2012 MLB All-Star Game: Projected National League Starting Lineup: It’s hard to believe, but the 2012 MLB All-Star game is just a couple of weeks away. The 83rd installment of the event will be held in Kansas City on July 10 with the winning team securing home-field advantage in the World Series for its respective league. Starting lineups for both sides are determined by a fan vote, and while it is understandable that MLB lets its paying customers have a say, this process rarely leads to the best players being selected. In fact, it often becomes a popularity contest. With that in mind, here is a look at what the National League starting lineup would look like if the players were chosen based on their statistics and production in 2012.
2012 MLB All-Star Game: Projected National League Starting Lineup
First Baseman: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Votto leads all National League first basemen in runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, walks, RBIs, batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. In fact, he leads the majors in several of those categories, as well. He is the most-efficient hitter in baseball and certainly the best first baseman in the NL.
Second Baseman: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
He has been a table setter for Houston all season, and he leads all NL second basemen in runs scored, hits, stolen bases and batting average. Currently, he is the only player at the position in the National League hitting over .300.
Shortstop: Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
There haven’t been a lot of bright spots for the Cubs, but Castro leads all NL shortstops with 91 hits and a .301 batting average. He also ranks second in RBIs and steals at the position, showcasing a nice combination of power and speed.
Third Baseman: David Wright, New York Mets
Wright leads all National League third basemen in runs, hits and doubles. More importantly, he has the top batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS for any player at the position. In fact, Wright leads the entire NL with a .358 batting average.
Outfielder: Carlos Beltran, St. Louis Cardinals
The veteran has experienced a rebirth in St. Louis. In addition to his solid .313 average, Beltran leads the National League with 20 home runs and 57 RBIs. For a Cardinals team that has been devastated by injuries, Beltran has carried the load.
Outfielder: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Even with the steroid cloud hanging over him and the loss of Prince Fielder in the lineup, Braun has continued to produce. He is tied for the National League lead with 20 home runs, and he is fourth in RBIs. He is hitting comfortably over .300 and has added 13 steals, as well. To top it off, Braun leads all NL outfielders in slugging percentage at OPS.
Outfielder: Melky Cabrera, San Francisco Giants
Amazingly, Cabrera has flown under the radar in San Francisco despite leading all of baseball with 104 hits. He is also tied for third in the majors with 51 runs scored. Hitting at the top of the lineup curbs his power numbers, but Cabrera’s .351 batting average is fourth in baseball and the best among NL outfielders.
Designated Hitter: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
Playing in an American League stadium frees up a starting spot for McCutchen. He has hit 14 home runs and driven in 46 runs, and he has also stolen 14 bases. He also owns the second-best batting average and on base percentage among National League outfielders. Colorado outfielder Carlos Gonzalez would be another worthy selection for this spot, but McCutctchen has amassed his numbers with much less around him in the Pittsburgh lineup.
Catcher: Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies
His .354 average is the third best in the majors and by far the best among National League catchers. He also leads all catchers in doubles, on base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. Ruiz has blossomed as an offensive weapon at catcher this season, and he has nine home runs and 39 RBIs to go along with his superb average.
Starting Pitcher: R.A. Dickey, New York Mets
It is disturbing how identical the stats of Dickey and San Francisco ace Matt Cain are this season. Both pitchers even have signature moments with Dickey hurling back-to-back one-hit shutouts and Cain throwing a perfect game. It is basically a coin flip pick, but since Dickey has an 11-1 record compared to Cain’s 9-2 mark, the New York knuckleballer gets the nod.
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