Oh Charlie

The rosters for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis were announced yesterday afternoon. These rosters did not include any of the top ten active career home run leaders. Perennial all-stars like Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Ken Griffey Jr were all conspicuously absent. Many feel this is a statement from the fans condemning the use of performance enhancing drugs. A lot has changed since last season. Both A-Rod and Manny have admitted to PED use, while Griffey's numbers have dropped dramatically with a limited role and advancing age in Seattle.

Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel was able to pick eight players from his roster of 33. He took his own first baseman, Ryan Howard, but mainly made the right moves. Ramirez, despite his 50-game suspension, was sitting in the top 5 in votes for outfielders. When push came to shove, Manuel failed to add Manny's name to the roster.

But did Charlie have a plan?

Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran was elected by the fans, but due to a knee injury, will be unable to participate. In this scenario, Manuel will get to pick his replacement. He could go with his own center fielder, Shane Victorino. The Flyin' Hawaiian is on a list of five players who could potentially get the nod based on the fans' final vote.

And then there's Manny.

Manuel has said in the past that Manny is like a son to him. Going back to their days in Cleveland, when Manuel was the Tribe's hitting coach and Ramirez was setting the world on fire en route to the 8 year $160 million contract he signed with Boston. While eyebrows would absolutely be raised, Manuel could easily justify picking Manny.

Thanks to the wonderful Allan H. 'Bud' Selig, the All-Star game determines home field advantage in the World Series. With the Phillies in first place in their division, why wouldn't Manuel want a lethal bat like Manny on his bench? Last year's game went 15 innings before a winner was decided. Manny doesn't have to play all 9 innings to make an impact. One swing and he could send the NL home with its first victory in a decade. Charlie has an obligation to his employer, the Philadelphia Phillies, to do everything he can to secure home field advantage for them should they repeat as NL Champs.

And there's no better bat in Major League Baseball that isn't already heading to St. Louis than Manny. The argument that he shouldn't be available to play, given his suspension for essentially cheating seams valid. Manuel, however, is in the unique position to stake a serious claim to Selig's decision to 'make the game count'. For a regular, meaningless exhibition, maybe Manuel leaves Ramirez at home. But could anyone blame Charlie for trying to put together the best possible group of players?

It's called the All-"STAR" game. Not All-"STARS WHO DIDN'T GET SUSPENDED" game. Manny's a star. For Manny, the Phillies and the NL's sake, I hope Manny gets the call. And Charlie, you've got a cheese steak and a beer on me if you pick him.