I think there's a time and place to make "exceptions" for deserving people, even if they're having a down year. You can't do it all the time though, and have to really pick your spots. I also think they should add at least 5 more spots to the AllStar roster, but thats another topic altogether methinks.
And good point on him managing so many of the games. I suppose if the other teams would bother keeping the Yankees from winning the pennant all the time, this wouldn't be an issue.