All-Star Roster Thoughts: NL Edition

The rosters were released yesterday for the All-Star Game which will take place on July 13th in Anaheim. Here are my thoughts:

-Two words: Joey. Votto. Come on. The Cincinnati first baseman has been establishing himself as a constant force in the National League over the last two and a half seasons. In his first two seasons he averaged 24 homers, 84 RBI's and 35 doubles, while his batting average increased 25 points, and his SLG and OPS have been on the rise. This year, he is hitting .312 with 19 homers and 57 RBI's already--near the league lead in homers and RBI's.


There is no argument for him not being named to the roster. He should not have to get in via the final vote--which he certainly will win. But the fact that three other first basemen were named ahead of him is an atrocity. Also the fact that Troy Glaus was not one of them is a little bit confusing, but with the players at first base in the NL, it is hard to get on that team.

-Omar Infante. There has been a lot of speculation and reasons given, mostly centering on the fact that he can play numerous positions. But really, be honest...there is no justification for this selection. The list of more deserving players who can play many positions starts with Ryan Zimmerman and goes to Kelly Johnson.

-Sticking with the topic of the Braves: Jason Heyward. Okay, he is having a great rookie campaign, second to only Brennan Boesch in terms of the numbers he is putting up, but he should not be a starter in this All-Star game. Even though injury will keep him out, the voting still was off here. Mind you, he got most of the votes when his average was still up at .300, before it dropped to around .260. He will be on this team for many years to come.

-Stephen Strasburg. All there is to say is that Charlie Manuel is absolutely right in his decision to leave Strasburg off the roster. There is simply no justification for the rookie who has made just six starts being on the roster. Give him his time in the future.

-If a 9-4 record with a 2.62 ERA does not get you to the All-Star Game, well I do not know what does earn a pitcher a spot there. Mat Latos of the Padres owns those numbers. while holding opposing hitters to an under-.200 batting average. He should be there. No doubt.

-It is nice to see Troy Tulowitzki on the roster, despite the fact that he won't play due to injury. He has been a fun player to watch over the last couple of years and has been getting better at the plate while remaining consistent in the field.

-Chris Young, Brandon Phillips, Michael Bourn and Martin Prado being on the team as first-time All-Stars is good for the league, seeing some youth transfused into the consistent veteran presences. Yovanni Gallardo also falls into that category.

-Arthur Rhodes is making his first appearance as well and what a wonderful moment that will be for the 40-year old lefty. He has had a great career and this is a well-deserved moment for a position that goes unrecognized more often than not.

-Choosing a Pirates representative is not always easy, but Garrett Jones seemed to be the obvious choice for this year. He is hitting .276, with 10 homers and 50 RBI's. He got left off the team however, in favor of reliever Evan Meek, who does have an ERA of .96, understandably an incredible stat at this point in the season.