2013 MLB All-Star Game Picks and Predictions: Who Should Start for the National League?: The 2013 MLB All-Star Game is fast approaching, and since the starters that will be announced in a couple of weeks will have been chosen by the fans, not all the players that deserve to be starting the game based on their accomplishments on the field will earn the starting nod. Let’s face it. There are kids and probably even adults in stadiums around the country punching ballots for their favorite players, even if those players are flirting with the Mendoza line and haven’t had a hit in weeks. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the players that should be starting for the National League in the 2013 All-Star Game based purely on the numbers.
Starting Pitcher: Matt Harvey, New York Mets
Harvey has been nothing short of incredible for the Mets this season. He currently leads all NL starters in ERA (2.05), WHIP (0.88), batting average (.188) against and strikeouts (121). Meanwhile, his most impressive accomplishment might be that he has managed to post a 7-1 record for a terrible New York team.
Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Defending NL MVP Buster Posey is having another strong year, but Molina has been even better for a St. Louis team with the best record in baseball. He currently leads the league with a .357 average, and he leads all catchers in runs, doubles, hits, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. Meanwhile, Molina’s 44 RBIs are the second most of any catcher in the NL.
First Baseman: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
He is living up to expectations quicker than expected, and Goldschmidt currently leads the National League with 67 RBIs. Meanwhile, he leads all first basemen with 19 homers and a .957 OPS and ranks second at the position with 52 runs scored and third with a .310 batting average. He has been a one-man wrecking crew at the plate this year.
Second Baseman: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
His average has plummeted recently to .265, but Phillips has been a productive hitter all season long for Cincinnati. In fact, his 60 RBIs are nearly double the amount of any other second basemen in the National League. Not to mention the fact that his 11 homer and 41 runs scored are second among any player at the position
Third Baseman: Matt Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
You can flip a coin to decide between David Wright and the Cardinals’ do-it-all leadoff man, but Carpenter gets the nod in my book. After all, he currently leads all NL third basemen in runs, hits, doubles, batting average and OPS. In fact, his 58 runs scored are the second most in the entire national league.
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
I know that he is hurt and wouldn’t be able to play, but based on the numbers, Tulowitzki should be starting. Keep in mind that he has already missed a few weeks but still leads all NL shortstops in homers and RBIs. He also leads all players at the position in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage while his 1.048 OPS is the best in the entire league. As for the injury, Milwaukee’s Jean Segura would be the next in line.
Outfielder: Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals
Craig actually plays multiple positions for St. Louis, but he drives in runs no matter where he is plugged in. His 62 RBIs are the most among NL outfielders and the second most of any player. Meanwhile, his .320 batting average ranks second among outfielders, and that mark rises to a ridiculous .455 with runners in scoring position.
Outfielder: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
He has been healthy thus far, and Gonzalez has reminded the league of just how great he can be. He currently leads the National League with 21 homers, and his 62 runs scored are the most in baseball. His 46 extra base hits, .301 batting average and .982 OPS also stack up nicely, and his 14 steals in 15 attempts have him cruising to a 30-30 season.
Outfielder: Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies
After failing to live up to the hype in a couple of different stints at the major league level, Brown has figured things out in a big way in 2013. He currently ranks second among NL outfielders with 20 home runs, and his 54 RBIs are the fourth most of any player at the position.
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