NL All-Stars

Dave Paisley

Having reviewed the informal rules of All-Star voting and the AL candidates, here's a quick look at the primary candidates for each position in the NL. Just to recap: in the battle for the starting spot, it helps to have two things going for you: name recognition and a hot start. Without a clear leader, the pendulum can swing either way, as it undoubtedly will. I'm going to give you my recommendation, and who I think will get the nod if I believe the fans' selection will differ.

Catcher Candidates
M. Piazza  Mets
J. Kendall  Pirates
E. Taubensee  Reds
C. Widger  Expos
M. Lieberthal  Phillies
J. Lopez  Braves
J. Girardi  Cubs
T. Hundley  Dodgers

There's not much competition here, with Mike Piazza being the obvious choice -- a major star leading all catchers offensively so far this year. It would be nice to see Jason Kendall make the team, too, as he's coming back from that gut-wrenching accident last year. The rest will barely register on the voting Richter scale.

First Base Candidates
M. McGwire  Cardinals
T. Helton  Rockies
A. Galarraga  Braves
J. Bagwell  Astros
E. Karros  Dodgers
R. Klesko  Padres
M. Grace  Cubs
L. Stevens  Expos
E. Durazo  D-backs
T. Zeile  Mets
J. T. Snow  Giants
K. Young  Pirates
S. Casey  Reds

Hmmm-- who to choose here? Maybe the guy with the 1.400 OPS perchance? No doubt Galarraga will get some sympathy votes for his comeback, and Todd Helton might get some consideration for his big numbers (albeit pumped by Coors.) But let's see a show of hands for anyone other than McGwire.

Thought not.

Second Base Candidates
J. Kent  Giants
J. Vidro  Expos
E. Alfonzo  Mets
J. Bell  D-backs
F. Vina  Cardinals
E. Young  Cubs
R. Belliard  Brewers
M. Lansing  Rockies
Q. Veras  Braves
C. Biggio  Astros
B. Boone  Padres
P. Reese  Reds
M. Grudzielanek  Dodgers
W. Morris  Pirates

Finally, a horse race! By my own criteria, I have to give the nod to Jeff Kent -- the solid veteran with All-Star credentials and a great year. Edgardo Alfonzo would be a reasonable alternative, but I'd wait on Jose Vidro before deciding he's worthy. Jay Bell continues to be part of the surprising Arizona offensive juggernaut and may garner some votes outside of Phoenix. A surprise here is Craig Biggio, whose power has deserted him so far this year.

Third Base Candidates
C. Jones  Braves
K. Caminiti  Astros
P. Nevin  Padres
S. Rolen  Phillies
J. Cirillo  Rockies
A. Boone  Reds
R. Ventura  Mets
A. Beltre  Dodgers
B. Mueller  Giants
M. Lowell  Marlins
J. Hernandez  Brewers
F. Tatis  Cardinals
M. Williams  D-backs

Here's another close contest. On the one hand we have reigning NL MVP Chipper Jones, who is having a very solid follow-up year. On the other hand there's aging gimpy gamer Ken Caminiti, having a phenomenal two months. If I thought he could make it to the All-Star game without pulling a hamstring and ending up on the DL, I might be tempted to pick Caminiti. But I don't so I won't -- it's Larry for me. An honorable mention goes to Scott Rolen, who is vainly trying to breathe some life into the Phillies moribund offense.

Shortstop Candidates
B. Larkin  Reds
R. Gutierrez  Cubs
D. Jackson  Padres
M. Loretta  Brewers
E. Renteria  Cardinals
T. Womack  D-backs
N. Perez  Rockies
P. Meares  Pirates
O. Cabrera  Expos
R. Aurilia  Giants
A. Gonzalez  Marlins
K. Elster  Dodgers
R. Ordonez  Mets
D. Relaford  Phillies
W. Weiss  Braves

There's no A-Rod, no Jeter and no Nomar in the National League. There is Barry Larkin, but he's barely more robust than Ken Caminiti. But when I think of the alternatives, I find my pencil poised by Larkin's name anyway. Ricky Gutierrez or Damian Jackson, All-Star? I don't think so. Renteria, Loretta, Womack or Perez? Nope. So I am left with the only star-quality shortstop the NL has seen in the past few years.

Outfield Candidates
J. Edmonds  Cardinals
V. Guerrero  Expos
B. Bonds  Giants
B. Giles  Pirates
G. Sheffield  Dodgers
S. Green  Dodgers
S. Finley  D-backs
S. Sosa  Cubs
A. Jones  Braves
D. Bell  Mets
B. Abreu  Phillies
M. Alou  Astros
D. Bichette  Reds
J. Burnitz  Brewers
L. Gonzalez  D-backs
K. Griffey, Jr.  Reds
T. Gwynn  Padres
B. Jordan  Braves
L. Walker  Rockies

The really interesting story in the NL outfield will be how Ken Griffey Jr. does in the voting. His poor start with the Reds and the media feeding frenzy (not necessarily in that order) will likely cost him some votes. We'll just have to wait and see whether it's enough to cost him a starting spot. It's particularly interesting this year because of the breakout year Vlad Guerrero is having, along with some media attention.

The transfer of Jim Edmonds to a high-profile team, accompanied by instant success, is also in sharp contrast to Griffey's fate. Throw in Barry Bonds' great start and I have my All-Star trio in the outfield. With Bonds in left, Edmonds in center and Guerrero in right I believe I'm well covered.

about the author

Dave Paisley is working up a hip-hop version of the National Anthem for the All-Star Game, but has heard that he's below even Michael Bolton on the list of prospective performers. Send Jeff Gillooly's current whereabouts to drdjp@strikethree.com.