Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — When the National League All Stars take the field in the top of the first inning on July 19, there is sure to be some Dodger Blue among the starters. The only question is how much. Right now, it looks like two Dodgers are a lock for making the squad, but other position players remain less certain. Let’s go around the diamond, shall we?
Catcher
- 1. Willson Contreras, Cubs – 1,372,780
- 2. Travis d’Arnaud, Braves – 880,963
- 3. Yadier Molina, Cardinals – 699,907
- 4. Will Smith, Dodgers – 526,826
Will Smith’s June surge makes him a prime candidate for inclusion, but the fans are not giving him the love he deserves. As of now, he ranks 4th among NL backstops, trailing Willson Contreras, Travis d’Arnaud, and Yadier Molina. Molina, of course, is a sentimental favorite. Likely Hall of Famer going through his last season in the bigs. But to be honest, Contreras and d’Ardaud both have better OPS than Smith. Unless the NL plans on carrying three catchers, I would say Smith might be still a year away from being in the ASG.
First Base
- 1. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals – 1,562,027
- 2. Pete Alonso, Mets – 958,777
- 3. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers – 760,524
Tough to fault the fans for this one. Goldy and the Polar Bear are putting up monster numbers. In any other year, Freeman would be on the team. I’m afraid he’s going to have to sit this one out. He needs a day off anyway.
Second Base
1. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Marlins – 1,066,927
2. Ozzie Albies, Braves – 984,846
3. Jeff McNeil, Mets – 945,335
4. Gavin Lux, Dodgers – 427,842
Albies will be out with an injury, so that puts Luxy third among NL vote-getters at second. To be honest, much as I am a Gavin Lux fan, and much as I think Jeff McNeil is a bit of a whiny jerk, it’s hard for me to make the case for including Lux on the roster. It’s a shame. Lux’s performance has been consistent through a lot of streakiness elsewhere in the lineup.
Third Base
1. Manny Machado, Padres – 1,563,188
2. Nolan Arenado, Cardinals – 977,485
3. Austin Riley, Braves – 911,663
4. Justin Turner, Dodgers – 408,805
Of course, every Dodger is going to be up there in the fan voting, but JT is simply not an All Star this year, and the fact that he is this high in the voting is a bit of a joke. Not sure how long Machado will be down for the Padres. Nolan certainly is having a good year. The Dodgers’ future at third base remains murky. Hard to see an All Star at this position anytime soon.
Shortstop
1. Trea Turner, Dodgers – 1,369,759
2. Dansby Swanson, Braves – 1,069,312
3. Francisco Lindor, Mets – 808,729
Trea’s got a comfortable league in the fan voting and deservedly so. Former number one pick Dansby Swanson is having a good season, and in fact has a bit better OPS than Turner right now, thanks to his hot June. However, Trea’s speed and other intangibles make him my pick for shortstop to play in front of the home crowd at Dodger Stadium. Lindor is having a slightly above average season, but his vote total is more representative of where he’s playing than how he’s playing. So, Trea is 1a and Dansby 1b in this tight race.
Designated Hitter
- 1. Bryce Harper, Phillies – 1,740,935
- 2. William Contreras, Braves – 976,038
- 3. Albert Pujols, Cardinals – 535,661
- 4. Max Muncy, Dodgers – 309,101
With Harper’s broken thumb, it looks like both Contreras boys might be making their mama proud this year. It would be nice to see the Machine make one last appearance in Midsummer Classic, but that is just my heart talking. Max Muncy, so deserving last season, is having the worst year of his career. We just hope the break gives him time to regroup.
Outfield
- 1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers – 2,270,566
- 2. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves – 2,197,684
- 3. Joc Pederson, Giants – 1,090,260
- …
- 9. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers – 490,939
- 11. Chris Taylor, Dodgers – 410,898
Mookie is unlikely to play given the healing necessary on the rib injury, but his performance is certainly deserving of the ASG. His OPS, even after having cooled down in June, is still a good 40 points higher than his closest competitor in the outfield. Chris Taylor was a borderline case last year, and I was glad to see him make it. This season, his numbers are a bit off his 2022 marks, so I think probably he’s not going to make the squad as a reserve this year. Cody Bellinger, the 2019 MVP, made the top 10, but a lot of that has to be name recognition. Guy’s not an All Star right now.
Pitchers
Of course, no pitching vote totals to report. But with the best ERA in baseball, there are sure to be at least a couple of Dodgers on the roster. My vote is for Tony Gonsolin and his 1.58 ERA to make the roster for sure. Clayton Kershaw is less of a slam dunk, but he would be fun to watch take the mound at Dodger Stadium. Julio Urias, in his quiet unassuming way, is putting together another great season. He really does deserve recognition, even if his won-loss record isn’t as gaudy as it was last year. The guy’s 2.38 ERA is fifth in the league for crying out loud.
As far as the bullpen goes, I would have given some love to Daniel Hudson, but we know how that stands right now. The best case to be made for our active relievers is for Evan Phillips, who just keeps getting outs for this team. His 1.88 ERA over 28 innings is pretty damn impressive if you ask me.
Predictions…
We’re exactly three weeks away from the ASG. Here’s what I would guess: Trea starts at short. Mookie takes a long vacation to heal his ribs. Tony, Clayton, and Julio all make the team, but Sandy Alcantara gets the start. Clayton comes in in relief and gets an ovation like you’ve never seen.
