Buster Posey and Carlos Gonzalez: 5 Potential First-Time NL All-Stars

1 of 7

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants looks on prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Now that the 2011 Major League Baseball season is underway, fans are enjoying the crack of the bat and the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs in stadiums across the country.

While the season is barely a week old, it's never too early to start thinking about potential All-Stars.

Here are five National League players who could be making their first All-Star team this season.

5. Mike Stanton: Florida Marlins

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - APRIL 01: Mike Stanton #27 of the Florida Marlins gets the first Marlins hit of the year, a double, during opening day against the New York Mets at Sun Life Stadium on April 1, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Mike Stanton is considered to be one of the most promising young outfielders in the game.

In 2010, as a rookie for the Florida Marlins, Stanton hit 22 home runs, 59 RBI and had a .507 slugging percentage.

Marlins fans should be bragging about Stanton's progression and accolades for many years.

4. Matt Garza: Chicago Cubs

MESA, AZ - MARCH 09: Matt Garza #17 pitcher of the Chicago Cubs throws a ptich against the Kansas City Royals during the spring training baseball game at HoHoKam Stadium on March 9, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

In his three seasons as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Garza won an average of 11 games and never had an ERA over four.

Now that Garza is with the Cubs in a weaker hitting league and division, his numbers could see an improvement.

While some may consider it a long shot, don't be surprised if Garza gets some All-Star buzz this summer.

3. Aroldis Chapman: Cincinnati Reds

CINCINNATI, OH - APRIL 3: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on April 3, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 12-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

After making his major league debut towards the end of last season, Chapman finished the 2010 campaign with a 2-2 record, 19 strikeouts and a 2.03 ERA in 15 appearances out of the Reds' bullpen.

Expect Chapman to pick up where he left off last season.

2. Carlos Gonzalez: Colorado Rockies

DENVER, CO - APRIL 06: Leftfielder Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies leaps as he nears the wall to catch a fly ball by Rafael Furcal #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first out of the ninth inning at Coors Field on April 6, 2011 in Denver,

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

In 2010, Carlos Gonzalez had a .336 batting average, 34 home runs and 117 RBI.

Thanks to those gaudy numbers, CarGo was the National League batting champion for the 2010 season, and he collected his first Silver Slugger Award.

In addition, he won his first Gold Glove award.

1. Buster Posey: San Francisco Giants

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 01: Catcher Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

In 108 games with the San Francisco Giants last season, Buster Posey had a .305 average, hit 18 home runs and 67 RBI.

Posey erupted onto the national scene by helping the Giants win the 2010 World Series. Posey hit .300 in the five-game series, and he became only the fifth catcher to win the World Series as a rookie.

In addition, Posey was named the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year.

Begin Slideshow