2012 MLB All-Star Game: Did Los Angeles Dodgers Get Snubbed?

As has become an annual debate on the day the All-Star Game rosters are announced, fans around the league began making the case that their favorite players got snubbed. For Dodgers fans, the feeling is no different, but the question must be asked as to whether these complaints are justified.

On one hand, the slumping Dodgers are represented by their two biggest stars: Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw. On the other hand, however, some of the team's best (and healthiest) players thus far (Andre Ethier, Chris Capuano and A.J. Ellis) are nowhere to be found.

For Kemp, the decision was an easy one. Now amongst the league's most marketable players, Kemp was comfortably voted to Kansas City as a starter despite the fact that it's unlikely he'll even play.

For Kershaw, the election into the mid-summer classic came by way of manager Tony LaRussa, who picked the reigning Cy Young Award winner over a handful of other qualified starters. While performing under the expectations he established for himself last season, Kershaw's 2.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 103 strikeouts still rank him among the league's best pitchers.

Not joining Kemp and Kershaw in Kansas City are a trio of Dodgers who have made strong cases thus far for their own candidacy as all-stars.

Tops among the list is starter Chris Capuano, whose numbers are actually better than those of Kershaw. With nine wins on the season, Capuano has posted a 2.69 ERA thus far as the team's most pleasant surprise by far.

Unfortunately for Capuano, his competition for the final roster spots was heated to say the least. Of the pitchers chosen, Wade Miley, Lance Lynn and Gio Gonzales seem to be the three least-qualified selections.

Miley, however, was the lone representative from the Diamondbacks, so there is no argument to be made for Capuano taking his spot.

As for Lynn, the situation is a bit complicated. Now boasting an ERA of 3.64, Lynn was voted in by the players 10 days ago—just before back-to-back starts with six earned runs a piece. Heading into the vote, Lynn had more wins, a comparable ERA (2.80) and more strikeouts.

Finally that brings us to Gio Gonzalez. Like Lynn, Gonzalez was voted in via player ballots, and also like Lynn, Gonzalez has struggled since voting. Ten days ago, Gonzalez had an ERA of just 2.60, which has since grown to 3.01, but once again, Capuano still trails Gonzalez in key categories such as strikeouts and WHIP.

At first glance, it seems as if Capuano got the short end of the stick. With numbers that (as of today) are better than both Lynn and Gonzalez, it seems that Capuano falls into the category of "snub."

One look at the list he joins, however, and it's easy to understand why not many people are crying out for Capuano's inclusion.

Also on the outside looking in are Johnny Cueto (9 wins, 2.26 ERA) and Zack Greinke (9 wins, 2.82 ERA, 102 strikeouts)—two guys with a much stronger case than Capuano. So while it's fun to banter about whether the Dodgers lefty was deserving, it appears the snub can be attributed to one simple fact: There's just a lot of great NL pitchers this season.

Next on the list of Dodger hopefuls was Andre Ethier, who is currently tied for third in the NL with 55 RBIs.

While serious competition is sure to blame for Ethier's absence, another major factor could have been his recent injuries. Ethier hasn't played since Wednesday afternoon and LaRussa was unlikely to use one of his rare manager picks on a player whose status was so uncertain.

From a more stats-based perspective, Ethier has also posted underwhelming numbers outside of his RBI total, hitting just .291 with 10 home runs.

Finally on the list of potential Dodger representatives is new fan favorite A.J. Ellis.

Primed with his own twitter hashtag (#AJ2KC) and cult-esque-website (ajellisfacts.tumblr.com), Ellis was an early favorite to make it to Kansas City thanks to his inordinately high on-base percentage.

Unfortunately for the Dodger backstop, while his OBP has remained among the best in the league, his other numbers have dropped.

After batting as high as .315 in early June, Ellis has seen his average drop to .286 thanks to a .222 average in the month of June. He also has just one home run since May 26.

While still posting solid all-around numbers, the biggest factor in the Ellis omission is simply a plethora of talent at the catcher position in the national league. Leading the way is starter Buster Posey (.303 average, 10 home runs, 42 RBI) along with all-star backups Carlos Ruiz (.356 average, 11 home runs, 43 RBI) and Yadier Molina (.312 average, 13 home runs, 45 RBI).

So sure, it's fun to sit and argue about how this guy didn't make the team and this guy did, but sometimes, it's just the product of circumstances. Capuano, Ethier and Ellis are all having great seasons this year and they're a big reason why LA is in the playoff hunt, so just because they won't be on the field in Kansas City doesn't mean they don't deserve to be. Then again, there's a lot more than 34 players who do every year—just ask their fans.