Ross Parcel
June 24, 2012
Mr. Fantasy Freak
National League's "Best Bet" All Stars
National League East
Atlanta:
Craig Kimbrel, RP: With Brandon Beachy hurt, and Chipper Jones coming back from injury, Kimbrel seems to be the best fit. His 1.33 ERA is sparkling, to go along with 44 strikeouts in 27 IP. He just turned 24 years old and is pitching like a seasoned veteran. I also think Michael Bourn will make the team, with Martin Prado also getting a look.
Miami:
Giancarlo Stanton, OF: Alex Wiesner will love this pick. I just think this kid is incredible. He continues to get better, finally hitting for a good average (.277). Well, good for him. I think a .285 average will be his ceiling in his career. His 34 extra base hits, including 16 home runs, play well for the young outfielder. This new park is a blessing for him because it STILL can't hold him, and yet his doubles will sky rocket. I would also give Buerhle a look with a sparkling ERA.
New York:
R.A. Dickey, SP: Ladies and gentlemen, meet our 2012 Nationl League All Star Game starter. He doesn't throw a hundo, but he is the best pitcher in the game right now. His knuckleball is dancing, just like him, on the way to a Cy Young award. 11-1, 2.00 ERA is great. He frustrates hitters to the tune of 103 punchouts, and a .194 BAA. David Wright will probably also start the Mid-Summer Classic. Dickey makes his first ASG at the age of 37.
Philidelphia:
Carlos Ruiz, C: This was close. I think if it weren't for Dickey, Cole Hamels would be the starter for the NL. He'll definitely be in KC, though. Ruiz has had a great season so far. For a catcher to hit .351 is remarkable. Add in 39 RBI's, and you've got your National League starter behind the dish.
Washington:
Stephen Strasburg, SP: The only pitcher in this division better than Gio Gonzalez this season, behind R.A. Dickey, has been Stephen Strasburg. 110 K's in 84 IP hurts so good. This time last year he was out with Tommy John. Now he's back to being dominate. I don't like Bryce Harper's season enough to put him in here. He'll be to many All Star Games. Ian Desmond is becoming a very good hitter, to go along with improved defense. But for right now, Strasburg is the guy.
National League Central
Chicago:
Starlin Castro, SS: If Ryan Dempster was healthy, I might go with him. But Starlin Castro is making a strong push to be the best shortstop in the game....at 22 years old. He is always going to hit for a great average, and me and Alex both agree his power will come soon enough. His 91 hits are what sets him apart from other shortstops. I like Castro to make the team and make more teams in the future. Think of the young double play duo that could be with Castro an my next pick.
Houston:
Jose Altuve, 2B: Like Castro, this young star-in-the-making can hit with the best of them. 27 exra base hits an 12 stolen bases are a great combination. Wandy Rodriquez also deserves a look for manager Tony LaRussa. Jed Lowrie might get a few votes for his power surge, but look for Altuve to rock the 'Stros gear on July 10.
Cincinatti: Joey Votto, 1B: This Reds team is GOOD. So many different option here, but I'm going with my preseason NL MVP pick, Joey Votto. He started off a little slow, but is currently hitting .359 going into Sunday. His 14 home runs and 47 RBI's are also a pleasant surprise for those who remember his struggles early in the season. What I love the most is the 30 doubles. In a ballpark where home runs can make or break you, Votto is squaring balls up so well. I think it is safe to say that Votto is the most complete offensive first baseman in the game. Milwaukee: Ryan Braun, OF: Is there anyone hotter than this guy? Braun leads the NL in home run with 20, and is 3rd in the senior curcuit with 52 RBI's. After all the steriod controversy this offseason, it would make sense for Braun to be distracted and not play well. After his horrendous spring training showing, I thought maybe he would have an off year. But it is clear to see that he is focused and still argueably the best player in the game. Look for Greinke to also get in. |  Votto is far and away the best first baseman in the NL |
Pittsburgh:
Andrew McCutchen, OF: I always liked this guy when he came up a few years back. He was an instant spark plug for a Pirates team that could use any sort of spark. The Pirates have a good core of players at the Major League level, with others on the way. This guy is the main piece of that core. I never thought he'd be this good, though. 13 home runs at a defensive position is great production. He also has 45 RBI's and 14 stolen bases. He's only 26. He might someday match the production of Matt Kemp.
St. Louis:
Carlos Beltran, OF: This guy has been on a tear this year. When he went to San Fransisco last season at the deadline, we really didn't see the production we have been accustomed to seeing from Beltran. I thought maybe he was done with huge numbers, and many thought his defense was also on the downturn. But he has proven me, and many others, wrong this season as his bat has been so valueable to a Cardinals team that lost argueably the best first baseman of all time. He has 20 home runs and 56 RBI's already.
National League West
Arizona:
Wade Miley, SP: Now I'm not a guy who loves to put a rookie in the ASG. I don't even like it. But the way Miley has pitched this season, he is very deserving. He has an 8-3 record, with a 2.30 ERA so far. The 24-year-old doesn't strike out too many (57 in 82.1 IP), but he is very pitch efficeint and that has proven to be successful. Jason Kubel also gets consideration with a .300 AVG, but I give the nod to Miley here.
Andrew McCutchen, OF: I always liked this guy when he came up a few years back. He was an instant spark plug for a Pirates team that could use any sort of spark. The Pirates have a good core of players at the Major League level, with others on the way. This guy is the main piece of that core. I never thought he'd be this good, though. 13 home runs at a defensive position is great production. He also has 45 RBI's and 14 stolen bases. He's only 26. He might someday match the production of Matt Kemp.
St. Louis:
Carlos Beltran, OF: This guy has been on a tear this year. When he went to San Fransisco last season at the deadline, we really didn't see the production we have been accustomed to seeing from Beltran. I thought maybe he was done with huge numbers, and many thought his defense was also on the downturn. But he has proven me, and many others, wrong this season as his bat has been so valueable to a Cardinals team that lost argueably the best first baseman of all time. He has 20 home runs and 56 RBI's already.
National League West
Arizona:
Wade Miley, SP: Now I'm not a guy who loves to put a rookie in the ASG. I don't even like it. But the way Miley has pitched this season, he is very deserving. He has an 8-3 record, with a 2.30 ERA so far. The 24-year-old doesn't strike out too many (57 in 82.1 IP), but he is very pitch efficeint and that has proven to be successful. Jason Kubel also gets consideration with a .300 AVG, but I give the nod to Miley here.
Colorado: Carlos Gonzalez, OF: It was either Gonzalez or Jamie Moyer. Oh, too soon? Gonzalez has set the world on fire the last 3 seasons, and this season is no different. His .330 average paces the Rockies lineup. The 17 home runs and 51 RBI's are just the proof that this guy is the real deal. He has been injured a little bit this year, but when healthy, he is right up on top of the National League's elite outfield list with Ryan Braun and Carlos Beltran. I just don't see any other representative this year, however, on pure stats alone. |  Cargo is well on his way to a 30 home run season |
Los Angeles:
Andre Eithier, OF: Obviously, Matt Kemp will get on the team by just his name. And Clayton Kershaw will represent the impressive pitching staff the Dodgers have. But the most productive player this season for LA is Andre Eithier. The 10 home runs are solid, but the 55 RBI's are spectacular. A couple of years ago, the world took notice with all of Eithier's walk off home runs. He went back into the dark for a year or two, but is now back an on top of his game.
San Diego:
Chase Headley, 3B: Boy, is this team struggling to hit or what? A lot of young and promising pieces in San Diego, but for now Headley will have to do. Chase has shown lots of potential, an started off this season strong. But now he has fallen back down to earth. He leads the team in hits, home runs, and RBI's. He'll be in Kansas City representing the Friars.
San Fransisco:
Melky Cabrera, OF: I could have just as easily gone with horse Matt Cain or Madison Baumgarner. I also could have chose catcher Buster Posey or closer Santiago Casilla. I chose Melky because he leads the world in hits with 102. He is batting a crazy .355 and also has chipped in with 10 stolen bases. Maybe a late bloomer? He is no longer a one-hit wonder. This guy is for real, and what a better way to award him, and get Royals fans all riled up (thanks for nothing, Jonathon Sanchez), than to let him represent the Giants, along with others, at the same stadium he had his best season?
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