My 2009 All-Stars: NL

Every year in baseball they announce the All-Star Roster, and it seems every year someone has something to say about it. This year, it’s my turn. So step aside Peter Gammons and Buster Olney, as here are my 2009 All-Star Picks.

Starters:

Catcher: B. McCann, ATL (.306, 8 HR, 35 RBI) Maybe the next Mike Piazza, McCann is the center of a Braves lineup.

First Base: A. Pujols, STL (.336, 31 HR, 82 RBI) Do I really need to explain myself on this one?

Second Base: F. Sanchez, PIT (.316, 6 HR, 33 RBI) This was a tricky position but Sanchez is the only bright spot in a terrible Pirates lineup.

Third Base: D. Wright, NYM (.322, 5 HR, 42 RBI) The weight of the entire Mets lineup rest on his shoulders and he keeps hitting. The power numbers are down but leads NL third baseman’s with 20 SB and led in AVG for a while.

Shortstop: H. Ramirez, FLA (.346, 14 HR, 60 RBI) Not much this Marlins star cannot do. True 5 tool player.

Outfield:
R. Braun, MIL (.322, 16 HR, 58 RBI) Braun powered the Brewers into the NL wild card last year and his is keeping them on top the NL central.

M. Kemp, LAD (.307, 10 HR, 45 RBI) This guy is batting last for the Dodgers but is a big part to their success. 19 SB and a great glove in makes him my sleeper pick for the starters.

A. Dunn, WAS (.262, 22 HR, 59 RBI) Completely lost in Washington, Dunn keeps on blasting them over the walls at Nationals Park.

Pitcher: T. Lincecum, SF (9-2, 2.23 ERA, 141 SO) Last year’s NL Cy Young winner and if he keeps it up will win his second.

Reserves:

Pitchers:
H. Bell, SD (3-1, 1.49 ERA, 23 SV)
C. Billingsley, LAD (9-4, 3.14 ERA, 115 SO)
J. Broxton, LAD (6-0, 2.72 ERA, 20 SV)
M. Cain, SF (10-2, 2.42 ERA, 93 SO)
F. Cordero, CIN (1-2, 1.75 ERA, 21 SV)
R. Franklin, STL (2-0, 0.83 ERA, 20 SV)
Y. Gallardo, MIL (8-6, 2.95 ERA, 120 SO)
D. Haren, ARI (8-5, 2.16 ERA, 119 SO)
T. Hoffman, MIL (1-1, 1.93 ERA, 18 SV)
J. Johnson, FLA (7-2, 2.82 ERA, 102 SO)
J. Marquis, COL (11-5, 3.61 ERA, 54 SO)
F. Rodriguez, NYM (2-2, 1.59 ERA, 21 SV)
J. Santana, NYM (9-7, 3.29 ERA, 107 SO)
H. Street, COL (2-1, 2.65 ERA, 21 SV)

Bench:
Y. Molina – C, STL (.286, 5 HR, 27 RBI)
P. Fielder – 1B, MIL (.310, 22 HR, 76 RBI)
R. Howard – 1B, PHI (.252, 21 HR, 62 RBI)
D. Lee – 1B, CHC (.284, 16 HR, 53 RBI)
C. Utley – 2B, PHI (.310, 19 HR, 60 RBI)
M. Tejada – SS, HOU (.329, 7 HR, 45 RBI)
P. Sandoval – 3B, SF (.328, 14 HR, 48 RBI)
R. Zimmerman – 3B, WAS (.294, 14 HR, 50 RBI)
B. Hawpe – OF, COL (.327, 13 HR, 57 RBI)
J. Upton – OF, ARI (.296, 15 HR, 48 RBI)

NOTE:
Each NL team has atleast 1 representative on the All-Star Team
All-Star Rosters are 33 players, 9 Starters
Players on the DL where not considered