The Chicago White Sox are having a rough season. Jose Abreu and Chris Sale, their best hitter and pitcher have both spent time on the disabled list. The White Sox are currently in fourth place in the division, ahead of only the All-Star host Minnesota Twins.
Jose Abreu is a All-Star in his rookie season in Major League Baseball. He is currently tied for the American League lead for home runs with Nelson Cruz of the Baltimore Orioles despite playing in 12 fewer games. Abrea leads in slugging percentage with .616. Abreu first came over from Cuba and has been excellent leading the White Sox this year.
Alexei Ramirez is going to the All-Star game for the first time as a 32 year old shortstop. He is also from Cuba, so it seems surprising to see both Cubans make it to Minnesota. Earlier this season, he hit his 1,000th career hit in Major League Baseball. This season isn't anything particularly greater than he normally has been as far as his career path has gone. He is tied for the AL lead among shortstops with eight home runs. He is also second in RBI's with 41, behind only Erick Aybar of the Los Angeles Angels. The reason he probably is just now making it for the first time is that typically Derek Jeter has been the AL All-Star starter and there hasn't been that much room on the All-Star roster.
One thing is for certain, the White Sox are happy to have two players for certain in the All-Star game for the third consecutive year. The last time they had less was in 2011, when Carlos Quentin was their only All-Star. Chicago hopes that they keep producing more in the years to come as well.