2016 MLB All-Star picks loaded with Red Sox
By Sean Penney
A rundown of my selections for the 2016 MLB All-Star game, which of course includes several members of the Boston Red Sox.
We are one month away from the 2016 MLB All-Star Game in San Diego, where the biggest stars in baseball will gather to put on a glorified exhibition.
There is still time to cast your vote for the starting position players, but I’ve already made my selections for the American League roster, which I’d now like to share with all of you. Only I’m not going to stop with listing merely the starting position players – no, that would be too easy.
Here’s the plan. This isn’t a predictions column where I attempt to make selections based on the most recent fan ballot results. We’ve seen in the past that fans don’t always make the right selections, especially when a particular fan base floods the online ballots with the names of players from their favorite team (looking at you, Royals fans).
Listen, I get that this is supposed to be a game for the fans, so involving them in the selection process is a great way to keep them engaged. It makes sense from that perspective, but it’s not what I’m focusing on here. I’m only concerned with which players actually deserve to be there.
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I’m also ignoring the archaic rule that every team needs to be represented in the All-Star Game. Sorry, Twins fans, but when we are this deep into the season and your team only has 19 wins, you don’t get an All-Star.
Also, keep in mind that these selections are being made based on what we’ve seen entering the day on Sunday, June 12. Track records from previous seasons hold some significance, but the current season is weighted more heavily. In other words, players who have had great careers but are having terrible seasons aren’t making the list based on name recognition. There is also plenty of baseball left to be played before the All-Star break, so with tight races at some positions, opinions can change between now and then.
So there is a little insight into how I’m making my selections for the starters, reserves and pitchers. Sure, I may show a slight bit of favoritism for Red Sox players. Hey, I can’t help it, I’m a fan too! Luckily this year Boston has many deserving candidates, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
So without further adieu, here are my picks for this year’s American League All-Star team.
Next: Infield