As NIT Stu explained yesterday, All-Star Voting has reached a fever pitch. And since we’re a blog, we the bloggers feel compelled to share our all-star opinions with you.
While NIT Stu’s methodology was rigorous and nuanced (I particularly am fond of the Schwarber/Puig/Franmil Reyes effort), mine is more simple: I’m voting for the players I think are the biggest stars in the game, with the only caveat being that I’d rather see breakout performers in there than a star having a subpar year. In short, I’m trying to put the lineups out there that best represent the MLB in 2019.
Here goes.
American League
First Base: Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
Santana is having a monstrous year in his return to Cleveland, doing all he can to keep their lineup potent. He’s been the best first baseman in the AL so far, and with the only bona fide stars (Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols) too far past their prime to justify inclusion, Santana is the fair choice, ahead of guys like Luke Voit, Edwin Encarnación, and Trey Mancini.
Second Base: Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
This decision comes down to Lowe and Tommy La Stella, each of which are enjoying a thrilling breakout season. Lowe, as the rising rookie on a contender, gets the nod as a bigger “star.” But personally, I do love Tommy La Stella and hope he makes the roster in some fashion.
Third Base: Alex Bregman, Houston Astros
Alex Bregman is not only the best third-baseman in the AL. He’s one of those guys the MLB should be marketing tirelessly. He’s charismatic, accessible, young, and good. With all due respect to the other options here (Matt Chapman, Hunter Dozier, Rafael Devers, Vlad Guerrero Jr.), Alex Bregman is the kind of player who should be starting All-Star Games every season, hopefully for years to come.
Shortstop: Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox
A number of shortstops have been better than Tim Anderson, but none have been as electric. Francisco Lindor is another man who should be a candidate to be the face of baseball, and Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco have been great (though Polanco’s PED suspension last year deservedly casts a bad shadow on his candidacy). But Tim Anderson has been responsible for some of 2019’s biggest stories in the world of baseball.
Catcher: Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
The fact that Mitch Garver isn’t the Twins’ candidate here is a *facepalm*, but Sanchez is hitting the ball well, and he’s an exciting young player who should be celebrated, even with all his flubs.
Outfield: Mike Trout, California Angels
Duh.
Outfield: Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers
Joey Gallo has been incredible this year, and while he’s currently injured, he deserves at least the nominal start.
Outfield: George Springer, Houston Astros
It’s hard not to vote for Mookie Betts, and pairs of Rays and Twins outfielders (Meadows/Pham/Buxton/Kepler) deserve consideration, but Springer is a star, and he’s been better than all five of those guys so far.
Designated Hitter: Daniel Vogelbach, Seattle Mariners
Vogelbach is a monster at the plate, and while J.D. Martinez and Khris Davis are arguably bigger “stars,” Vogelbach has drawn enough attention of his own to be considered “captivating.” Plus, he’s earned it.
National League
First Base: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
Freeman and Rizzo are bigger stars, but Josh Bell is showing he can challenge both of them for the title of best first baseman in the MLB, finally living up to (and even exceeding) the expectations that accompanied his 2017 debut. This might be the beginning of stardom. It might be a brief stay at the top. Either way, Bell has earned it.
Second Base: Mike Moustakas, Milwaukee Brewers
A well-recognized name among fans of the game, Moustakas is having just as good a year as the relatively-unknown Ketel Marte, and a better year than young gun Ozzie Albies.
Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
While Anthony Rendon has been better on a per-plate-appearance basis, Arenado is still right with him in WAR, and Arenado has the distinction of being one of a few baseball players to attract significant attention in the offseason, when he signed that deal with a higher annual average salary than even that of Bryce Harper.
Shortstop: Javy Báez, Chicago Cubs
Arguably the most exciting player in baseball, Báez is also one of the best players in baseball, appearing poised to contend for MVP votes again this year, even if he’s no Bellinger, Yelich, or Arenado.
Catcher: Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs
Contreras might not be as good at the unseen thing (pitch framing) as, say, Yasmani Grandal, but he’s certainly exciting to watch, and his passion for his native Venezuela keeps producing heart-wrenching moments.
Outfield: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
The reigning MVP. One of the best non-Mike Trout players in the game, year in and year out now.
Outfield: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
23 years old. Hitting like, well, Christian Yelich. A product of the Little League World Series. Bellinger is everything ESPN’s Sunday Night crews are built to celebrate.
Outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr.
It’s narrow between him and Bryce Harper for this spot. Acuña’s been better. Harper is more established and famous. But Acuña, in just his second season, has produced enough incredible happenings (that home run streak last August, in particular) that he’s a bright spot in baseball, even in this golden age of outfielders.
