Many fans feel that Aaron Hill was snubbed in not securing a starting All-Star spot on the NL roster at second base. Instead, the Atlanta Braves will be sending Dan Uggla to fill that role. But if you ask Hill, it really doesn't seem to bother him all that much.
"It is what it is. If they call it (your name) great, if they don't great. It's one of those things where if you get the experience to make an All-Star team, which, fortunately, I was a few years ago, it's something you never forget. You cherish it because you don't know if you're ever going to get the chance again," Hill said.
Hill joked that when he heard his name called in the final five along with Chipper Jones, a future Hall of Famer, he didn't really like his chances.
Wade Miley, on the other hand, was full of enthusiasm when he was told he was going to be attending the Midsummer Classic... in uniform. The team told him in a very unique way, which was actually very funny. Closer J.J. Putz asked him a few questions that pertain to his timeless 'Words With Wade' activity.
First, he was asked where the Kansas City Royals play. He replied with Missouri, which was correct. Then, he was asked how to spell "All-Star" and then proceeded to do so, once again, correctly. It took a couple of nudges after that, but he finally got the hint. He realized he had been selected to participate in the game.
He almost seemed giddy sitting up there at the podium on Monday afternoon to discuss the trip he will be taking to Kansas City. "I mean, it's kind of surreal. I'm really excited, you're just glad to hear your name called with the guys, mentioned with those players on the All-Star team. I'm happy as I could be I guess."
Most of all, both players reminded everyone that it's more about the team, not the individual accolades. Just five games out of first place in the NL West, the D-backs will look to come back from the All-Star break refreshed and ready to play for the pennant.
"You look at the statistics and there's a few guys that could be up there," Hill said. "You look at (Paul) Goldschmidt, (Jason) Kubel, you know. It's been a fun first half, there's been some ups and downs, but overall we're right there and we continue to get better."
Miley has similar thoughts:
"You try to keep it to the team's perspective, you know? We're five games out right now, it's the All-Star break. We're going to try and create some momentum. After the break, we're in a pennant race."