You have to wonder how John Maine was left off the All-Star roster. If you disagree, take the time to watch him pitch. He’s developed into the Mets most consistent pitcher and is slowly becoming their ace. Last night was no different as Maine dominated, allowing two runs in seven and two-thirds innings, while fanning nine – a career high. Maine picked up his tenth win of the season and more importantly, snapped the Mets four game losing streak, as the Mets beat the Astros 6-2.

Maine is now 10-4 with a 2.71 ERA. Currently he’s tied for the league lead in wins (10), fourth in the league in ERA (2.71), and tenth in the league in strikeouts (93), yet he’s not an All-Star. With the Mets already sending four players to San Francisco (Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, & Billy Wagner), it was understandable why he was initially left off the roster. However it is a complete mystery why he was left off the final ballot. Maine’s numbers are better then Carlos Zambrano, Brandon Webb, & Roy Oswalt, who all were on the final ballot (picked by Cardinal Manager Tony La Russa). Ironically, Oswalt, who finished third in the balloting (the Padres Chris Young won the vote), was named to the team yesterday, replacing the injured John Smoltz. Smoltz was voted in by the players and Oswalt finished second in the players’ vote. How do you justify a pitcher who’s 7-4 with a 3.74 ERA finishing second in the players’ vote? It seems like the players vote like casual fans: solely on name recognition.