Double G Sports NL All Star Picks

Baseball Bloggers Alliance has decided that each member can place votes for the starting All-Star teams of both the American League and National League. All the votes will be counted and the BBA All-Star Teams will then be announced.

Below are my National League picks. To see my American League picks, click here.

C – Ivan Rodriguez – Washington Nationals

Yes I am aware I may get ripped for giving I-Rod the start. Miguel Olivo, Rod Barajas, and Ryan Doumit could be considered as well but I am going with Rodriguez. The veteran catcher has helped a young and talented Nationals rotation. Base runners still do not challenge Pudge that often. Pudge is batting .323 with a home run and 21 runs batted in. The one home run shows his power numbers are down but he does have 12 doubles and a triple. His career is clearly winding down, so what better way to celebrate it than a All-Star start.

1B – Albert Pujols – St. Louis Cardinals

The National League first base position is absolutely stacked. There are a bunch deserving of the start. Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Troy Glaus, Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn are all having excellent seasons. Since it is so close, I am giving Pujols the nod. He is as consistent as they come. Pujols is batting .306 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI’s. He also has 15 doubles and six stolen bases while striking out just 37 times.

2B – Martin Prado – Atlanta Braves

Possibly the biggest surprise in the National League this season. Prado leads the National League in hits and is second in batting average. He is hitting an NL leading .339 with 21 doubles, six home runs, and 30 runs batted in. Prado has helped the Braves move to the top of the National League East standings. Prado edged out Brandon Phillips for the starting spot on my NL team.

SS – Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies

Edgar Renteria was on pace for an All-Star start before going down with an injury. Hanley Ramirez also got strong consideration from me before I eventually settled with Tulowitzki. The Rockies shortstop is batting .306 with 17 doubles, one triple, and nine home runs. He has also driven in 34 runs and stole seven bases.

3B – David Wright – New York Mets

Similar to first base, the National League third base spot could have gone to a few guys. Scott Rolen, Ryan Zimmerman, and Placido Polanco were all considered. I am going with Wright however. The Mets star had a rough start but has picked it up in a big way. He is currently hitting .283 with 18 doubles, one triple, and 12 home runs. He is second in the NL with 53 RBI’s. Wright is a big reason the Mets are one of basballs hottest teams at the moment.

OF – Andre Ethier (Dodgers), Ryan Braun (Brewers), Marlon Byrd (Cubs)

Despite missing some time with injury, Ethier was a must for a starting spot due to his crazy numbers. He is batting .318. In 201 at bats, Ethier has 17 doubles and 12 home runs while driving in 43 runners. His slugging percentage sits at .582 while getting on base at a .382 clip.

Ryan Braun is an All-Star without question. He is batting .304 with 20 doubles and 10 home runs. Braun has 45 RBI’s for the struggling Brewers. He is also 11-for-12 in stolen base attempts. It’s almost strange thinking Braun is still one of the young stars in baseball. It feels like he has been around for a long time.

Marlon Byrd is having a tremendous season for the Chicago Cubs. He is second in the NL in batting at .320 while connecting for nine home runs and 34 RBI’s. He also leads the league with 24 doubles already. Byrd has played well in the outfield as well, making just one error.

SP – Ubaldo Jimenez – Colorado Rockies

Seriously, if anyone picks anyone other than Jimenez, they have not been watching baseball this season. The Rockies ace has been as unhittable as anyone in baseball this year. Jimenez has a no hitter this season. He has pitched 14 games and given up a total of 13 runs in route to his 13-1 record and 1.15 ERA. Opponents are batting just .189 against Jimenez this season. There is no way anyone else should start the All-Star game!

Don’t forget to check out my American League picks as well.