Double G Sports National League All-Star Picks

The staff at Double G Sports was polled in order to come up with our MLB All-Star picks. Each member was asked to choose their starter at each position, including the starting pitcher.

In our National League votes, the only players to appear on every single ballot were New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay.

Here are your Double G Sports 2011 National League All-Star Picks (stats as of June23, 2011):

Catcher

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves:  (.305, 13 HR, 43 RBI)

An arguement could be made for a couple catcher in the National League this season, however McCann’s numbers stand out above the rest. His 13 home runs and 43 RBI’s are easily the highest at the position. McCann is an offensive threat as well as a good defender and handles the Atlanta pitching staff very well.  Others receiving votes:  Miguel Montero, Yadier Molina.

First Base

Votto beat out Prince Fielder for our vote at first base for the National League

Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds:

(.318, 9 HR, 43 RBI)

First base is a loaded position in the National League. One coule make a case for as many as six first baseman to get the start, however it came down to a two horse race for us. Votto gets the nod over Prince Fielder despite having lower numbers in most categories. While his power numbers are down a bit so far, Votto remains a dangerous hitter in the middle of the Reds lineup and is once again having a productive year. Others receiving votes: Prince Fielder.

Second Base

Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers: (.287, 14 HR, 32 RBI)

Weeks has done it all for the first place Brewers this season. He has hit for average, provided power, and used his speed to jump start the lineup. Along with his 14 home runs, Weeks has 19 doubles, two triples, and stolen seven bases in nine attempts. The only major downfall to Weeks game this year is that he has already struck out 71 times. At a fairly weak position in the National League, Weeks stands out.  Others receiving votes:  Justin Turner, Freddy Sanchez, Neil Walker.

Third Base

Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies: (.292, 4 HR, 39 RBI)

Another position that is not very deep. Polanco quietly produces from anywhere in the lineup. He plays solid defense and is as consistent as they come. His 39 runs batted in trail only Atlanta’s Chipper Jones amongst NL third baseman. Polanco is one of the guys that jump starts baseball’s best team.  Others receiving votes: Chipper Jones.

Shortstop

Jose Reyes is having an MVP-caliber season for the New York Mets

Jose Reyes, New York Mets: (.335, 3 HR, 29 RBI)

Reyes was one of our unanimous selections. The Mets shortstop is having an MVP-caliber season so far, leading the National League in batting average. He is hitting triples at a record base, already running out 13 three bagers. He is 26-of-31 stolen base attempts. Reyes is the motor that keeps the Mets offense moving. While Troy Tulowitzki certainly deserves a spot, it’s Reyes that stands up and gets our vote.

Outfield

If there is any position that is loaded with All-Stars, it’s the National League outfield. There is easily at least 11 or 12 players that should be in the discussion for a starting spot. Here are our picks:

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers: (.328, 20 HR, 58 RBI)

Speaking of MVP-caliber seasons, Kemp is having a monster year for the Dodgers. He is second in the NL in batting average and tied for first in home runs with Prince Fielder. The centerfielder has also knocked 15 doubles, walked 42 times, and 21 stolen bases in 24 attempts. In a lineup that has been inconsistent, Kemp has kept them afloat. He is an absolute must start for the NL.

Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals: (.307, 17 HR, 51 RBI)

Berkman is in line to be the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Always known as a power threat, Berkman has shown the ability to hit for high average this season. After a determined offseason, Berkman got off to a very hot start. He has since slowed down a bit, but still deserves the All-Star nod. Aside from Albert Pujols, the Cardinals had been looking for an offensive threat and Berkman is just that.

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers: (.309, 15 HR, 54 RBI)

Braun is another outfielder that has done it all. In addition to his 15 home runs, he has 16 doubles, three triples, and has stolen 16 bases. His 54 RBI’s are good for fourth in the entire National League. Braun has teamed with Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks to give the Brewers a very dangerous three-headed monster.

Others receiving votes: Jay Bruce, Hunter Pence, Andrew McCutchen, Justin Upton, Kosuke Fukudome, Raul Ibanez.

Starting Pitcher

Halladay would start on the mound for the NL if Double G Sports was picking the team.

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies: (9-3, 2.51 ERA)

When determining who should start for the National League on the mound, there are a handfull of players that must be in the conversation. Halladay, however, stands out from the rest. His nine wins are tied for the most in the NL with teammate Cole Hamels. Halladay has pitched the most innings and has the most strikeouts among NL pitchers. He has four complete games. Halladay has been as dominant as you can find, holding opponents to a .268 average while striking out 119 and walking just 16 in 118.1 innings.

Check out our American League All-Star Picks here.