San Diego Padres: Who Deserves the Padres' All-Star Nod?

Every team is guaranteed to have at least one player named to the All-Star team each year.

In some years, it's a great rule because there are some players who would be bypassed just because they play for a team that's not doing so well.

This year, however, the thinking is different for certain teams who aren't performing well.

The San Diego Padres are one of those teams.

With a 17-31 record entering Sunday's game, the Padres haven't exactly had a great season as a team. Then again, not many of their players have had good seasons, much less All-Star worthy seasons.

But, someone is going to have to get the nod for the team.

So, who will it be?

The likely choice will be rookie first baseman Yonder Alonso, who is hitting .302 with one home run and 14 RBI. He also leads the team with 49 hits and 16 doubles.

Then, there's third baseman Chase Headley, who is hitting .247 with five home runs and 22 RBI. But, can you really give an All-Star nod to a guy who is hitting less than .250?

After that, there's really nobody else that should be considered.

Before he was injured and required Tommy John surgery, pitcher Cory Luebke would have warranted consideration with a 3-1 record and a 2.61 ERA.

So, where does manager Tony LaRussa go?

If it were up to me, I would get rid of the requirement to have at least one player from every team on the roster.

But, I understand MLB's stand on wanting to have fans of every team interested in the game.

However, I think that takes away from the luster of the game.

Look at it this way, Alonso or Headley will take away a spot from a player who deserves to be in the game. Players like the Braves' Michael Bourn or Martin Prado, who won't get much consideration, despite the seasons they're currently having.

But, it is what it is and the Padres will be sending a representative to Kansas City.

So, who will it be?