Who should be starting in the All-Star Game: National League
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by user twins15
Yesterday you got my AL All-Star Game Starters Picks, so today, you get the National League.
Catcher
Who it is: Paul Lo Duca
Who it should be: Brian McCann
Why? This one should either be Michael Barrett or Brian McCann, depending on whether you like the guy that has better rate numbers with lowers ABs, or still good numbers with lower ABs. Either way, both players have been better than Lo Duca, who has been exceedingly average this year.
First Base
Who it is: Albert Pujols
Who it should be: Albert Pujols
Why? This one's pretty easy. Even while missing time with injury, Pujols has been so very good that he deserves the nod, and it's not even close.
Second Base
Who it is: Chase Utley
Who it should be: Chase Utley
Why? You could make a case for Dan Uggla, but I'd give the nod to Utley. The rate numbers are actually really close (Utley's OBP is .07 higher, Uggla's SLG is .02 higher), but Utley does have over 40 more Ab than Uggla. So I'd take Utley by a hair over Uggla.
Third Base
Who it is: David Wright
Who it should be: Miguel Cabrera
Why? Realistically, I couldn't argue with Miguel Cabrera, David Wright, or Scott Rolen starting, because all of them have been superb. Cabrera though, has been the best hitter of the 3. He's got the highest average and BB, so his .438 OBP is basically what sets him apart from the other 2 in my mind. Defensively, Rolen is top, followed by Wright and then Cabrera, but I like Cabrera's offensive game enough to put him on top. But I woudln't argue too much if you chose one of the other two.
Shortstop
Who it is: Jose Reyes
Who it should be: Jose Reyes
Why? I think Bill Hall has been better at the plate, but he's not a full-time SS. Edgar Renteria is also having a nice year, but Reyes is more valuable in my mind because he's a very good base stealer and already has 11 triples. Add it all up, Reyes is the best SS in the National League.
Outfield
Who it is: Jason Bay
Who it should be: Jason Bay
Why? First of all, I have no idea how Jason Bay actually got voted into start playing for the Pirates, but I can't argue with the fans choice. He's got a great eye at the plate, and has 20 HR already. Add it up, and he has the 4th highest OPS among NL OF, and two guys ahead of him plays half their games in Coors Field.
Who it is: Carlos Beltran
Who it should be: Carlos Beltran
Why? Simply put, Beltran has been the class of the NL outfielders so far this year. He's getting on base atr a great rate, he's hitting for a lot of power, and he's playing CF. No-brainer choice, as he's earning that contract he got from the Mets.
Who it is: Alfonso Soriano
Who it should be: Matt Holliday
Why? I'll admit that Soriano is having a much better year than I thought he would have, but he's still not deserving of the start. Sure, Holliday's numbers are inflated a bit by playing in Coors Field, but his .932 OPS on the road is nothing to laugh about. With 15 HR and 28 doubles already this year, he deserves to start in the All-Star game.
Date
Mon 07/03/06, 10:08 pm EST
