VIDEO: Aaron Boone Says it's a 'Joke' Gleyber Torres Isn't an All-Star
By Jerry Trotta
Gleyber Torres' exclusion from the original All-Star rosters, though snub-worthy, was marginally understandable considering the superb first half that fellow infielders Jorge Polanco and DJ LeMahieu posted. The next form of disrespect to the Yankees young stud, however, came a few days later when Tommy La Stella and Francisco Lindor were named as the second base and shortstop reserves. But that wasn't it. Fast forward to Wednesday and Gleyber was delivered another swift slap in the face by Major League Baseball when he wasn't named as one of the two injury replacements -- Xander Bogaerts and Brandon Lowe. But don't worry, Pinstripe faithful. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has Torres' back.
Thank you, Boone.
The second-year manager is simply speaking the minds of not only Yankees fans, but the mind of the average, un-biased baseball fan.
We'll come right out and say that we don't necessarily have any qualms with Bogaerts admittance over Torres. Technically speaking, his numbers are better. But Lowe? Are you serious, MLB?
Lowe is batting .276 compared to Gleyber's .295 and has clubbed 16 home runs in comparison to Gleyber's 19.
Torres has recorded seven more hits than Lowe and boasts a superior OBP, SLG, and total OPS to that of the Tampa Bay second baseman. Not to mention that the 22-year-old phenom has been a mainstay in New York's injury-depleted lineup throughout the first three months and is one of the few reasons the Bronx Bombers currently sit atop the AL East.
The league, as Boone admirably points out, should be ashamed of themselves.