The Kansas CIty Royals officially have one player on the American League’s roster for the 2012 All-Star Game to be held in Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. Billy Butler was announced today as a first-time All-Star after several solid seasons for the Royals. However, he might have some company for the host city if Jonathan Broxton, the team’s closer in the wake of injuries to Greg Holland and Joakim Soria this season, can make it in by winning the Final Vote competition.
Broxton is having a great season in 2012 for the Royals after signing a one-year free agent deal this offseason. He has 20 saves with a 2.05 ERA in nearly 31 innings of work for KC. His consistency at the back of the Royals bullpen has helped the team close out more close games in 2012 than any season in recent memory and has given the team a chance to take the AL Central this season with a good second half.
His competition for the Firestone Final Vote includes Texas Rangers starter Yu Darvish, Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri, Orioles starter Jason Hammel and White Sox starter Jake Peavy.