Red Sox lack support in first batch of MLB All-Star Game voting results
The early ballot results for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game have been released and it’s not looking promising for Boston Red Sox players.
Last year the Boston Red Sox sent six players to the All-Star Game, including four who were voted in by the fans as starters. This year they may struggle to receive enough support to earn a starting spot for any of their position players.
Major League Baseball has released the first balloting update for the 2017 All-Star Game, the results of which have not been kind to Boston.
Outfielder Mookie Betts is the only Red Sox player who the fans would vote in as a starter based on the early ballot returns. If these results hold it will be the second All-Star nod of his career, following his inclusion as a starter last year.
While Betts is in position to earn a starting spot, he’s a distant third at his position and has Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley nipping at his heels. It’s no surprise that Cleveland fans have come out in full force in support of their team after the Indians made a run to the World Series last year, so it will take a significant push from Red Sox Nation to keep Betts in the top three.
Outside of Betts, do any other Red Sox position players have a shot at being voted in as a starter? Not based on the initial ballot results.
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Andrew Benintendi isn’t far behind in fifth place among outfielders, although it’s highly unlikely he surpasses his teammate Betts. He’s having a solid first season, despite a recent slump, yet hasn’t even been the best rookie outfielder in the league – that would be New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who sits in second on the ballot at his position.
Don’t expect both Betts and Benny to pass Judge, while even a lengthy stint on the disabled list won’t knock Mike Trout from the top three.
The only other Red Sox player to even appear on the ballot is Xander Bogaerts, who sits in third place in a loaded crop of shortstops. It appears Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor may run away with the fan vote, while Houston’s Carlos Correa is arguably even more deserving. Bogaerts is still having an All-Star caliber season and should still make the team as a reserve as long as the AL squad can squeeze in three shortstops.
If we’re being unbiased, we’d be hard pressed to find another Red Sox player worthy of a starting spot. However, it’s a bit surprising that a team with a passionate fan base hasn’t provided enough support for more of their players to at least make the ballot.
First base isn’t exactly loaded in the AL this year. How is Mitch Moreland, who is second in the league in doubles and provides Gold Glove caliber defense, not in the top five? Miguel Cabrera is having the worst season of his career but will still likely get voted in based on name recognition.
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One veteran who hasn’t benefited from name value is Dustin Pedroia, who isn’t in the top five among second baseman. Statistically, he’s right on the verge, especially when factoring in his elite defense – not that All-Star voters ever consider defense.
Christian Vazquez has the highest batting average and second highest OPS among AL catchers with at least 80 at-bats. Based on that you may expect him to at least be on the ballot, yet he faces two obstacles – nobody believes he’ll keep this up at the plate and he doesn’t have nearly enough playing time. Backup catchers don’t get to be All-Stars.
Third base… umm, let’s just skip this one.
By no means is Hanley Ramirez having an All-Star caliber season. He won’t be the starting designated hitter and doesn’t deserve to be. All I’m saying is that he’s been better than Edwin Encarnacion and Albert Pujols.
The Red Sox probably don’t deserve to have a position player start in the All-Star Game outside of Betts, yet the drop in support from a year ago when they had four representatives in the starting lineup is staggering. Why aren’t they getting any love this year?
The obvious missing piece is the retired David Ortiz, so we knew that one of the starters from last year wouldn’t be back. The All-Star festivities will miss Big Papi almost as much as fans in Boston do.
Jackie Bradley, who started alongside Betts last year, has put up brutal numbers at the plate this season. Last year he rode a 29-game hitting streak in the first half to reach the break with a .294 batting average. At the moment he’s struggling to stay above the Mendoza Line.
Bogaerts has the misfortune of battling two other rising stars at his position. He could head into the break leading the batting title race and still not be the most worthy option at his position.
While the starting lineup may not be littered with Red Sox players, the manager and coaches who select the reserves may be kinder to them than the fans have been. Bogaerts will certainly be considered for a spot, while Moreland, Pedroia and Ramirez may warrant consideration if they heat up in June.
The pitching staff will also be represented, with Chris Sale potentially being considered as the starter. Closer Craig Kimbrel seems to be a lock to make the team for the second straight season. Eduardo Rodriguez could even be a long-shot candidate to reward his breakout season.
Next: Infield depth tested without Pedroia
There is still nearly a month left to vote before the June 29 deadline, so there’s plenty of time for Red Sox Nation to rally support for their favorite players. Head over to MLB.com to vote now!