Kansas City Royals: Five Worst Royals All-Star Selections

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Let me be clear about something on this one. This is not a knock against Aaron Crow in 2011 – in fact, he had a very solid season as a reliever. This is more a knock against the Royals in 2011.

When your lone representative to the All-Star Game is a non-closing relief pitcher, something’s not quite right. Even with his 2.08 ERA in the first half of the season, he was ranked 83rd in WAR among eligible relief pitchers (even Blake Wood was higher than that), and his FIP sat at a higher 3.88.

The second half didn’t treat Crow nearly as well either, with a 4.34 ERA and a brutal 1.929 WHIP. As excited as KC fans were to snag the Mizzou alum in the first round in 2009, the first half of 2011 may’ve been his best performance as a Royal.

After being traded to the Marlins last offseason, Crow is unfortunately now out for the 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Crow pitched well in the first half of 2011, but with Alex Gordon having a breakout year in left field (he was batting .299/.367/.483 with 11 home runs, 50 runs batted in, and a freakish 13 outfield assists at the All-Star break), he probably would’ve been a better choice.

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