Toronto Blue Jays: 6 Players That Could Be Headed to the All-Star Game

It is hard to believe that teams have already played over 70 games this season and that we are just days away from the month of July.

The Toronto Blue Jays have had a tough few months so far, with health and consistency being their two main issues.

Despite their struggles, there are several players from the everyday lineup and the rotation that have been putting on a show for Toronto night in and night out. These players allow them to keep pace in a tough AL East division.

With the All-Star Game right around the corner, fans across the globe will have a chance to see some of Toronto’s best compete with some of the top players in the league.

As of right now, there are six Blue Jays with a legitimate shot at making the AL roster, and in this article, we will look at the three players who should be there and three who will just miss out.

Should Be There: Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion has been an absolute stud for Toronto this season, hitting in the cleanup spot behind Jose Bautista. In just 68 games, Encarnacion has already surpassed his home run total from last season and is tied with Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson for fourth in the league with 21 long bombs.

Additionally, Encarnacion also has a .287 batting average and six stolen bases. He leads all designated hitters in home runs and is second in every other hitting category.

Jose Bautista

Jose Bautista is doing what Jose Bautista does...hit bombs. Through 72 games, he has hit 23 home runs, which ties him with Adam Dunn for first in the league. His 55 RBI is also good enough for third in the league, and he leads all outfielders in walks with 48.

His batting average is not where any Jays fans would like it to be, but his some of his other totals will outweigh that for now.

Brandon Morrow

It was really a shame to see Brandon Morrow bow out with an injury in his last start because he was pitching out of his mind. He started 13 games prior to being put on the DL, and he had a record of 7-4. His ERA of 3.01 is ninth in the American League, his WHIP is tied for fourth and opponents’ batting average against him is second in the AL at only .194.

Other pitchers around the league will have two, maybe three, starts to gain ground on Morrow, but unless they all pitch out of their minds, then he should be an All-Star.

On the Bubble: Brett Lawrie

If he was at just about any other position than third base or if he was in the National League, Brett Lawrie would be an All-Star. In 68 games this season, Lawrie has hit .289 with seven home runs. His batting average is fifth among all third basemen, but three of the four players ahead of him play in the American League.

He has also stolen 10 bases for Toronto this season. This puts him in a tie with Maicer Izturis and Hanley Ramirez for steals by a third baseman.

Colby Rasmus

All season long, Colby Rasmus has been great defensively for the Blue Jays, and that has started to carry over to the offensive side of the ball. After a slow start, he has been able to boost his average to a respectable .261, and he is tied for third among all centerfielders with 13 home runs.

If Rasmus can continue to swing a hot bat over the next couple of weeks, then he may be able to slip into the All-Star game if there is an injury.

Ricky Romero

After filling in for Jon Lester in last year’s midsummer classic, Ricky Romero has declined in 2012 (at least statistically) and will likely miss out on a trip to Kansas City. He has a great record (8-1), but will not receive a lot of votes when people look at his 4.34 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

If this game were at the end of the year like the Pro Bowl, then I could see him making it, but at this point in the year, his numbers are just not good enough to be considered anything more than on the bubble.