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markakis8
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My Annual Prediction of the All-Star rosters UPDATED
FIRST LIST WERE MY FIRST PREDICTIONS. SECOND LIST ARE MY CURRENT PREDICTIONS. I included who I think will win Final Man Vote this time around.
No one usually cares about this. I do it for my own fun to see how close I am. I'm usually get around 60% of the players correct. The best I've ever done was in 2009, I got close to 80% of the rosters correct.
I usually like to make my predictions around this point into the season to make it a bit challenging. Several factors could completely derail my predictions - injuries, hot OR cold streak, fan voting, manager's bias, etc.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong here: I think the rosters have 34 players each and regardless of where the game is played now, both teams will use the DH. While I'm not trying to predict the actual starters of the game, I have to take that into consideration of who will make the roster so I lay the starters out first for each team.
Just a couple notes so everyone that sees their favorite player not on my prediction sheet: I'm factoring in all variables that could happen up until July and if I think a player who is hitting .333 will cool off and be hitting .277 by the All-Star break, I won't pick him. So don't get too upset if a guy on your team doesn't make my list and he's playing really well right now.
It's all for fun anyway. I'll try to give an explanation for my selections if I feel one is needed. If you want to know why I chose X over Y, just ask.
NEN = No explanation needed.
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Joe Mauer - hard to say who will win the vote here. But Mauer is probably the most popular catcher so I'll go with him.
1B - Paul Konerko - I really think he wins the vote over Gonzo, Pujols, Prince, Teixeira, etc.
2B - Robinson Cano - I think either Pedrioa, Cano, or Kinsler could win the vote and it wouldn't surprise me, but I'll go with Cano.
3B - Miguel Cabrera - I think he'll win this vote easy, even over ARod and Longoria
SS - Derek Jeter - will have the highest vote total
OF - Josh Hamilton - NEN
OF - Adam Jones - He has extended himself from above average OF to one of the elite OFer's and I think the fans will reward him for it.
OF - Ichiro Suzuki - I think he'll win the third vote this year. He's popular and there really isn't much else going on in the AL OF.
DH - David Ortiz - NEN
SP - Justin Verlander - NEN
RESERVES:
C - Matt Wieters -he's really struggled offensively as of late but I do believe with his defense and he will pick it up, he'll make it. Hey, Varitek made the team hitting .220ish one year.
C - A.J. Pierzynski - I think 2 backup catchers is the thing now and I think A.J. will be the third.
1B - Prince Fielder - he'll have the best numbers of all the remaining 1B and he's a star, he'll go.
1B - Michael Young - Wash will take him and he's a utility, I'll put him at 1B for now.
2B - Ian Kinsler - Wash will take him if he doesn't get the fan vote.
2B - Dustin Pedroia - I think he'll be the extra middle infielder and the Red Sox won't have many reps.
SS - Asdrubal Cabrera - Thought about Hardy but I think he will have better numbers for the backup
3B - Adrian Beltre - NEN
3B - Mike Moustakas - Royals rep
OF - Matt Joyce - Will have OPS over .900 at AS break
OF - Josh Reddick - Athletics rep
OF - Jose Bautista - He's heating up and I think he'll have enough HR by the AS break to get in.
OF - Curtis Granderson - I think he'll have close to 20 HR by the AS break so he'll get in too.
SP - Jered Weaver - Calling it now - lone Angels rep
SP - David Price - Rays will be near 1st by the AS break, they will need more reps. Price will have the #'s.
SP - Yu Darvish - NEN
SP - C.C. Sabathia - ERA is a bit high but I think that will come down. He's so consistent it's hard to ignore him.
SP - Felix Hernandez - Will have the numbers and he deserves it.
SP - Jason Hammel - I REALLY didn't want to pick him b/c I don't think he will hold up. But every AS team needs a "surprise" and I couldn't think of any other SP to pick.
RP - Jim Johnson - NEN
RP - Fernando Rodney - NEN
RP - Joe Nathan - Wash will take him
RP - Chris Perez - I think he'll be up there in the saves leaders.
RP - Alfredo Aceves - this is just a hunch I have. He's been pitching really well since a poor start and he's the Red Sox closer.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Yadier Molina - He will be the most popular catcher this year
1B - Joey Votto - NEN
2B - Brandon Phillips - he'll win the vote
3B - David Wright - NEN
SS - Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo edges out Castro with the vote
OF - Matt Kemp - NEN
OF - Ryan Braun - NEN
OF - Andrew McCutchen - I think he gets the 3rd spot, just a feeling.
DH - Carlos Beltran - I think LaRussa will choose one of his own to DH and Beltran deserves it.
SP - Cole Hamels - he's motivated this year. He keeps it up and will get the nod.
C - Carlos Ruiz - NEN
C - Brian McCann - NEN
1B - Freddie Freeman - Almost chose LaHair but I think the Cubs will have one rep and it will be Castro. Freeman will pick it up.
2B - Omar Infante - hard to pick this one. NL 2B are weak this year and Infante is hitting .340 right now, so I'll go with him.
SS - Starlin Castro - Cubs rep
SS - Rafael Furcal - LaRussa will take him. Hot start + Cardinal = roster spot
3B - David Freese - LaRussa will reward him for WS performance (if you don't think that comes into play - HAH) and he will have decent numbers by the break
3B - Ryan Zimmerman - he'll pick it up and as great as the Nationals are playing, they'll need reps
OF - Giancarlo Stanton - NEN
OF - Melky Cabrera - great start, I think he's legit
OF - Carlos Gonzalez - star player and will have the numbers
OF - Justin Upton - will be Diamondbacks rep
SP - Lance Lynn - See Furcal explanation.
SP - Gio Gonzalez - He'll hold up for a nod.
SP - Stephen Strasburg - I think two of the Nats rotation make it
SP - Brandon Beachy - He's a stud, he'll be there.
SP - Clayton Kershaw - NEN
SP - Matt Cain - This is really tough. Cain has been awesome. But so has Johan Santana, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee, Kyle Lohse, Ryan Dempster, Chris Capuano, James McDonald, Wade Miley, Johnny Cueto, and Bud Norris. Gotta draw the line somewhere and Cain gets the nod.
RP - Jonathan Papelbon - NEN
RP - Craig Kimbrel - NEN
RP - Brett Myers - Astros rep
RP - Aroldis Chapman - sick numbers
RP - Huston Street - will come back and be the Padres rep.
Thoughts are welcome.
SECOND ROUND OF PREDICTIONS:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Mike Napoli - Ugh, looks like he's got this one wrapped up.
1B - Prince Fielder - Everyone doubted my Pauly pick up above but he's in second, 300,000 votes behind Prince.
2B - Robinson Cano - I'll stick with Cano, I think he squeaks this one out.
3B - Adrian Beltre - Do people not like Miggy? How Beltre is going to start is beyond me.
SS - Derek Jeter - NEN
OF - Josh Hamilton - NEN
OF - Jose Bautista - I REALLY hope Adam Jones gets a big push to take the 3rd spot but I think Bautista's recent home run parade will not let that happen.
OF - Curtis Granderson - It's really surprising to me that Ichiro will not be starting this All-Star game. His popularity has gone way down over the years. I thought he'd be a staple in the AS voting like Ripken was.
DH - David Ortiz - NEN
SP - Justin Verlander - I'm going to stick with my original pick of Verlander even though I personally would choose Sale. I think people are going to want to see an established big gun and who better to start than the reigning Cy Young/MVP?
RESERVES:
C - Matt Wieters - Almost chose Mauer here b/c of his average but I think the Twins are only going to have one rep and it's going to be Willingham.
C - A.J. Pierzynski - I think 2 backup catchers is the thing now and I think A.J. will be the third.
1B - Paul Konerko - NEN
2B - Jason Kipnis - he's having a great season!
2B - Ian Kinsler - Wash will take him if he doesn't get the fan vote.
SS - Asdrubal Cabrera - Thought about Hardy but I think he will have better numbers for the backup
3B - Miguel Cabrera - NEN
OF - Adam Jones - NEN
OF - Mark Trumbo - NEN
OF - Josh Reddick - Athletics rep
OF - Ichiro Suzuki - Mariners rep and that's sad!!
OF - Josh Willingham - Twins rep
OF - Mike Trout - WILL BE THE FINAL FAN VOTE WINNER
SP - Jered Weaver - Looks like he WONT be the only Angels rep. He'll have three teammates going along.
SP - David Price - Rays will be near 1st by the AS break, they will need more reps. Price will have the #'s.
SP - Yu Darvish - NEN
SP - Chris Sale - NEN
SP - C.J. Wilson - Great season he is having.
SP - Jason Hammel - Can't believe this one is sticking but it looks like it might.
RP - Jim Johnson - NEN
RP - Fernando Rodney - NEN
RP - Joe Nathan - 2 walks and 36 SO's. Not bad.
RP - Chris Perez - I think he'll be up there in the saves leaders.
RP - Jonathan Broxton - Royals rep
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Buster Posey - Was really hoping for Chooch here.
1B - Joey Votto - NEN
2B - Dan Uggla - Didn't realize he was this popular. He's not having a great season either.
3B - David Wright - NEN
SS - Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo edges out Furcal with the vote - I hope.
OF - Matt Kemp - NEN
OF - Ryan Braun - I think he'll retake the 3rd spot over Melky.
OF - Carlos Beltran - NEN
DH - Carlos Gonzalez - I think LaRussa would be wise to choose him and not a Cardinal.
SP - R.A. Dickey - NEN
C - Carlos Ruiz - NEN
C - Yadier Molina - NEN
1B - Bryan LaHair - will be Cubs rep!
2B - Aaron Hill - Diamondbacks rep and LaRussa LOVE B Phillips, right?
2B - Jose Altuve - Astros rep
SS - Rafael Furcal - LaRussa will take him. Hot start + Cardinal = roster spot
SS - Ian Desmond - Just a hunch. Could be Lowrie as the Astros rep.
3B - David Freese - LaRussa will reward him for WS performance (if you don't think that comes into play - HAH) and he will have decent numbers by the break
3B - Chipper Jones - Honorary All-Star a la Tony Gwynn?
OF - Giancarlo Stanton - NEN
OF - Melky Cabrera - NEN
OF - Michael Bourn - Braves will need a rep if Chipper doesn't get chosen, I could see it being him.
OF - Andrew McCutchen - NEN
OF - Bryce Harper - WILL WIN FINAL FAN VOTE!
SP - Lance Lynn - NEN
SP - Gio Gonzalez - NEN
SP - Stephen Strasburg - NEN
SP - Cole Hamels - NEN
SP - Clayton Kershaw - NEN
SP - Matt Cain - NEN
SP - Zack Greinke - With the great SP in the NL, I see an extra SP going. This spot could've easily gone to Miley, Capuano, McDonald (wow what a great year he's having), Bumgarner or Cueto.
RP - Jonathan Papelbon - NEN
RP - Craig Kimbrel - NEN
RP - Aroldis Chapman - sick numbers
RP - Santiago Casilla - great numbers
FIRST LIST WERE MY FIRST PREDICTIONS. SECOND LIST ARE MY CURRENT PREDICTIONS. I included who I think will win Final Man Vote this time around.
No one usually cares about this. I do it for my own fun to see how close I am. I'm usually get around 60% of the players correct. The best I've ever done was in 2009, I got close to 80% of the rosters correct.
I usually like to make my predictions around this point into the season to make it a bit challenging. Several factors could completely derail my predictions - injuries, hot OR cold streak, fan voting, manager's bias, etc.
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong here: I think the rosters have 34 players each and regardless of where the game is played now, both teams will use the DH. While I'm not trying to predict the actual starters of the game, I have to take that into consideration of who will make the roster so I lay the starters out first for each team.
Just a couple notes so everyone that sees their favorite player not on my prediction sheet: I'm factoring in all variables that could happen up until July and if I think a player who is hitting .333 will cool off and be hitting .277 by the All-Star break, I won't pick him. So don't get too upset if a guy on your team doesn't make my list and he's playing really well right now.
It's all for fun anyway. I'll try to give an explanation for my selections if I feel one is needed. If you want to know why I chose X over Y, just ask.
NEN = No explanation needed.
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Joe Mauer - hard to say who will win the vote here. But Mauer is probably the most popular catcher so I'll go with him.
1B - Paul Konerko - I really think he wins the vote over Gonzo, Pujols, Prince, Teixeira, etc.
2B - Robinson Cano - I think either Pedrioa, Cano, or Kinsler could win the vote and it wouldn't surprise me, but I'll go with Cano.
3B - Miguel Cabrera - I think he'll win this vote easy, even over ARod and Longoria
SS - Derek Jeter - will have the highest vote total
OF - Josh Hamilton - NEN
OF - Adam Jones - He has extended himself from above average OF to one of the elite OFer's and I think the fans will reward him for it.
OF - Ichiro Suzuki - I think he'll win the third vote this year. He's popular and there really isn't much else going on in the AL OF.
DH - David Ortiz - NEN
SP - Justin Verlander - NEN
RESERVES:
C - Matt Wieters -he's really struggled offensively as of late but I do believe with his defense and he will pick it up, he'll make it. Hey, Varitek made the team hitting .220ish one year.
C - A.J. Pierzynski - I think 2 backup catchers is the thing now and I think A.J. will be the third.
1B - Prince Fielder - he'll have the best numbers of all the remaining 1B and he's a star, he'll go.
1B - Michael Young - Wash will take him and he's a utility, I'll put him at 1B for now.
2B - Ian Kinsler - Wash will take him if he doesn't get the fan vote.
2B - Dustin Pedroia - I think he'll be the extra middle infielder and the Red Sox won't have many reps.
SS - Asdrubal Cabrera - Thought about Hardy but I think he will have better numbers for the backup
3B - Adrian Beltre - NEN
3B - Mike Moustakas - Royals rep
OF - Matt Joyce - Will have OPS over .900 at AS break
OF - Josh Reddick - Athletics rep
OF - Jose Bautista - He's heating up and I think he'll have enough HR by the AS break to get in.
OF - Curtis Granderson - I think he'll have close to 20 HR by the AS break so he'll get in too.
SP - Jered Weaver - Calling it now - lone Angels rep
SP - David Price - Rays will be near 1st by the AS break, they will need more reps. Price will have the #'s.
SP - Yu Darvish - NEN
SP - C.C. Sabathia - ERA is a bit high but I think that will come down. He's so consistent it's hard to ignore him.
SP - Felix Hernandez - Will have the numbers and he deserves it.
SP - Jason Hammel - I REALLY didn't want to pick him b/c I don't think he will hold up. But every AS team needs a "surprise" and I couldn't think of any other SP to pick.
RP - Jim Johnson - NEN
RP - Fernando Rodney - NEN
RP - Joe Nathan - Wash will take him
RP - Chris Perez - I think he'll be up there in the saves leaders.
RP - Alfredo Aceves - this is just a hunch I have. He's been pitching really well since a poor start and he's the Red Sox closer.
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Yadier Molina - He will be the most popular catcher this year
1B - Joey Votto - NEN
2B - Brandon Phillips - he'll win the vote
3B - David Wright - NEN
SS - Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo edges out Castro with the vote
OF - Matt Kemp - NEN
OF - Ryan Braun - NEN
OF - Andrew McCutchen - I think he gets the 3rd spot, just a feeling.
DH - Carlos Beltran - I think LaRussa will choose one of his own to DH and Beltran deserves it.
SP - Cole Hamels - he's motivated this year. He keeps it up and will get the nod.
C - Carlos Ruiz - NEN
C - Brian McCann - NEN
1B - Freddie Freeman - Almost chose LaHair but I think the Cubs will have one rep and it will be Castro. Freeman will pick it up.
2B - Omar Infante - hard to pick this one. NL 2B are weak this year and Infante is hitting .340 right now, so I'll go with him.
SS - Starlin Castro - Cubs rep
SS - Rafael Furcal - LaRussa will take him. Hot start + Cardinal = roster spot
3B - David Freese - LaRussa will reward him for WS performance (if you don't think that comes into play - HAH) and he will have decent numbers by the break
3B - Ryan Zimmerman - he'll pick it up and as great as the Nationals are playing, they'll need reps
OF - Giancarlo Stanton - NEN
OF - Melky Cabrera - great start, I think he's legit
OF - Carlos Gonzalez - star player and will have the numbers
OF - Justin Upton - will be Diamondbacks rep
SP - Lance Lynn - See Furcal explanation.
SP - Gio Gonzalez - He'll hold up for a nod.
SP - Stephen Strasburg - I think two of the Nats rotation make it
SP - Brandon Beachy - He's a stud, he'll be there.
SP - Clayton Kershaw - NEN
SP - Matt Cain - This is really tough. Cain has been awesome. But so has Johan Santana, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee, Kyle Lohse, Ryan Dempster, Chris Capuano, James McDonald, Wade Miley, Johnny Cueto, and Bud Norris. Gotta draw the line somewhere and Cain gets the nod.
RP - Jonathan Papelbon - NEN
RP - Craig Kimbrel - NEN
RP - Brett Myers - Astros rep
RP - Aroldis Chapman - sick numbers
RP - Huston Street - will come back and be the Padres rep.
Thoughts are welcome.
SECOND ROUND OF PREDICTIONS:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Mike Napoli - Ugh, looks like he's got this one wrapped up.
1B - Prince Fielder - Everyone doubted my Pauly pick up above but he's in second, 300,000 votes behind Prince.
2B - Robinson Cano - I'll stick with Cano, I think he squeaks this one out.
3B - Adrian Beltre - Do people not like Miggy? How Beltre is going to start is beyond me.
SS - Derek Jeter - NEN
OF - Josh Hamilton - NEN
OF - Jose Bautista - I REALLY hope Adam Jones gets a big push to take the 3rd spot but I think Bautista's recent home run parade will not let that happen.
OF - Curtis Granderson - It's really surprising to me that Ichiro will not be starting this All-Star game. His popularity has gone way down over the years. I thought he'd be a staple in the AS voting like Ripken was.
DH - David Ortiz - NEN
SP - Justin Verlander - I'm going to stick with my original pick of Verlander even though I personally would choose Sale. I think people are going to want to see an established big gun and who better to start than the reigning Cy Young/MVP?
RESERVES:
C - Matt Wieters - Almost chose Mauer here b/c of his average but I think the Twins are only going to have one rep and it's going to be Willingham.
C - A.J. Pierzynski - I think 2 backup catchers is the thing now and I think A.J. will be the third.
1B - Paul Konerko - NEN
2B - Jason Kipnis - he's having a great season!
2B - Ian Kinsler - Wash will take him if he doesn't get the fan vote.
SS - Asdrubal Cabrera - Thought about Hardy but I think he will have better numbers for the backup
3B - Miguel Cabrera - NEN
OF - Adam Jones - NEN
OF - Mark Trumbo - NEN
OF - Josh Reddick - Athletics rep
OF - Ichiro Suzuki - Mariners rep and that's sad!!
OF - Josh Willingham - Twins rep
OF - Mike Trout - WILL BE THE FINAL FAN VOTE WINNER
SP - Jered Weaver - Looks like he WONT be the only Angels rep. He'll have three teammates going along.
SP - David Price - Rays will be near 1st by the AS break, they will need more reps. Price will have the #'s.
SP - Yu Darvish - NEN
SP - Chris Sale - NEN
SP - C.J. Wilson - Great season he is having.
SP - Jason Hammel - Can't believe this one is sticking but it looks like it might.
RP - Jim Johnson - NEN
RP - Fernando Rodney - NEN
RP - Joe Nathan - 2 walks and 36 SO's. Not bad.
RP - Chris Perez - I think he'll be up there in the saves leaders.
RP - Jonathan Broxton - Royals rep
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
STARTERS:
C - Buster Posey - Was really hoping for Chooch here.
1B - Joey Votto - NEN
2B - Dan Uggla - Didn't realize he was this popular. He's not having a great season either.
3B - David Wright - NEN
SS - Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo edges out Furcal with the vote - I hope.
OF - Matt Kemp - NEN
OF - Ryan Braun - I think he'll retake the 3rd spot over Melky.
OF - Carlos Beltran - NEN
DH - Carlos Gonzalez - I think LaRussa would be wise to choose him and not a Cardinal.
SP - R.A. Dickey - NEN
C - Carlos Ruiz - NEN
C - Yadier Molina - NEN
1B - Bryan LaHair - will be Cubs rep!
2B - Aaron Hill - Diamondbacks rep and LaRussa LOVE B Phillips, right?
2B - Jose Altuve - Astros rep
SS - Rafael Furcal - LaRussa will take him. Hot start + Cardinal = roster spot
SS - Ian Desmond - Just a hunch. Could be Lowrie as the Astros rep.
3B - David Freese - LaRussa will reward him for WS performance (if you don't think that comes into play - HAH) and he will have decent numbers by the break
3B - Chipper Jones - Honorary All-Star a la Tony Gwynn?
OF - Giancarlo Stanton - NEN
OF - Melky Cabrera - NEN
OF - Michael Bourn - Braves will need a rep if Chipper doesn't get chosen, I could see it being him.
OF - Andrew McCutchen - NEN
OF - Bryce Harper - WILL WIN FINAL FAN VOTE!
SP - Lance Lynn - NEN
SP - Gio Gonzalez - NEN
SP - Stephen Strasburg - NEN
SP - Cole Hamels - NEN
SP - Clayton Kershaw - NEN
SP - Matt Cain - NEN
SP - Zack Greinke - With the great SP in the NL, I see an extra SP going. This spot could've easily gone to Miley, Capuano, McDonald (wow what a great year he's having), Bumgarner or Cueto.
RP - Jonathan Papelbon - NEN
RP - Craig Kimbrel - NEN
RP - Aroldis Chapman - sick numbers
RP - Santiago Casilla - great numbers
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