Michael Cuddyer Named Twins Lone All-Star
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Michael Cuddyer is changing his plans for next week's three-day break.
Cuddyer has been named the lone All-Star game representative for the Minnesota Twins. It will be his first appearance.
"Words really can't describe it," he said before Sunday's game against Milwaukee. "It's right up there with getting your first call to the big leagues."
Cuddyer was selected as a reserve to the game scheduled for July 12 in Phoenix.
"My wife and I were thinking about going to Stillwater and maybe spend a night at a bed and breakfast, but I think Phoenix will be just nice," he said.
It is the first time since 2007 that Minnesota will not have a starter in the Midsummer Classic, and first time since 2004 the Twins will have just one representative.
The 32-year-old was an obvious choice.
He has been the most versatile player this year for the injury-plagued Twins, having started 42 games in right field, 19 at first base, 13 at second base and twice he was the team's designated hitter.
"I'm going to bring all my gloves just in case," he said, laughing.
Entering Sunday's game, the unassuming Cuddyer is hitting .286 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI. He has scored 36 runs and has tied a career-high seven stolen bases.
"You go out and you play the game hard," he said. "You try to do things the right way and fortunately it gets recognized sometimes. It's nice to have that recognition, and it makes you feel good about yourself. I don't go out and seek it, but when you get recognized it makes you feel pretty good."
The only Twins to crack the top eight in fan voting at their positions were catcher Joe Mauer (third) and first baseman Justin Morneau (seventh).
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