Former USC right-hander Ian Kennedy entered the 2011 season as the Opening Day starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. While neither the team nor their No.1 starter entered the season with much fanfare surrounding them, three months into the season Arizona and their scrappy 26-year-old ace are both well exceeding expectations.
Yet, despite eight wins, an ERA of 3.38, 103 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP, Kennedy's breakout season will need a little extra recognition from the fans in the coming week, if he is to pitch in his home ballpark (Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ) for the 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 12.
The fourth-year pitcher was left off Bruce Bochy's NL squad on Sunday, despite the fact he has anchored a Diamondbacks' rotation that has the team five games above .500 and in the hunt for either the NL West Division lead or the NL Wild Card spot half way through the season.
The former Trojan still has a chance to make the team though, as he was selected as one of five nominees for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game Final Vote. Fans have until Thursday, July 7, at 1 PM Los Angeles to choose Kennedy as the National League's final selection. His fellow nominees are Shane Victorino (Phillies), Todd Helton (Rockies), Andre Ethier (Dodgers) and Michael Morse (Nationals).
(Photo by AP)
