Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto was not named to the 2012 All-Star team. Neither was Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. Legendary manager Tony La Russa, leader of the defending World Series champions, will return to the dugout to coach the N.L. All-Stars, and thus was tasked with making nine "manager's selections." Dusty Baker, manager of the Reds, put two and two together in his head and determined that La Russa purposefully left the two Reds off the team to spite his old rivals.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch points out that this is almost certainly nonsense. Cueto in particular had All-Star worthy numbers, but he's just one of several pitchers who weren't able to squeeze their way onto the roster. La Russa also used one of his selections to tab Reds outfielder Jay Bruce over a host of other outfielders, including Cardinal Matt Holliday.
As Miklasz sees it, this is the latest instance of Baker's "obsession" with La Russa, one which dates back over a decade. Whether that's true is only something Baker knows, but he likely wishes he hadn't brought it up either way.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis. For more coverage of the Cardinals, head over to Cardinals blog Viva El Birdos.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch points out that this is almost certainly nonsense. Cueto in particular had All-Star worthy numbers, but he's just one of several pitchers who weren't able to squeeze their way onto the roster. La Russa also used one of his selections to tab Reds outfielder Jay Bruce over a host of other outfielders, including Cardinal Matt Holliday.
As Miklasz sees it, this is the latest instance of Baker's "obsession" with La Russa, one which dates back over a decade. Whether that's true is only something Baker knows, but he likely wishes he hadn't brought it up either way.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis. For more coverage of the Cardinals, head over to Cardinals blog Viva El Birdos.