Indians' Kipnis happy with All-Star nod, but not selection process
Jason Kipnis was named as a reserve for the 2015 AL All-Star squad on Monday, marking the second time he'll represent Cleveland in the Midsummer Classic.
Despite missing out on the starting nod, the Indians' second baseman was thrilled to make the squad, especially since he'd been chosen by his peers.
It's awesome," Kipnis told reporters of his selection. "I've always held that in high regards, the respect from other players, respect of your peers."
The fans chose Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros for the starting second basemen spot, although Kipnis has been the best at the position this season.
Heading into Monday, Kipnis ranked first in batting average (.341), on-base percentage (.419), doubles (27), walks (39) and OPS (.925) among all qualified second basemen.
While Altuve's slash line of .303/.348/.423 is certainly impressive, Kipnis has been much more productive.
Does Kipnis feel the league should consider making changes to the current All-Star selection process?
"I hope they do," Kipnis said via CBS Cleveland.
Kipnis insisted his stance on the matter wasn't influenced by this year's voting outcome. "Once they made the All-Star game mean something, you've got to take it out of the fans' [hands]," he said.
"That being said the All-Star Game is for the fans. They want to see their favorite players. They want to see the best players. I just don't think they can always make the best choice. People are going to vote for their favorite player regardless of the season they had. If they're from Chicago, they're going to vote for Chicago players, if they're from Cleveland, they're going to vote for Cleveland players. It doesn't mean they're going to vote for the right pick they're going to vote for who they want to see. That part I think is right and wrong and it's a gray area that's going to be tough. But I think there's ways that I don't know, there's ways that people have come up with I'm sure that can make it a little bit of an easier choice or a smarter choice."
Kipnis will be the Indians' only representative in this year's All-Star Game, which takes place June 14 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
