Since the All-Star Game is in part a fan popularity contest, there are other deserving players who didn't make the team. Since each team in both leagues has to be represented, there are players who make the team who don't really deserve it.
The Twins have seen both sides of these unfortunate outcomes. In 1987, despite having a playoff contending club that would later win the World Series, they had only one representative on the AL All-Star game team.
Thanks to some truly horrific teams fielded in the 1980's and 1990's, we sent some really unaccomplished players to the summer classic. Here are the worst of the bunch, in no particular order.
Ron Coomer
Selected in 1999 at the age of 32, Coomer was well past his prime. He had a pathetic 82 OPS+ that year but was a decent enough glove at the flank infield positions.
To be fair, Coomer did well in the first half of 1999. He is a tough case because he spent too many years bombing hits in Triple-A before playing in the majors at the age of 28.
His combined 108 OPS+ in the years he played before he turned 30 give a glimpse of what he might have done had he gotten a fair chance at the big leagues in his mid-20's.
Was he a respectable player? Sure.
Was he worthy of being an All Star? Not at all.
Tim Laudner
Tim was a halftime catcher for a majority of his career before getting some full-time work for the '87 World Champion Twins.
In 1988, he played in his first and only All-Star game. Laudner was a decent hitter for a catcher and he could handle his position with competence.
His 99 OPS+ in 1988 was his second best offensive year in his career. Again, a good first half was enough to overcome a career of competent mediocrity.
Dave Engle
In the early 1980's, the Twins sported some really bad teams, including the 1982 club that lost 102 games.
In 1984, the franchise showed some signs of life, finishing with an even 81-81 record. Engle was the Twins' only All Star that season. He ended up hitting .266 with an 87 OPS+.
The previous season, the Engle had a respectable season, hitting .305 with an .800 OPS. The Twins catcher's batting average was over .300 in the first half, which was good enough to make the All-Star game.
Was he a terrible All-Star pick? Probably not.
However, Kent Hrbek was much more deserving that year.
Doug Corbett
I know what you're saying, "The Doug Corbett?"
A lifetime middle reliever who spent a couple seasons as a closer for the Twins in the early 1980's, Corbett was the Twins lone All Star in 1981.
A strike-shortened season allowed Corbett to record a grand total of 17 saves for the Twins. Over the years, he was a respectable player.
His career 125 ERA+ is nothing to laugh at. However, he only converted 71 percent of his save opportunities in his career. Joe Nathan, the current Twins All-Star Closer, has converted 90 percent of his save chances.
Eric Milton
A typical Twins starter, Eric Milton isn't really flashy, dominant or overpowering.
When he made the All-Star team in 2001, it was really a gift. A solid pitching record and a better-than-normal ERA covered the entry requirements for the big left-handed pitcher.
An ERA+ of 106 at the end of the season was indicative of Milton's true abilities. While he's still knocking around professionally, Milton will never see 100 wins.
An honorable mention goes to Joe Mays. His 48-70 career record isn't what you would expect from an All Star.
However, his 2001 All-Star season was worthy of the summer classic, whether it was a fluke or not.
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