For the 3rd time in four years, Pujols was the best in the MLB while Lincecum had the best Reina Value. How did all 1,296 major leaguers perform in relation to their contract?
The Angels and Red Sox will score a lot of runs, while the absence of a dominant starter for the White Sox could be the difference.
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Just a few days ago I selected the 32 players I felt should represent the American League at the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. Now, with the Mid-Summer Classic roughly a week away, I’m here to announce my National League roster.
This edition is a little more interesting, mainly because the official roster has already been revealed by Major League Baseball. Nonetheless, these are the men I believe deserve to be honored at Yankee Stadium.
I’ll first list the nine-man starting lineup (including designated hitter), then pick a starting pitcher and ten-man staff. I’ll conclude by naming twelve reserve hitters, rounding out my bloated roster. And no, once again I will not adhere to the crazy rule of naming one representative from each of the league’s sixteen teams.
Any stats referenced are through the July 6th games
The Starting Lineup Catcher: Geovany Soto, Chicago - He’s been extremely reliable for the Cubs, who are looking to do something they haven’t in 100 years. Only Brian McCann (Atlanta) can compare to Soto in regards to power numbers.
First Base: Lance Berkman, Houston - Lance has been in a class by himself this season, notching 22 home runs and 69 RBI's with a .349 average. He’s having the best year of his career at age 32.
Second Base: Chase Utley, Philadelphia - He could very well become the third-straight Phillie to win the NL MVP award later this year. How does 24 home runs, 67 RBI's, and a .294 average sound?
Third Base: Chipper Jones, Atlanta - How can you not start Chipper at third base? He’s just a few points shy of hitting .400 on the season and has great power numbers, as well. He also has eighteen more walks than strikeouts.
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Florida - There is absolutely no competition at this position in the National League. He’s got 21 home runs and stolen bases, making him a solid threat for 40-40 as the season drags on.
Leftfield: Matt Holliday, Colorado - He’s not hitting for power as often as we are used to, but he’s far and away the best hitter at the position (.343). It’s too bad his name has been mentioned more in trade rumors than anything else.
Centerfield: Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh - If Josh Hamilton was the easiest pick of all in centerfield for the American League, then McLouth is the toughest. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Pirates, clubbing 15 home runs and 56 RBI's. He also has nine stolen bases and a decent .280 average.
Rightfield: Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis - He’s been a pleasant surprise for the Cardinals in right field with big power numbers and a very nice average (.290). He needs to start being more patient, but at almost thirty years old (we ironically share a birthday), it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
Designated Hitter: Albert Pujols, St. Louis - Elbow problems placed a cloud of doubt over his season this winter, but nothing has changed. He’s got 18 home runs, 48 RBI's, and a .350 average despite inconsistent help in the Cardinals’ lineup.
Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco - Many would give the starting nod to Edinson Volquez, but Lincecum does more with less help. He’s 10-1 with a 2.49 ERA and 122 strikeouts. His winning percentage, strikeouts, and walk numbers are better than those of Volquez.
Pitchers Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati - It’s ironic that both Volquez and Hamilton (Texas) will both undoubtedly be members of the All-Star team this season after being swapped for one another. Volquez is 11-3 with a 2.36 ERA this year.
Ben Sheets, Milwaukee - He’s been lights out for the Brewers and relatively healthy, as well. He’s thrown 117 solid innings so far, giving him a 10-2 record and a sparkling 2.77 ERA. You’d think he’d have more strikeouts, but at least he’s winning and on the mound.
Carlos Zambrano, Chicago - He’s become the heart and soul of the Cubs, tallying a 9-3 record with a nice 2.96 ERA in the process this season.
Kyle Lohse, St. Louis - No one thought that Lohse would even be serviceable for the Cardinals, let alone one of the best pitchers in the league. His 10-2 mark with a solid 3.61 ERA is very deserving of a spot.
Brandon Webb, Arizona - Webb and Dan Haren are easily the best one-two combo in the game today. He isn’t as unhittable as he was in the past (3.43 ERA), but he keeps the D-Backs in games with a great 12-4 record.
Dan Haren, Arizona - Slay me, but I’m giving this spot to Haren over the much-higher paid Johan Santana. Haren’s ERA is lower (2.83 to 2.96), and Dan has a better record (8-5 to 7-7). Maybe next year, Johan.
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia - Hamels has recorded 110 K’s this season in 128.2 innings. He’s been a workhorse for the Phils, recording a 9-5 record with a 3.22 ERA. If his team would give him better run support, he’d likely be challenging Lincecum, Volquez, and Sheets for the NL Cy Young.
Brad Lidge, Philadelphia - It was considered a risk when the Phillies acquired Lidge from Houston, but he has paid huge dividends. Through his first 36 innings of work, he’s allowed just four runs en route to 19 saves and a 1.00 ERA.
Billy Wagner, New York - He’s made a lot of headlines for opening his mouth, but his arm is just as hot this season. He has 19 saves in 35 innings, with a sparkling 2.31 ERA and 41 strikeouts.
Kerry Wood, Chicago - Yes, that Kerry Wood. He’s gotten his career back on track as the Cubs closer this season, notching 22 saves with a 2.91 ERA in 43.1 innings of work. He’s also hot when figuring into decisions with a 4-2 record.
The Reserves Catcher: Russell Martin, Los Angeles - Gets the nod over McCann, simply because of his high average (.305) and versatility (nine stolen bases). He could be the most athletic catcher in all of baseball.
First Base: Derrek Lee, Chicago - He’s helped put the Cubs in great position to make the playoffs thanks to 15 long balls, 53 RBI's, and a .306 batting average.
First Base: Mark Teixeira, Atlanta - The Portuguese Wonder is keeping the Braves in the NL East race despite a number of injuries. He provides a solid one-two punch with Jones, thanks to his keen eye and quick bat.
Second Base: Dan Uggla, Florida - He’s been heralded for his old-school approach, and it’s certainly working. He strikes out often (91 K’s already), but he’s still hitting .289 with 23 long balls and 58 runs batted in, so far.
Second Base: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati - He’s a great all-around player, giving the Reds power, speed, and a great glove in the infield. He strikes out a little bit too much, but who doesn’t these days.
Third Base: David Wright, New York - The struggles of the Mets have put Wright’s season on the back burner. He’s just shy of .300 (hitting .286), with nice power numbers, some stolen bases, and a great deal of patience at the plate.
Leftfield: Carlos Lee, Houston - He rarely strikes out, but he walks even less. It’s a good thing he’s sent 19 balls out of the park, leads his position in RBI's, and swings at a nice .292 clip.
Centerfield: Aaron Rowland, San Francisco - He’s hitting .300 for the Giants this season, and adds timely hitting (47 RBIs) to his repertoire. He also provides the team with a veteran presence in the outfield, without all those dreaded steroid allegations.
Rightfield: Corey Hart, Milwaukee - Hart has been a sparkplug for the Brewers this season, doing a little bit of everything. He hits for average (.296), power (14 HRs and 56 RBI's) and provides speed (13 bags).
Rightfield: Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh - How does a Pittsburgh-dominated outfield sound? He’s hitting .321 and still ranks among the leaders in both home runs and RBI's despite missing some time. As strong as the outfield is in the AL, the NL has a rather shallow corps.
First Base/DH: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia - He’s struggling with his average (.223), but when he gets his bat on the ball, it’s likely to head out of the park. He’s got 23 home runs and 76 RBI's thus far but also an alarming 123 K’s.
First Base/DH: Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego - Gonzo gets this spot thanks to his power numbers. He’s nearly even with Berkman with 22 homers and 70 RBI's, but he’s hitting more than 60 points lower (.284).
Andrew Perna is a Senior Writer for RealGM.com and will be covering the 2008 MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium this month. If there is any specific coverage you’d enjoy from the Bronx, let me know via e-mail. (Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com).
