Harper belongs in All-Star Game, but a Marlin should be here, too

The Marlins aren't happy that baseball and National League manager Tony La Russa chose Bryce Harper to replace the injured Giancarlo Stanton on the NL All-Star team. They have a right to be unhappy. Harper belongs on the team, but if the rule says every team should be represented, then every team should be represented.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Bryce Harper belongs in the All-Star Game.

It's not about stats. It's about stars. It's about baseball showing off, and putting on a show.

Bryce Harper belongs, but so does a Marlin.

Any Marlin. Omar Infante, Jose Reyes, even Justin Ruggiano.

Pick one, just as National League manager Tony La Russa had to pick one Diamondback (Wade Miley) and one Padre (Huston Street).

If the rules say every team needs to be represented (a good rule, in my mind), then every team needs to be represented.

And when a team's lone representative can't make it, it should be simple. Take someone else from that team, instead.

Giancarlo Stanton was going to be the lone Marlin this year. He had knee surgery Sunday, so he's not coming to Kansas City.

The Marlins aren't happy that baseball and La Russa chose Harper (rather than a Marlin) to replace Stanton. They shouldn't be happy.

"I think it's unfortunate," club president David Samson told reporters. "I think every team should be presented on the line at the All-Star Game."

He's right.