An All-Star Game Berth for GS52???

Here's something to ponder. Will George get to his first ASG this year?



As of today, he's second in the AL in saves. Considering that the O's are in last place, he's not getting many save opportunities (as expected, really). Of course, GS52 almost has as many saves vs. the Mariners (5) as J.J. Putz has saves vs. everyone (6).

Now, I recognize that saves aren't everything. But they do count for the person who's racking them up, and they give something to sportswriters and agents to talk about. He has fewer walks than Putz (in 14 MORE Batters faced (BFPs)) and K-Rod (in 2 fewer BFPs). I never said George would be a dominant, lights-out closer, but I've always thought he'd handle the role very well. Not bad for a shy kid from the Memphis area who plowed through major obstacles, taking the road less-travelled to the big leagues.

With Putz struggling mightily, and with the M's believing they actually have more than a snowball's chance in Gehenna of making the playoffs (and therefore are unwilling to move Morrow out of the setup spot and into the rotation), wouldn't it be nice to have George around? Of course he's probably a lot more respected where he's at, and is actually coming into games for more than just one LH batter...