The pandemic-shorted season has robbed us of an official All-Star Game. However, as we approach the (mostly) halfway point in the schedule, it’s a good time to look at who the 2020 All Stars have been thus far. Starters were based on voting and discussion among DD writers and reserves were filled in to allow for one backup at each position and configured so that each team has at least one representative.
AL ALL-STARS:
Starters:
| Name | Team | |
| C | Pedro Severino | Orioles |
| 1B | Mitch Moreland | Red Sox |
| 2B | Brandon Lowe | Rays |
| SS | Bo Bichette | Blue Jays^ |
| SS | David Fletcher | Angles* |
| 3B | Anthony Rendon | Angels |
| OF | Mike Trout | Angels |
| OF | Robbie Grossman | Athletics |
| OF | Aaron Judge | Yankees |
| DH | Nelson Cruz | Twins |
Bench:
| C | Chance Sisco | Orioles |
| 1B | Luke Voit | Yankees |
| 2B | DJ LeMahieu | Yankees |
| 2B | Cavan Biggio | Blue Jays |
| SS | Tim Anderson | White Sox |
| 3B | Matt Chapman | Athletics |
| OF | Kyle Lewis | Mariners |
| OF | JaCoby Jones | Tigers |
| OF | Anthony Santander | Orioles |
| DH | Jose Abreu | White Sox |
Pitchers:
| Name | Team | |
| SP | Shane Bieber | Indians |
| Pitcher | Dylan Bundy | Angels |
| Pitcher | Lance Lynn | Rangers |
| Pitcher | Zack Greinke | Astros |
| Pitcher | Hyun-Jin Ryu | Blue Jays |
| Pitcher | Gerrit Cole | Yankees |
| Pitcher | Aaron Civale | Indians |
| Pitcher | Kenta Maeda | Twins |
| Pitcher | Framber Valdez | Astros |
| Pitcher | James Karinchak | Indians |
| Pitcher | Josh Staumont | Royals |
| Pitcher | Nick Anderson | Rays^ |
| Pitcher | Liam Hendriks | Athletics* |
BREAKDOWN:
Catcher: In an unusual season, of course there are going to be unusual All-Star selections. That’s the case here with both Orioles catchers making the squad. Strong offensive numbers from both Severino and Cisco make both necessary inclusions. James McCann of the White Sox just misses the cut.
First: Mitch Moreland has been one of the few bright spots for a struggling Red Sox team. Luke Voit and Jose Abreu slugged their way to the roster with massive power spike in recent games.
Second: Lowe has been one of the division-leading Rays best hitters and helped them keep pace with the rival Yankees. DJ LeMahieu of said Yankees has been hitting the cover off the ball and is currently hitting over .400. A hand injury means Cavan Biggio takes his place.
Shortstop: Bo Bichette was off to an exciting start for the Blue Jays and while an injury will keep him out of the “All-Star Game” this year, he shouldn’t have to wait long to make the team for real. David Fletcher has been a bright spot for the Angels playing short full-time for the injured Andrelton Simmons. Tim Anderson has been phenomenal for the White Sox and is extremely deserving of an All-Star selection.
Third: The depth at third in the AL is something to behold. It was tough to narrow down the options but a blistering few weeks from new Angel Anthony Rendon makes it an easier choice. Matt Chapman provides power and elite defense off the bench for the AL squad. Kyle Seager just missed the cut for the backup role with Chapman’s defense winning out.
Outfield: Injury and paternity leave slowed the season for Judge and Trout, respectively. However, their bats are too potent to not make the team. Grossman’s bat has been a revelation for the A’s and he’s helped carry them to the division lead. Jones and Lewis are the best players on rebuilding teams, with Lewis looking like he’ll run away with Rookie of the Year honors. Santander gives the Orioles their third All-Star as he’s been a bright spot in the Baltimore’s stronger than expected start to the season. Blossoming, young stars like Alex Verdugo and Luis Robert just missed the cut due to JaCoby Jones inclusion as the Tigers representative.
Designated Hitter: The ageless wonder Nelson Cruz easily cruises to another All-Star selection. While primarily a first baseman, the selection of Abreu was necessary after he decimated Cubs pitching with six home runs in three games. I’m being flexible with the DH spot to allow his power to benefit the AL’s chances of defending their crown.
Pitchers: Easily call with Cy Young favorite and reigning All-Star MVP Shane Bieber getting the start. Dylan Bundy has been about the only pitching bright spot for the Angels. They have 3 AL starters on offense and yet sport the lowest winning percentage in the league entering Tuesday’s games. As opposed to the NL which only featured one reliever, AL goes heavy with power strikeout bullpen pieces like Karichak and Staumont
Snubs/Just Missed the Cut:
Alex Verdugo, Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, James McCann, Luis Robert, Whit Merrifield, Randy Dobnak, Mark Canha, Teoscar Hernandez, Kyle Seager, Willy Adames
Featured Photo: @ESPNStatsInfo
