Choosing the Final 2006 All-Star: National League

For the fifth year, fans are allowed to vote for the 32nd and final American and National League roster spots. The manager of their respective League's team, chooses five guys who the fans can choose between. Here is a link to the AL version.

The Candidates

Starting Pitcher Chris Capuano: After last year's breakthrough campaign, Capuano has increased his strikeouts, cut his walks, and dropped his ERA to 3.45. According to me, Capuano is a Cy Young candidate. Unfortunately, there is no Mark Redman-caliber player on the NL starting squad to say Capuano should have definitely made it over.

Starting Pitcher Chris Young: Young has had a strong season, posting a 3.13 ERA. Pitching in the most pitcher-friendly environment makes his ERA look better than it seems. Still, Young would probably have a mid-3.00's ERA with a strong K rate in a neutral environment. While Young has been All-Star caliber, he cannot be given favor over Capuano.

Relief Pitcher Billy Wagner: Wagner has been one of the top five closers in the National League this year and definitely deserved a spot over Derrick Turnbow and, arguably, Brian Fuentes. According to Baseball Prospectus, only Trevor Hoffman has pitched in higher leverage situations than Wagner.

First Base Nomar Garciaparra: I know I am going to take a lot of heat for this one, but I think Garciaparra is more deserving of an All-Star spot than Ryan Howard. Nomar is hitting .363/.425./.591 to Howard's .286/.353/.607. Nomar holds a commanding lead in two of the three, while Howard has a slight advantage in slugging. Howard may entertain with his long bombs, but Nomar has gotten the job done by getting on base and being a doubles machine. Not to mention, Nomar fields his position much better than Howard.

Outfielder Bobby Abreu: Abreu has been impressive as always at getting on base, with a .441 OBP this season. His home runs are lower than usual, at only 8 so far; however, this is due to drawing more walks than usual than an actual decrease in power.

The Final Selection

1. Chris Capuano

2. Nomar Garciaparra

3. Bobby Abreu

4. Billy Wagner

5. Chris Young

Date

Mon 07/03/06, 6:58 am EST

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JuTMSY4Legend

1244 days ago

Score 1

Garciaparra over Howard...sure Nomar sports a better average and OBP, but Howard has way more Hrs and RBIs and he plays 1st base which is what you expect from those guys. Nomar should go back to playing short where people respect those numbers... I go w/ chris young, he's had 2 almost no hitters and has been lights out as the defacto ace of the staff (peavy struggling). Of course, Capuano is basically doing the same thing...

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ASwaffAll-American

1244 days ago

Score 0

I have to go with Wagner. Not based on accomplishment as much as the fact that I'm not that impressed with their bullpen. I think they really need a live arm in there, especially a left-handed live arm. Wagner gets the nod from me, strictly based on need.

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DNLLegend

1244 days ago

Score 0

Having seen him implode a few too many times, I don't think I can give him the nod. I'm going w/Nomar, the feel-good story of the year.

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ASwaffAll-American

1244 days ago

Score 0

Again, not saying he's the best in the world, but the NL has bats. They need pitching a lot more than they need bats. And I like Wagner if you bring him in to face maybe a lefty or two from the AL.

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CoreyisarealboyMajor Leaguer

1244 days ago

Score 0

I couldn't agree more with this article, and not because Capuano's on my favorite team. It's because he's in the top 10 in about six different stat categories and that's from the Brewers' No. 3 starter entering the season.

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