It’s a shame that Angels stadium was selected as the site for the 2010 All-Star game, and we were only able to get two players into the contest (Jered Weaver, who currently leads the American League with 137 strikeouts, was finally selected to be on the team but will not be available because he pitched in Sunday’s game against Oakland. A’s reliever Andrew Bailey will take his spot.). But if there was anyone more deserving on the Angels roster to receive a spot, it would be our center fielder and captain Torii Hunter.

The Gold Glove winner…excuse me…the NINE-CONSECUTIVE Gold Glove winner receives his fourth All-Star nomination. He currently leads the team in the triple-crown categories: Homeruns- 15; RBIs- 62; Batting Average- .298. He’s 11th in the majors in runs batted in and on pace to tally over 100 this season, a feat he hasn’t done since 2007 when he was still with the Twins. Another shocking number is his walk total. He currently has 42 walks on the year after finishing with just 47 all last season. In fact, the most he’s ever had was 50, meaning he’s being patient at the plate this year and making the most out of all of his at-bats. As a result, he has a career high .385 on-base-percentage and .906 OPS. Torii is turning 35 on Sunday, and he’s having what looks to be a career year.

And what’s scary is that his career Post-All-Star numbers, especially his play in September, are even better than his first half numbers. I know we’re 4.5 games behind Texas in the race right now, but when you look at how well Torii Hunter has done and how well he can do in these next couple months, you can’t help but get excited for what will happen in the second half of this season. We’re still the reigning AL West Champs, and Hunter will not let that go without doing everything he can with his bat and his glove. So congratulations to Torii Hunter on receiving his fourth All-Star appearance and representing the Angels in the All-Star game. And, as always, Go Halos!