All-Star Game StarterR.A. Dickey New York Mets
10-1 2.20 ERA Opponents batting .208 against
If you had asked me to pick the all-star starter before the season, there is no way that R.A. Dickey would even be thought about by me. He is certainly in the mix though. 10 wins at this point in the season is amazing and this knuckle ball pitcher has been very good.
Other Starters in order, just to eliminate confusion
Matt Cain San Francisco Giants
8-2 2.18 ERA Opponents batting .192 against
Fresh off of his perfect game, it is hard not to pick Cain. He could very easily get the start and already has 2 complete game shutouts to his credit this season. Cain is a no-brainer.
Gio Gonzalez Washington Nationals
8-2 2.35 ERA Opponents batting .168 against
Gonzalez is the 2nd most popular starter in Washington, but this year he has been the best to date. Opponents are rarely even able to put the ball in play against Gio. With Gio and the other guy who will be mentioned in a second, the Nats have a devastating 1-2 punch.
Stephen Strasburg Washington Nationals
8-1 2.45 ERA Opponents batting .216 against 100 K
I said Gonzalez has been better, but it hasn't been by much. Any of the top 4 could easily end up the starter. If it is truly about the fans, it will be Strasburg because he is by far the most popular. Simply overpowers the majority of hitters.
Brandon Beachy Atlanta Braves5-4 1.98 ERA Opponents batting .178 against
I said my boy Kershaw was in my top 5, but I will admit I forgot about Beachy. The guy gets no press, but he has been amazing. An ERA under 2 is unheard of. Another guy that could easily end up starting. Hard to argue with him if he gets that spot either. If his record were better, he'd probably be a lock.
Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
5-3 2.65 ERA Opponents batting .213 against
Despite his record compared to the next guy on this list, Kerhsaw has been the better pitcher. The reigning Cy Young isn't as dominant as last year, but he is still pretty dang good. If I could have any pitcher in baseball, it would be this guy.
Chris Capuano Los Angeles Dodgers
8-2 2.87 ERA Opponents batting .216 against
Capuano isn't a guy most would have picked before this season, but he deserves to be here. The Dodgers are a great team and the pitching is a key part of that. Opponents are struggling against Capuano.
Lance Lynn St. Louis Cardinals
10-2 2.42 ERA Opponents batting .209 against
Lynn could easily be higher on the list. He certainly deserves a spot on this team and has been terrific though. I put him this low because I think the other pitchers have better stuff, but Lynn has been very good. Every starter deserves it a great deal.
All Star Relievers
Craig Kimbrel Atlanta Braves
18/19 saves 1.50 ERA Opponents batting .131 against
Kimbrel has been a money closer for the Braves. No closer deserves it more.
Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
17/17 saves 2.10 ERA Opponents batting .202
I can't stand Papelbon. Normally I wouldn't pick him, but it is hard to argue with results. 17/17 is a perfect mark for a closer.
Santiago Casilla San Fransico Giants
17/18 saves 1.42 ERA Opponents batting .200
Another lights out closer. The journeyman looks like he is finally going to stick in the bigs.
Joel Hanrahan Pittsburgh Pirates
17/19 saves 2.52 ERA Opponents batting .159 3-0
Hanrahan has been a good closer and is 3-0 as well. Additionally, opponents can't get hits off of him.
Aroldis Chapman Cincinatti Reds
7/9 saves 1.13 ERA Opponents batting .110 4-2
Chapman is an exciting flame thrower for the Reds. He can throw in the 100s. Opponents can't put the ball in play against the Reds set-up guy. Look at the ERA and opponents batting average.
These guys all deserve it.
-Noland
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