahead of Chicago Dogs closer Brian Schlitter. This is a surprising oversight. Corbett has a 4.59 ERA in 18 appearances. He has pitched well of late, giving up just one run in his last seven appearances, but the numbers are not as impressive as what Schlitter has produced. The Dogs closer is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA and eight saves. He did give up runs in back-to-back appearances (June 23-28), but has tossed four scoreless frames since then.

Jojanse Torres, RHP, Lake Country DockHounds

If Schlitter’s numbers do not impress you, then take a look at Jojanse Torres. Torres has been so impressive that he has taken over the closer’s role for the DockHounds. The right-hander is 2-2 with four saves, but has an incredibly impressive 1.96 ERA. He has recorded saves in three of his last five appearances.

Cody Deason, RHP, Kansas City Monarchs

Jake Dykhoff has not been pitching very well for the RedHawks in recent outings, giving up four or more runs in five of his last 10 starts. It would have made more sense if Kansas City Monarchs starter Cody Deason was a choice. Deason is 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA in nine starts. His ERA ranks seventh in the American Association, and he has struck out 45 in 40.0 innings pitched.

By Robert Pannier