http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/omar-infante-the-utility-all-star/
July 12, 2010, 11:39 pm
Omar Infante, the Utility All-Star
By TYLER KEPNER
ANAHEIM, Calif. – When Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel picked Omar Infante for the National League All-Star team, it was one of the most puzzling choices ever. Infante was not even an everyday player. That day, he pinch hit for the Atlanta Braves and struck out to end the game.
“I felt sad, because I see on TV a lot of people don’t like it, because I don’t have the numbers,” Infante said on Tuesday, remembering his selection on July 4. “A lot of good players have the numbers and aren’t here. I didn’t know what to say, because I can’t say no. The manager said yes, so I’ve got to go to the All-Star Game.”
Infante thanked Manuel before the Braves’ next game, in Philadelphia. Manuel replied by saying he enjoyed watching Infante play, and told him not to apologize for his spot. Manuel was instructed to take someone who could play multiple positions to utilize a new rule in which one player can re-enter the game.
“Hey,” Manuel told Infante, “you’re good.”
Infante’s own manager, Bobby Cox, used him as a starter in each of the Braves’ next six games. Infante, who started in left field, right field and third base, responded by going 13 for 28 to raise his average to .332. He said the grumbling over his selection motivated him.
“I think so, yeah,” said Infante, who is from Venezuela. “It was like, ‘Omar, you’re going to the All-Star Game, you have to have more numbers.’ I played more, and I hit good. That made me excited and happy.”
Infante, 28, has started at every outfield position and three infield positions (not first base) since starting his career with Detroit in 2002. His selection became less controversial after Manuel revealed his reasoning, and can now be viewed as a victory for the overlooked utility man.
“It’s not easy,” Infante said. “You have to practice every position every day, because you have to be ready. Maybe I’ve opened the door for utility players, because I’m here. That’s why I feel good.”
July 12, 2010, 11:39 pm
Omar Infante, the Utility All-Star
By TYLER KEPNER
ANAHEIM, Calif. – When Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel picked Omar Infante for the National League All-Star team, it was one of the most puzzling choices ever. Infante was not even an everyday player. That day, he pinch hit for the Atlanta Braves and struck out to end the game.
“I felt sad, because I see on TV a lot of people don’t like it, because I don’t have the numbers,” Infante said on Tuesday, remembering his selection on July 4. “A lot of good players have the numbers and aren’t here. I didn’t know what to say, because I can’t say no. The manager said yes, so I’ve got to go to the All-Star Game.”
Infante thanked Manuel before the Braves’ next game, in Philadelphia. Manuel replied by saying he enjoyed watching Infante play, and told him not to apologize for his spot. Manuel was instructed to take someone who could play multiple positions to utilize a new rule in which one player can re-enter the game.
“Hey,” Manuel told Infante, “you’re good.”
Infante’s own manager, Bobby Cox, used him as a starter in each of the Braves’ next six games. Infante, who started in left field, right field and third base, responded by going 13 for 28 to raise his average to .332. He said the grumbling over his selection motivated him.
“I think so, yeah,” said Infante, who is from Venezuela. “It was like, ‘Omar, you’re going to the All-Star Game, you have to have more numbers.’ I played more, and I hit good. That made me excited and happy.”
Infante, 28, has started at every outfield position and three infield positions (not first base) since starting his career with Detroit in 2002. His selection became less controversial after Manuel revealed his reasoning, and can now be viewed as a victory for the overlooked utility man.
“It’s not easy,” Infante said. “You have to practice every position every day, because you have to be ready. Maybe I’ve opened the door for utility players, because I’m here. That’s why I feel good.”
