NEWSLETTER
It wasn’t but a few days ago when it looked like Bryan LaHair wouldn’t be an All-Star. Yes, he opened the year with an incredible April, and a good May, but his June featured a very Cub-like swoon, and he no longer had the look of an All-Star.
But, when compared with other first baseman in the NL not named Joey Votto, LaHair’s overall numbers were still impressive. So, his fellow players selected him for the game, and his cinderella story had another great chapter.
And it could get even better.
With NL first base starter Joey Votto battling a sore left knee, LaHair is now on the verge of starting at first base for the NL All-Star squad. By rule, LaHair would get the nod because he finished second in the player balloting at first base, behind only Votto. So LaHair might soon start at first base in the All-Star Game.
You know, even though he doesn’t even start at first base for the Cubs anymore.
‘‘It gets better each day, it seems,’’ LaHair said of the starting possibility. ‘‘But you know what? Votto’s a tough kid. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t out there.’’
I’m certainly not going to root for Votto to be more injured than he actually is, but if he decides he needs to rest his knee, I will be very happy for LaHair. It’s not only a great story, but it’s also always cool to see a Cubs player starting in the All-Star Game, however he gets there.
