MLB Power Rankings: A Look at Who Made the All-Star Roster from Each Team

As July begins, two things move front and center in the baseball world: trade talk and the MLB All-Star Game.

All-Star rosters were announced Sunday afternoon, and with them comes the yearly debate as to who was undeserving and who was snubbed.

As such, this week's rankings come with a look at who made the All-Star rosters from each team, as well as my take on the selections.

With that, here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to check back here each Monday morning for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts.com

30. Colorado Rockies (30-48, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
3B Jordan Pacheco
C Wilin Rosario
SS Jonathan Herrera
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Christian Friedrich
SP Josh Outman
SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 3-4

2012 All-Stars

• LF Carlos Gonzalez (.337/.394/.604, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 59 R)

Gonzalez was really the only choice for a bad Rockies team, but that is not to take away from the terrific season he is having. After a down 2011 season in which he battled injuries, he is once again among the game's elite outfielders.

29. San Diego Padres (30-50, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
SS Everth Cabrera
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
C Yasmani Grandal
CF Cameron Maybin
2B Logan Forsythe
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Ross Ohlendorf
SP Andrew Cashner
CL Huston Street

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• RP Huston Street (22 G, 12-of-12 Sv, 1.29 ERA, 12.0 K/9)

The Padres had to have someone represent their team, and Street was the right choice as he has been perfect since coming back from an early-season injury. Their only other possible honoree would have been 3B Chase Headley (.371 OBP, 38 RBI), but that would have been a stretch.

28. Chicago Cubs (29-49, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup 

CF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
RF Bryan LaHair
C Geovany Soto
2B Darwin Barney
3B Luis Valbuena
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Paul Maholm
SP Travis Wood
SP Chris Volstad
CL Carlos Marmol

Last Week's Record: 5-1

2012 All-Stars

• 1B Bryan LaHair (.284/.364/.526, 13 HR, 28 RBI, 30 R)
• SS Starlin Castro (.296/.318/.428, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 37 R) 

Most assumed Castro would be the Cubs' lone representative, but you can certainly make the case that LaHair is deserving and ranks as the NL's No. 2 first baseman after Joey Votto. A case can be made for Ryan Dempster (12 GS, 2.11 ERA), but his 3-3 record and injuries kept him off the team.

27. Houston Astros (32-47, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

2B Jose Altuve
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Carlos Lee
RF Brian Bogusevic
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
LF J.D. Martinez
CF Jordan Schafer
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Dallas Keuchel
CL Brett Myers

Last Week's Record: 2-5

2012 All-Stars

• 2B Jose Altuve (.308/.350/.450, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 45 R)

One of the better stories of the first half, the 5'5" Altuve has emerged as a building block for the future in Houston and one of the better second basemen in baseball. He was the clear-cut choice to represent the Astros.

26. Minnesota Twins (33-45, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

CF Denard Span
RF Ben Revere
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
3B Trevor Plouffe
DH Ryan Doumit
SS Brian Dozier
2B Jamey Carroll

Current Rotation

SP Nick Blackburn
SP Scott Diamond
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Liam Hendriks
SP Brian Duensing
CL Jared Burton

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• C Joe Mauer (.324/.414/.445, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 38 R)

After missing much of last season due to injury and struggling when he did play, Mauer has quietly rejoined the elite at his position this season and currently leads the AL with a .416 on-base percentage.

25. Seattle Mariners (34-47, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
CF Casper Wells
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
LF Michael Saunders
1B Justin Smoak
C Miguel Olivo
2B Dustin Ackley
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Hector Noesi
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
CL Tom Wilhelmsen

Last Week's Record: 3-4

2012 All-Stars

• SP Felix Hernandez (16 GS, 6-5, 3.09 ERA, 114 Ks, 110.2 IP)

The Mariners have struggled once again this season, but they are heading in the right direction with a good young core gaining valuable experience and more help on the way in a strong minor league system.

Hernandez remains the team's best player and face of the franchise, and he is having another top-tier season.

24. Philadelphia Phillies (36-45, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
C Carlos Ruiz
RF Hunter Pence
CF Shane Victorino
1B Ty Wigginton
3B Placido Polanco
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Vance Worley
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 2-5

2012 All-Stars

• C Carlos Ruiz (.356/.420/.579, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 38 R)
• SP Cole Hamels (16 GS, 10-4, 3.08 ERA, 111 Ks, 111 IP)
• RP Jonathan Papelbon (30 G, 18-of-19 Sv, 3.03 ERA, 11.2 K/9)

Despite a less-than-impressive start to the season, it's hard to argue against any of the Phillies' three All-Stars. Carlos Ruiz has been the best catcher in all of baseball and deserved to start, while Hamels and Papelbon have continued to rank among the best arms in the game.

23. Kansas City Royals (35-42, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
2B Yuniesky Betancourt
3B Mike Moustakas
DH Billy Butler
RF Jeff Francoeur
1B Eric Hosmer
C Salvador Perez
CF Jarrod Dyson
SS Alcides Escobar

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Jonathan Sanchez
SP Everett Teaford 
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• DH Billy Butler (.297/.365/.512, 16 HR, 48 RBI, 30 R)

As it stands, Butler is the only Royals player slated to play in front of the home fans, and he was certainly the most deserving member of the team. Closer Jonathan Broxton (20 Sv, 2.05 ERA) is one of the five players on the "Final Vote" ballot for the AL.

22. Milwaukee Brewers (36-42, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
2B Rickie Weeks
C Martin Maldonado
SS Cesar Izturis 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
CL John Axford

Last Week's Record: 3-3

2012 All-Stars

• LF Ryan Braun (.308/.389/.602, 22 HR, 55 RBI, 49 R)

The reigning NL MVP narrowly lost out to Giants LF Melky Cabrera for the third starting outfield spot in the NL. After an offseason of controversy, Braun didn't receive the same fan support that had made him a starter three of the past four years, but in the end his numbers were more than worthy of a spot on the roster.

21. Oakland Athletics (38-42, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
2B Jemile Weeks
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
DH Seth Smith
3B Brandon Inge
1B Brandon Moss
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Cliff Pennington 

Current Rotation

SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Travis Blackley
SP A.J. Griffin
SP TBD
CL Ryan Cook

Last Week's Record: 3-4

2012 All-Stars

• RP Ryan Cook (35 G, 7-of-10 Sv, 1.54 ERA, 9.5 K/9)

Cook was more or less a throw-in when the A's sent Trevor Cahill to the Diamondbacks for top prospect Jarrod Parker, and the 25-year-old entered the season as the A's No. 21-ranked prospect. However, he's taken over the closer's role and has been the team's most reliable reliever by far.

Outfielder Josh Reddick (18 HR, 39 RBI) deserves a mention, but the AL outfield was simply too crowded and the A's weren't going to get two representatives.

20. Miami Marlins (38-40, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
CF Justin Ruggiano
2B Omar Infante
1B Gaby Sanchez
C John Buck
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Heath Bell

Last Week's Record: 4-2

2012 All-Stars

• RF Giancarlo Stanton (.282/.362/.554, 19 HR, 50 RBI, 45 R)

Also chosen to participate in the Home Run Derby, Stanton will get a chance to showcase his skills to a national audience. The 22-year-old is among the most dynamic talents in all of the MLB, and this will likely be the first of many trips to the Midsummer Classic.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks (39-39, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero 
CF Chris Young
3B Ryan Roberts
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Josh Collmenter
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 2-4

2012 All-Stars

• SP Wade Miley (13 GS, 9-4, 2.87 ERA, 66 Ks, 94 IP)

After a surprise division title last season, I don't think anyone would have guessed entering the season that rookie Wade Miley would be the team's All-Star representative. In fact, he didn't even break camp as a member of the rotation and got his chance when Collmenter struggled early. He's more than earned his spot though, and he gives the team another impressive young arm.

Aaron Hill (.301 BA, 11 HR, 38 RBI) is part of the "Final Vote" ballot for the final NL roster spot.

18. Detroit Tigers (39-40, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Quintin Berry
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
C Alex Avila
SS Jhonny Peralta
RF Brennan Boesch
2B Ramon Santiago

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Doug Fister
SP Drew Smyly
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• 1B Prince Fielder (.296/.374/.485, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 43 R)
• 3B Miguel Cabrera (.314/.376/.538, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 46 R)
• SP Justin Verlander (17 GS, 8-5, 2.69 ERA, 121 Ks, 123.2 IP)

No surprises here; the Tigers' trio of superstars all made the team. Cabrera was narrowly edged out to start at third by Adrian Beltre—and rightfully so, as Beltre is the complete package as a third baseman.

If Austin Jackson (.323 BA, 8 HR, 35 RBI) would not have gotten hurt, he likely would have joined those three in Kansas City, as he has taken a huge step forward this season.

17. Toronto Blue Jays (40-39, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
RF Jose Bautista
DH Edwin Encarnacion
2B Kelly Johnson
SS Yunel Escobar
LF Rajai Davis 
1B Adam Lind
C J.P. Arencibia

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Brett Cecil
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Aaron Laffey
CL Casey Janssen

Last Week's Record: 3-4

2012 All-Stars

• RF Jose Bautista (.239/.356/.543, 26 HR, 63 RBI, 56 R)

Despite some horrendous luck (.201 BABIP), Bautista has again put up tremendous numbers this season as he currently leads Josh Hamilton in the AL home run race. Tough to see Edwin Encarnacion (.291 BA, 22 HR, 55 RBI) left off the team, as he carried the offense early in the season and is having a terrific year.

16. Cleveland Indians (40-38, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
2B Jason Kipnis
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
LF Johnny Damon
1B Casey Kotchman
DH Jose Lopez
3B Jack Hannahan

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Josh Tomlin
SP Zach McAllister
CL Chris Perez

Last Week's Record: 3-4

2012 All-Stars

• SS Asdrubal Cabrera (.300/.379/.495, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 41 R)
• RP Chris Perez (32 G, 23-of-24 Sv, 2.67 ERA, 9.5 K/9)

Cabrera has proven that a breakout 2011 season was no fluke, while Perez has emerged as one of the game's top closers. Jason Kipnis (.275 BA, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 20 SB) has a solid argument to be on the team—perhaps even over Cabrera—but he'll have plenty more chances.

15. Atlanta Braves (41-37, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
RF Jason Heyward
LF Martin Prado
C Brian McCann
3B Chipper Jones
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
SS Andrelton Simmons
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Randall Delgado
SP Jair Jurrjens
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 3-3

2012 All-Stars

• 2B Dan Uggla (.232/.362/.410, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 52 R)
• RP Craig Kimbrel (30 G, 23-of-24 Sv, 1.50 ERA, 15.0 K/9)

After a terrible start to his tenure with the Braves last season in which he hit .185 in the first half, Uggla has been much better this year and is making the first All-Star game start of his career in his third appearance. Kimbrel, meanwhile, has built off of his Rookie of the Year campaign and is arguably the best closer in the NL.

Michael Bourn and retiring Chipper Jones are both on the "Final Vote" ballot for the final NL roster spot.

14. Tampa Bay Rays (41-38, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
1B Carlos Pena
CF B.J. Upton
DH Luke Scott
RF Ben Zobrist
2B Jeff Keppinger
3B Sean Rodriguez
C Jose Molina
SS Elliot Johnson

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Matt Moore
SP Alex Cobb
SP Jeremy Hellickson
CL Fernando Rodney

Last Week's Record: 1-6

2012 All-Stars

• SP David Price (16 GS, 11-4, 2.92 ERA, 97 Ks, 104.2 IP)
• RP Fernando Rodney (37 G, 22-of-23 Sv, 1.01 ERA, 8.8 K/9)

It is no surprise that Price is having another great season. He has become one of the top starters in all of baseball over the past few years.

However, Rodney has been as big a surprise as any in baseball. After posting an ERA over 4.00 each of the past five seasons, he signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Rays this offseason and slid into the closer's role when Kyle Farnsworth was injured. He has thrived ever since.

13. Boston Red Sox (42-37, Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

LF Daniel Nava
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B Adrian Gonzalez 
3B Will Middlebrooks
RF Cody Ross
CF Ryan Kalish
SS Mike Aviles  

Current Rotation

SP Josh Beckett
SP Jon Lester
SP Felix Doubront
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
SP Franklin Morales/Aaron Cook
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• DH David Ortiz (.302/.390/.607, 21 HR, 54 RBI, 57 R)

It has been a trying start to the season for the Red Sox, but bringing back Ortiz has proven to be a terrific idea as he has led the team across the board offensively. This marks the first time since 2001 (Manny Ramirez) that the Red Sox have had only one All-Star representative.

12. Baltimore Orioles (42-36, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

2B Brian Roberts
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones 
DH Jim Thome
C Matt Wieters
3B Wilson Betemit
1B Mark Reynolds
LF Steve Pearce

Current Rotation 

SP Jason Hammel
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Brian Matusz
SP Dana Eveland
CL Jim Johnson 

Last Week's Record: 1-5

2012 All-Stars

• C Matt Wieters (.249/.331/.440, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 33 R)
• CF Adam Jones (.302/.345/.556, 19 HR, 42 RBI, 52 R)
• RP Jim Johnson (34 G, 23-of-24 Sv, 1.30 ERA, 5.7 K/9)

The Orioles have been the story of the first half, as they have used a group of homegrown players to play to a 42-36 record so far. Jones has emerged as a legitimate superstar, while Johnson and Wieters have been paramount in the team's success.

Jason Hammel (8-3, 3.29 ERA) is on the "Final Vote" ballot and gets my vote for the final member of the AL roster.

11. St. Louis Cardinals (41-38, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
CF John Jay
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
1B Allen Craig
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
2B Daniel Descalso
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte

Last Week's Record: 3-3

2012 All-Stars

• SS Rafael Furcal (.280/.345/.375, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 52 R)
• RF Carlos Beltran (.310/.396/.576, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 48 R)
• C Yadier Molina (.312/.364/.519, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 34 R)
• SP Lance Lynn (16 GS, 10-4, 3.62 ERA, 98 Ks, 97 IP)

The highlight of the All-Star Game for Cardinals fans will be seeing Tony LaRussa manage one last big league game, as he will head the NL squad. In the end, LaRussa did not personally select any of the four Cardinals representatives; two were voted in as starters and two were selected by the player vote.

Third baseman David Freese (13 HR, 48 RBI) is on the "Final Vote" ballot and could give the team a fifth representative.

10. Los Angeles Dodgers (44-36, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
3B Elian Herrera
RF Andre Ethier
LF Bobby Abreu
2B Jerry Hairston Jr.
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 1-6

2012 All-Stars

• CF Matt Kemp (.355/.444/.719, 12 HR, 28 RBI, 30 R)
• SP Clayton Kershaw (17 GS, 6-4, 2.65 ERA, 112 Ks, 115.1 IP)

Despite having the best record in baseball for much of the first half, the Dodgers netted just two All-Star selections, and one of them won't be playing as Kemp is still injured. It is a crime that veteran Chris Capuano (9-3, 2.69 ERA) wasn't named to the team, and closer Kenley Jansen (12 Sv, 2.29 ERA, 14.3 K/9) has a strong resume as well.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates (42-36, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Presley
RF Jose Tabata
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
2B Neil Walker
3B Pedro Alvarez
C Rod Barajas
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Kevin Correia
SP Jeff Karstens
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• CF Andrew McCutchen (.346/.401/.593, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 47 R)
• RP Joel Hanrahan (31 G, 20-of-22 Sv, 2.10 ERA, 10.5 K/9)

The Pirates are off to a hot start once again this season, and McCutchen has to be the front runner to start in place of the injured Matt Kemp, as he's put up MVP numbers.

The fact that James McDonald (7-3, 2.44 ERA) didn't make the team rates as the year's biggest snub in my book, while A.J. Burnett (9-2, 3.31 ERA) was deserving of a spot as well.

8. Cincinnati Reds (43-35, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Drew Stubbs
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
3B Scott Rolen
LF Ryan Ludwick
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CL Aroldis Chapman

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• 1B Joey Votto (.350/.471/.632, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 50 R)
• RF Jay Bruce (.257/.326/.522, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 42 R)
• RP Aroldis Chapman (32 G, 9-of-13 Sv, 1.98 ERA, 15.9 K/9)

Votto has become a bona fide superstar over the past few seasons. With Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols now in the AL, he is hands down the top first baseman in the NL. Bruce continues to display terrific power, while Chapman has solved what could have been a serious problem at closer for the Reds.

Brandon Phillips (.285 BA, 10 HR, 46 RBI) stands out as a snub.

7. Chicago White Sox (42-37, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
RF Alex Rios
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Dayan Viciedo
SS Alexei Ramirez
2B Gordon Beckham 

Current Rotation

SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Dylan Axelrod
SP Jose Quintana
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• 1B Paul Konerko (.335/.411/.551, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 38 R)
• DH Adam Dunn (.210/.359/.507, 24 HR, 58 RBI, 44 R)
• SP Chris Sale (14 GS, 9-2, 2.27 ERA, 94 Ks, 95.1 IP)

Prince Fielder starting over Paul Konerko is one of the bigger mistakes by the fan voters, but in the end both wound up on the roster. Sale has been terrific in his first season in the rotation, and while Dunn's .210 batting average may look bad, he has offset it with a .359 OBP and some of the best power numbers in the league.

Jake Peavy (6-5, 2.96 ERA) is on the "Final Vote" ballot, but it's catcher A.J. Pierzynski (.285 BA, 14 HR, 45 RBI) who ranks as the biggest snub.

6. New York Mets (43-37, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

CF Andres Torres
SS Ruben Tejada
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
RF Lucas Duda
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C Josh Thole
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Johan Santana
SP Dillon Gee
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
CL Bobby Parnell

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• 3B David Wright (.354/.447/.560, 9 HR, 50 RBI, 53 R)
• SP R.A. Dickey (16 GS, 12-1, 2.15 ERA, 116 Ks, 113 IP)

In what many expected to mark the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the Mets, the team has instead played very well and remains in the thick of things in the NL East. That success can be traced largely to their All-Stars, as Wright is enjoying a bounce-back season, and Dickey is arguably the best starting pitcher in baseball right now.

5. San Francisco Giants (45-35, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Santiago Casilla

Last Week's Record: 5-2

2012 All-Stars

• C Buster Posey (.303/.370/.480, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 32 R)
• 3B Pablo Sandoval (.300/.362/.471, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R)
• LF Melky Cabrera (.352/.394/.514, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 53 R)
• SP Matt Cain (16 GS, 9-3, 2.53 ERA, 114 Ks, 113.2 IP)

The Giants finally overtook the Dodgers this week and are currently first in the NL West. A strong argument can be made that Carlos Ruiz, David Wright and Ryan Braun should be starting over Posey, Sandoval and Cabrera, but none of those three were outlandish All-Star choices by any means.

Depending on how things fall, Cain could be a contender to get the start for the NL, while Ryan Vogelsong (7-3, 2.26 ERA) rates as one of the bigger snubs.

4. Los Angeles Angels (44-35, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
RF Torii Hunter
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
LF Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Alberto Callaspo
SS Erick Aybar
C Bobby Wilson

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Garrett Richards
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 4-2

2012 All-Stars

• LF Mark Trumbo (.312/.361/.620, 20 HR, 55 RBI, 38 R)
• CF Mike Trout (.339/.395/.542, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 51 R)
• SP Jered Weaver (13 GS, 8-1, 2.31 ERA, 66 Ks, 81.2 IP)
• SP C.J. Wilson (17 GS, 9-4, 2.33 ERA, 84 Ks, 104.1 IP)

There is perhaps no player in baseball that has had a bigger impact on his team's success than rookie Mike Trout, as the Angels were 6-14 when they called him up and have gone 37-21 since. Trumbo, a man without a position to start the season, has settled in nicely in left field.

Closer Ernesto Frieri (0.00 ERA, 24.1 IP) has been untouchable since coming over from San Diego, but he will have to earn his spot on the roster via the "Final Vote" ballot.

3. Washington Nationals (45-32, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jesus Flores
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Tyler Clippard

Last Week's Record: 4-3

2012 All-Stars

• SS Ian Desmond (.276/.308/.484, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 41 R)
• SP Gio Gonzalez (16 GS, 11-3, 3.01 ERA, 112 Ks, 95.2 IP)
• SP Stephen Strasburg (16 GS, 9-3, 2.81 ERA, 122 Ks, 93 IP)

The Nationals have gotten to where they are on the strength of their pitching, and a case can certainly be made for Jordan Zimmermann (4-6, 2.77 ERA) and Tyler Clippard (13 Sv, 1.83 ERA) to join Gonzalez and Strasburg.

Phenom Bryce Harper still has a shot at making the roster as he is on the "Final Vote" ballot for the National League.

2. New York Yankees (48-30, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Nick Swisher
DH Eric Chavez
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Freddy Garcia
SP David Phelps
CL Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Record: 5-2

2012 All-Stars

• 2B Robinson Cano (.310/.371/.591, 20 HR, 46 RBI, 55 R)
• SS Derek Jeter (.299/.349/.402, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 41 R)
• CF Curtis Granderson (.246/.348/.508, 23 HR, 46 RBI, 54 R)
• SP CC Sabathia (15 GS, 9-3, 3.45 ERA, 105 Ks, 107 IP)

Cano and Granderson continue to do the heavy lifting for the Yankees on offense and are both having great years once again, but Jeter's resurgence has been a pleasant surprise.

Sabathia is currently nursing a groin injury and could sit out the All-Star Game as a result, but he was certainly deserving of the honor. Hiroki Kuroda (8-7, 3.17 ERA) could get some consideration as his replacement if he does back out.

1. Texas Rangers (50-30, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
DH David Murphy
C Mike Napoli
CF Leonys Martin

Current Rotation

SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Roy Oswalt
SP Scott Feldman
SP Martin Perez
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 5-2

2012 All-Stars

• C Mike Napoli (.235/.335/.438, 12 HR, 30 RBI, 36 R)
• 3B Adrian Beltre (.323/.355/.527, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 45 R)
• LF Josh Hamilton (.314/.381/.643, 25 HR, 73 RBI, 51 R)
• 2B Ian Kinsler (.276/.335/.451, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 61 R)
• SS Elvis Andrus (.307/.383/.412, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 51 R)
• SP Matt Harrison (16 GS, 11-3, 3.16 ERA, 65 Ks, 105.1 IP)
• RP Joe Nathan (34 G, 18-of-19 Sv, 1.87 ERA, 11.2 K/9)

Of the seven Rangers headed to Kansas City, manager Ron Washington selected Andrus, Harrison and Nathan himself. It's hard to argue against any of these guys being on the team, outside of Napoli, who was voted in by the fans.

Yu Darvish (10-5, 3.59 ERA) has a chance to join them as he's on the "Final Vote" ballot. Rookie reliever Robbie Ross (31 G, 6-0, 1.03 ERA) has a case to be on the team as well.