Best Picks For National League In 2016 All-Star Game

As the temperatures outside start to rise, we all know that the heart of the summer is nearly here. Along with it, of course, comes the midsummer classic.

In just a little over a month, Petco Park in San Diego will host Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star game. Fans have already begun voting, so there is sure to be discussion about who should or should not be selected to the starting lineup.

Last season, the biggest controversy concerned the number of Kansas City Royals who led in votes up until the last day. The American League champions ended up having four of the eight starters in the lineup, which will very likely be the case this year as well.

The National League roster, however, should feature some new names. Young players have been making the N.L. headlines since the outset of the season, starting with rookie shortstop Trevor Story hitting home runs in his first seven games with the Colorado Rockies. Nearly every city has witnessed hot starts by rookies, like shortstop Aledmys Diaz in St. Louis, outfielder Adam Duvall in Cincinnati, and shortstop Corey Seager in Los Angeles.

Several of these players have performed well enough to earn starting spots in the All-Star lineup, but their lack of experience may not give them enough votes from the fans. Here are the eight position players who deserve to start for the N.L. based on their performances from the first two months of the season.

First Base, Brandon Belt

Two veterans, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt and Cincinnati’s Joey Votto, are having down years, and Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs is hitting under .240. Belt’s .300 batting average has made him the most consistent first baseman, and he is one of the main reasons the San Francisco Giants are currently on top in the N.L. West.

Second Base, Daniel Murphy

New York’s Neil Walker has been a pleasant surprise power wise, and Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison has hit well over .300 as has Chicago’s Ben Zobrist. Murphy, however, has hit almost .400 in his first year with the Washington Nationals.

Shortstop, Aledmyz Diaz

Cincinnati’s Zach Cozart’s hot start has made him a candidate for comeback player of the year, Milwaukee’s Jonathan Villar has hit over .300 in the leadoff spot, and Corey Seager is among the leaders in power. Aledmyz Diaz, though, is hitting .321 and has provided the Cardinals with a stellar replacement for the injured Jhonny Perralta.

Third Base, Nolan Arenado

The league leader in home runs has anchored the Colorado Rockies offense, as he has out homered even Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia’s Mikael Franco and St. Louis’ Matt Carpenter certainly deserve consideration as well.

Outfielders, Ryan Braun, Christian Yellich and Starling Marte

Braun is having an unbelievable season for the Brewers, ranking among the league leaders in home runs and a .341 batting average. Right below him in the race for the batting title are Miami’s Christian Yellich and Pittsburgh’s Starling Marte. Chicago’s Dexter Fowler, Cincinnati rookie Adam Duvall and New York’s Yoenis Cespides also deserve consideration.

Catcher, Jonathan Lucroy

His .304 batting average and double digit home run power are not nearly as surprising as the fact that Lucroy is still with the Milwaukee Brewers after a winter filled with all sorts of trade rumors.

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