The Cubs are very well represented at the MLB All-Star Game this year, sending seven players to the game that could decide whether or not they will have home field advantage in the World Series.
They send three players who will start, three pitchers, and one reserve.
So what is the scouting report on each player that is reppin' Cubbie blue?
Gevoany Soto
Soto has been a great addition for the Cubs and has helped get the taste of Michael Barrett out of our mouths.
He is batting .291 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI's, outstanding numbers for any player, especially a catcher who spends the game destroying their knees.
It's not his first All-Star game, he has been to two minor league All-Star games.
Kosuke Fukudome
Fukudome has been a big addition from the Cubs in his first season from Japan. He has helped the Cubs be a more patient team, and his stats aren't half bad either.
He has a .285 batting average with seven home runs, 35 RBI's, eight stolen bases, and a .391 OBP.
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He's not only an offensive player, he is a great defensive player as well, shown by his many diving catches this season as well as winning a Gold Glove in Japan.
Alfonso Soriano
Soriano may have spent a lot of time on the DL, but he has been good when he has played.
Despite being a streaky player who has missed time, he still has 15 home runs, 40 RBI's, and seven stolen bases with a .283 batting average.
Soriano has also been voted in for his defense, which has been stellar throughout his career.
Ryan Dempster
Dempster has been a big surprise for the Cubs ever since moving back from the closer spot.
This season, he has a 3.24 ERA, a 9-3 record, and 91 strikeouts, and emerged as a solid number two starter for the Cubs.
Carlos Zambrano
Zambrano has been stellar like always for the Cubs, which has earned him yet another All-Star selection.
Zambrano has been pitching especially well this season, however, currently with a 9-3 record, a 2.96 ERA, and 73 strike outs.
Kerry Wood
Wood has been another big surprise for the Cubs. He was expected to be a good middle relief pitcher at best, but he has stepped into the closer role perfectly.
He has 22 saves so far this season—second in the NL—as well as a 2.91 ERA, which means he is only going to give up a run once every 3 games.
Aramis Ramirez
Ramirez has been just as good as always, bringing power to the middle of the lineup. He has also been a good defensive player despite his lack of quickness.
He has 15 home runs on the season, which puts him on pace for yet another season with over 30 homers. He is also batting .280 with 57 RBI's.
I'm Joe W.
Joe also writes at TheDailyCub.com, a Chicago Cubs blog.
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2 months ago
Fukudome in no way deserves to be an all-star
2 months ago
Nice work as usual Joe. If you would've told me at the beginning of the season that Dempster, Wood, and Soto would be on this team I would call you nuts, but they deserved it and I can't wait to watch the introductions with all of the Cubs players and Piniella there!
2 months ago
Good job Joe. I cant' believe we have 7 all-stars. I'm happy we have so many but I sort of agree with Daniel that Fukudome's stats don't really blow you away, .288 with 7 home runs, tho he plays good defense and gets on base. Soto I had high hopes for all along, although it is a surprise that he's the starter. Wow.
2 months ago
Good breakdown! I think Dempster might be the MVP thus far.
2 months ago
Great job Joe, I agree that Fukudome is not an All-Star and a player like Matt Holliday should have gotten the spot. But he got voted in and he has been an All-Star for the Cubs this season and that is what matters. I don't know if I agree about Soriano's defensive prowess. The hop always gets me and while he has a cannon out there in left field I don't know if I trust him as a solid fielder always.
It will be exciting to see our boys in NY with a chance to get the NL—and possibly the Cubs—home field advantage.
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