Dodgers: Dave Roberts Speaks On Max Muncy Making The All-Star Team
When the All-Star rosters were first announced, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts let us know that the decision was not his. While I wrote that post, the only guy I could think about was Max Muncy.
Without question, Roberts seemed to say without saying that if the decision was his; Muncy would be on the team. However, America’s Slugger is not an All-Star officially. Now, Dave Roberts chats with Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA about his thoughts on Muncy being named to the team.
Dave Roberts on @maxmuncy9 making the All-Star Game and an update on @coreyseager_5 & AJ Pollock. pic.twitter.com/2PKOepaqi4
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 6, 2019
Indeed, the Dodgers’ skipper feels like baseball got it right in the end in regards to Muncy being named to the Midsummer Classic.
“I’m very excited, and I actually don’t know who he replaced. But I am very happy for Max. Just seeing the production, Major League Baseball got it right; and I don’t think anyone can debate that. So to see him make his first All-Star appearance in Cleveland with four other teammates, it’s great.”
Rizzo asked Roberts why he was so adamant that Muncy deserved to be on the squad. Roberts believes that the barometer shouldn’t just be a fan decision or marketing decision, but actual production.
“In this day of self-promotion and a lot of things that lead to the fans, it’s not always about who is having the best year. You’re looking at all these statistics like WAR, OPS and he deserves it.”
Muncy has a .921 OPS while playing all over the diamond for Los Angeles. Finally, he gets some mainstream recognition and will dot the roster on Tuesday evening along with the game’s best players.
It’s not only a great story – but it’s fair and deserved. You get the feeling that Muncy is a guy who will not take his spot on the team for granted, even for a moment.
Absolutely Mad Max deserves the honor. I am very glad for him. His numbers tell it all. I am very impressed with his work this winter to reshape his body and get lighter and faster to play second base, he continues to improve defensively. He plays a solid second, third and first base. he is a very valuable player and has incredible grind it out at-bats.