Joe Maddon needed a 'Wake' up call

Tampa Rays' Manager Joe Maddon was this year’s American League manager for the All-Star game. He also had the duty of completing the All-Star roster by hand picking the final few players.
Maddon chose Boston's 42 year-old knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield to join the arsenal of arms for the American League. This selection would be Wakefield's first in his 17 year MLB career, making him the oldest selection since Satchel Page in 1952. Maddon stated in an interview that Wakefield's selection was 'kind of a lifetime achievement' for the knuckleballer.
Seriously, Joe? You’re adding a man to your roster that has a better winning percentage and win total than EVERY pitcher on the All-Star staff. Shouldn’t you be adding him because he is the best in the league and will help you win the game that ‘means something’?

Maddon spoke to Wakefield about his roll on the team, and Wakefield was comfortable with being the guy that would pitch if the game went into extra innings. If it was your first All-Star selection, would you say no to anything asked of you by the manager? Maddon could have asked Wakefield to pitch batting practice and Wake would have with no questions asked. Way to take advantage of the situation, Joe.

Wakefield never did get into the game, with reasons/excuses ranging from the AL’s lead wasn’t large enough to no catcher on the roster was comfortable catching a knuckleballer. No matter what the real reason, it is disrespectful and unacceptable.

The goal is to win the All-Star game, and gain home-field advantage for your league in the World Series. If winning the game 'means something' shouldn't you put your best lineup on the field? Doesn't that include the best pitcher in your league?

Mr. Maddon, your managerial style may work with the Tampa Rays, a team full of young up-and-coming superstars and mediocre veterans, but it doesn’t work for the Summer Classic, which only exists for the enjoyment of the fans.

For the good of the All-Star Game, I hope the Rays don’t make it to the World Series again while you are at the helm.