The MLB All-Star Game rosters are almost set, but both teams are missing one player each as the fans are in control for one final vote.
In the American League, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders and Astros outfielder George Springer are up for the honor.
Here's a closer breakdown of them and a look into which player deserves to stand alongside the rest of the AL's All-Stars this Tuesday at Petco Park in San Diego.
To view our picks for the NL, click here.
Ian Kinsler
Kinsler leads all AL second baseman with 71 runs this season -- which ranks third in the Junior Circuit. The Tigers star owns a .292/.352/.496 slash line this season and has 16 homers and 52 RBIs. Defensively, Kinsler has one error and is plus-3 in defensive runs saved, according to Fangraphs.
Evan Longoria
Longoria owns a .283/.333/.520 slash line thus far this season and has 18 homers and 45 RBIs. Defensively, the Rays third baseman has five errors and is a minus-3 in defensive runs saved.
Dustin Pedroia
Pedroia is third among AL second baseman with 103 hits and has a .305/.369/.441 slash line up to this point with eight homers and 35 RBIs. The Red Sox second baseman has committed four errors and is a plus-7 in defensive runs saved. With All-Star starter David Ortiz retiring, Pedroia has extra motivation to get voted in.
Michael Saunders
Saunders leads all AL left fielders in batting average (.296), on-base percentage (.369), slugging percentage (.557), OPS (.926), hits (86) and doubles (24). The Blue Jays outfielder also has 16 homers and 40 RBIs, while he has some defensive shortcomings with three errors and ranks as a minus-7 in DRS.
George Springer
Springer ranks in the top five among AL right fielders in many categories, including homers (19, tied 2nd), RBI (51, 4th), on-base percentage (.362, 1st) and OPS (.840, 5th), among others. Defensively, Springer has just one error and is a plus-9 in DRS.
|
Stat |
Ian Kinsler |
Evan Longoria |
Dustin Pedroia |
Michael Saunders |
George Springer |
|
Slash line |
.292/.352/.496 |
.283/.333/.520 |
.305/.369/.441 |
.296/.369/.557 |
.265/.362/.478 |
|
Home Runs |
16 |
18 |
8 |
16 |
19 |
|
RBIs |
52 |
45 |
35 |
40 |
51 |
|
Errors |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
DRS |
Plus-3 |
Minus-3 |
Plus-7 |
Minus-7 |
Plus-9 |
Verdict: This is a tough one given all five of these guys have an argument for the nod. Springer has great numbers and solid defense and Saunders leads his position in many categories, but given the nature of the game being fun, it's only fitting for Pedroia to get the nod for one more Midsummer Classic alongside Ortiz.
