Hey now, you're an All Star

Giants 6, A's 2

I don't really care who the All Stars are. But I love that every gets at least one. I love that fans of the best team and the worst team and every team in between have a reason to watch the game.

Your All Stars are a reflection of your team and your standing in the game. The last-place White Sox, for example, are sending their No. 5 starter, a rookie you haven't heard of named Shane Smith. The Dodgers are sending five players, three of whom will end up in the Hall of Fame. See the difference?

At their best, All Star selections represent the soul and identity of each team. That's certainly the case for the Giants, a 49-42 team that's relied on two aces and the best bullpen in baseball.

That's why Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Randy Rodriguez are heading to Atlanta. It's the first time in four years the Giants have three All Stars, and the first since 2011 they're sending three pitchers. Here’s hoping they do a little better than their precedessors.

Up next: The Giants wrapped up a much-needed series win against the A’s. Now things get a little tougher. The Phillies and Dodgers come to San Francisco before the All Star break begins next week. It’ll be Christopher Sanchez (7-2, 2.68 ERA) against Landon Roupp (6-5, 3.48 ERA) at 6:45 pm.