With the All-Star Game just a few short weeks away and voting wrapping up in about 10 days, let the roster controversy begin! While I don't think either manager in this year's event is going to go the Omar Infante route, there are bound to be a few screw ups. With injuries aplenty among superstars, and a number of early stat leaders not even listed on the ballot, expect to see a few eyebrow raisers. That said, I'm going to dedicate today and tomorrow to my NL & AL All Star picks (respectively) and we'll revisit things in a few weeks to see how I made out...
Catcher - Brian McCann (ATL), Miguel Montero (ARI)
It's been a tough year for catchers. The normally thin crop was decimated even more with the loss of Buster Posey. McCann currently holds a sizable lead in the voting and the only other catcher worth the weight of hit bat at the plate is Miguel Montero.
First Base - Prince Fielder (MIL), Joey Votto (CIN), Ryan Howard (PHI)
I had to go back and dig through the numbers for this one. With Albert Pujols on the shelf for 4-6 weeks and a host of others spending time on the DL, I'm going with the three star first baseman that have played in just about every game for their teams. Fielder deserves it, Votto is getting credit for last year's snub, and Howard is just getting lucky based on numbers alone. I wouldn't be surprised/upset if he misses out, though.
Second Base - Brandon Phillips (CIN), Rickie Weeks (MIL)
With Chase Utley spending a lot of time on the DL and Dan Uggla playing like garbage, the job belongs to these two guys. Washington Rookie Danny Espinosa and Arizona's Kelly Johnson have an outside chance at getting in, but they really lack in the batting average department.
Shortstop - Jose Reyes (NYM), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Starlin Castro (CHI)
No Hanley or Jimmy this year. The best SS in the game right now is Jose Reyes. Tulo is up there, but his extreme hot and extreme cold streaks make him more of a secondary pick. Castro is a solid backup to both of them and deserving of the job.
Third Base - Placido Polanco (PHI), Neil Walker (PIT)
Polanco is the leader in the vote and rightfully so, though his recent performance at the plate has been lackluster. Neil Walker has played some 2nd and 3rd this year and put up impressive power numbers so I'm giving him the nod as the 2nd pick.
Outfield - Matt Kemp (LAD), Ryan Braun (MIL), Jay Bruce (CIN), Lance Berkman (STL), Hunter Pence (HOU), Matt Holliday (STL)
It's tough to argue with any of these guys when you look at the stats. Carlos Beltran holds an outside shot at earning a spot, but the top 6 are in a class of their own. If a a Beltran or a Victorino gets a spot it will be at the expense of the next two guys...
Utility - Michael Morse (WAS), Gaby Sanchez (FLA)
These two are likely to be members of the last chance vote and might come down to a manager's decision. They've both played out of their minds this season, though they unfortunately play most of their games at 1st Base. Still, I think you will find both of them sneaking into the game with Morse being the only worthy Nationals player at this point.
Starting Pitchers - Roy Halladay (PHI), Cole Hamels (PHI), Tommy Hanson (ATL), Jair Jurrjens (ATL), Cliff Lee (PHI), Ian Kennedy (ARI), Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Tim Lincecum (SFG), Anibal Sanchez (FLA)
I waited this long to get a San Francisco Giants player into the roster and that's likely an oversight since their manager is picking and choosing the players, but I just couldn't find a Giant whose offensive production warrants a selection. This crop of starters, on the other hand, are all deserving and include more than a couple of first timers. Most of all, it shows just how deep the NL East is in pitching!
Relief Pitchers - Jonny Venters (ATL), Brian Wilson (SFG), John Axford (MIL), Joel Hanrahan (PIT), Heath Bell (SDP)
I give the nod to Venters over Kimbrel because I honestly believe he is the better pitcher. The rest of the guys are among the league leaders in saves and strikeouts; my two metrics for a solid closer. Heath Bell lands the final spot as the lone representative for the Padres.
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