All-Star Aspirations: Five First-Time Candidates
SportingNews.com
May 11, 2011
One of the most popular lines at the All-Star Game is, "It's a dream come true." Understandably, that response usually comes from a first-time All-Star sharing a clubhouse with the likes of Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter (well, maybe not this year).
With two months remaining before the All-Stars convene in Phoenix, there are numerous candidates to make one of the 34-man rosters for the first time. The five best bets:
Max Scherzer, SP, Detroit Tigers
Since a brief stint in the minors last May, Scherzer has put together a year as impressive (17-7, 2.64 ERA) as nearly any starter this side of Roy Halladay. In eight starts this season, Scherzer is 6-0 (two wins over the New York Yankees), with a 3.20 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings. If he keeps this up, the former Diamondback could return to his old home. "In the second half, he was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and we think he can be even better," manager Jim Leyland says.
Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
He hasn't hit much lately, but that probably won't matter in the fans' voting. Everything from his first name to his power bat says All-Star. Posey became a fan-favorite last October when, as a rookie, he batted cleanup in the World Series. This should be the first of many trips to the midsummer classic.
Chris Perez, RP, Cleveland Indians
This season's most surprising team must be represented, and its closer is a prime All-Star candidate. Perez has the numbers (10 saves in 11 chances, 2.81 ERA) and the personality to liven up the festivities—or at least the interview room. Indians righthander Justin Masterson, on his way to a breakout season, is just as deserving. He takes a 5-0 record and 2.14 ERA into Thursday's start against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Billy Butler, 1B/DH, Kansas City Royals
Choosing from among Butler and teammates Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur isn't easy. Francoeur (.308-8-24) and Gordon (.300-3-23) have better numbers, but Butler (.285) has produced over a longer period of time and has emerged as the face of the franchise. With more than six weeks before rosters are finalized, there is plenty of time for Butler to polish his stats.
Starlin Castro, SS, Chicago Cubs
Someone from the Cubs has to make the team, so why not their 21-year-old phenom? Castro is destined for stardom, is hitting .306 and might be the team's best all-around player. Alfonso Soriano is tied for the major league lead with 11 homers, but defense also should be a consideration to make the All-Star team.
----
Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion
Copyright 2011 by SportingNews.com
