Today was the day of the third American League All Star voting update and as of right now, the Red Sox are being shut out of starters. In fact, they only three players in the top five at their positions. I wanted to take a look at what Red Sox players might be deserving of a spot on the squad for the midsummer classic, either as a starter or on the bench. Let’s see if anyone is getting snubbed, or if the voting is holding up the right way.
Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi
Betts initially was in line to start in the outfield but has now fallen behind the Michael Brantley of the Indians and George Springer of the Astros in recent weeks. Of course, Mike Trout is in line to start for the American League in the outfield and he’ll likely need an injury replacement so Betts is basically fourth among outfielders. Benintendi, on the other hand sits in ninth behind Avisail Garcia, Carlos Beltran and Brett Gardner.
Neither of these two deserves to start at this point in time but I believe both have a case to be on the team. Aaron Judge and George Springer are definelty worthy to start and that isn’t much of a debate. I believe the third outfield spot, assuming that Trout isn’t playing should go to Aaron Hicks, another Yankee. It pains me to say that, but Hicks has slightly better stats than Betts or Benintendi at this moment.
When it comes to the backup outfielders, a lot of names can be debated. Khris Davis, Nomar Mazara, Garcia, and Gardner are just a few that come to mind. But I believe Betts and Benintendi are right there. I believe Betts will get selected one way or the other and Benintendi could be one of those “Final Vote” candidates. They have similar numbers, but Betts has a better all around game and more respect around the league, which will probably take him farther.
Xander Bogaerts
I hate to say this, but as of right now Bogaerts is probably not going to make the cut for the All Star team. He’s having a great year but I think ultimately he falls short compared to too many others that are also playing very well. Elvis Andrus, Carlos Correa, Didi Gregorious and Francisco Lindor are all outplaying him. Even Jean Segura is on par with him. I’m a huge Bogaerts guy so I would defend his lack of power and throw some other reasons out as to why he should make the team, but being realistic, I know that his chances aren’t good as of right now.
Mitch Moreland
Mitch Moreland is not garnering votes at all. He isn’t in the top 5 at his position, but I wanted to mention him here because I feel he’s having a great year. With a .282 average, eight homers and thirty-five RBI, I believe the only American League first basemen that are better are Yonder Alonso and Justin Smoak. But Moreland won’t get a shot and it’s too bad because he’s been a bright spot for this Red Sox team.
Craig Kimbrel
Getting away from the position players whom the fans vote for and moving on to the pitchers, it’s easy to see that Craig Kimbrel is a lock. He’s been the best closer in baseball and is having a historic season. He’ll make the team no matter what and unless he has an awful month before the game, he’ll be trotting out of the bullpen for the American League in any save situation.
Chris Sale
I mean, in my humble opinion Chris Sale is another lock for the All Star team and he could be the American League’s starter. He hasn’t even pitched that well in his last month or so, but that’s by his standards. He’s still sixth in the AL in ERA, second in wins, third in WHIP, sixth in WAR, first in strikeouts and second in innings pitched. He’s been simply dominant, even when he doesn’t have his best nights.
Should he start the game? No, not as of right now. Dallas Kuechel or Ervin Santana would be my pick, but Sale is right there.
That’s it for the guys that should be playing in the All Star game for the Red Sox and the guys that are just missing a spot on the team. Everyone else needs to step their game up because frankly, the stats don’t lie and they haven’t been nearly good enough. Hopefully that will change over the next month or so.
