2013 MLB All-Star Rosters If Team Captains Picked the Players

The All-Star Game has long been a popularity contest.

For instance, until recently, Pablo Sandoval, who has posted a mediocre park-adjusted 100 wRC+ this season, was leading David Wright, who has swatted an elite 155 wRC+, in the third baseman ballot.

The MLB even has a rule that each major league team must be represented by at least one player in the All-Star Game.

If the All-Star voting system were more like schoolyard rules, perhaps the best players would actually take part in the All-Star Game.

Below are hypothetical, mixed-league 2013 All-Star Game rosters as selected by team captains (Miguel Cabrera and Troy Tulowitzki).

*All statistics (through June 29) are sourced from Baseball Reference and Fan Graphs.

Round 1

1. Chris Davis, 1B (Team Tulo)

Davis is the best power hitter in baseball right now. With 30 home run and a .333 batting average (versus park-adjusted 198 wRC+), he’s the best hitter (considering Miguel Cabrera is a captain) on the board.

2. Mike Trout, OF (Team Miggy)

Trout had one of the best rookie seasons in history during 2012, but his 2013 is right on pace with it. The Angels outfielder has posted a .315 batting average, a park-adjusted 159 wRC+, 13 home runs and 20 stolen bases this season.

3. Carlos Gonzalez, OF (Team Tulo)

CarGo has truly entered elite status in 2013 with 21 home runs, 15 stolen bases and a 150 wRC+.

4. Joey Votto, 1B (Team Miggy)

Behind Chris Davis, Votto is another prime first baseman. He has swatted to the tune of a .322 batting average, 161 wRC+ and 14 home runs in 2013. 

5. Robinson Cano, 2B (Team Tulo)

Cano has continued his reign as the league’s finest second baseman. His 16 home runs and 126 wRC+ are single-handedly propelling the New York Yankees’ offense.

Round 2

6. Yadier Molina, C (Team Miggy)

Molina is perhaps better recognized for his glove, but the catcher has also raked at the plate in 2013, posting a .350 batting average, 151 wRC+ and six home runs.

7. Bryce Harper, OF (Team Tulo)

Harper is following up his stellar rookie season with a superior one in 2013. The outfielder has posted a 166 wRC+ with 12 home runs and two stolen bases this season.

8. Matt Carpenter, 2B (Team Miggy)

Carpenter, in his first full season as a starter, has proved to be an emerging force at second base. Carp has posted a .317 batting average, 144 wRC+ and six home runs in 2013.

9. Joe Mauer, C (Team Tulo)

Mauer may not be producing like his 2009 self, but the catcher is still the gold standard for his position. He’s posted a .325 batting average with a 148 wRC+ and eight home runs.

10. Carlos Gomez, OF (Team Miggy)

Gomez is the real deal. By posting a .317 batting average, 153 wRC+, 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases, Gomez has proved that he’s not just a speedster with an elite glove.

Round 3

11. David Wright, 3B (Team Tulo)

Wright is enjoying yet another elite season as the Mets captain. The third baseman has posted a .303 batting average, park-adjusted 155 wRC+, 12 home runs and 14 stolen bases.

12. Jose Bautista, OF (Team Miggy) 

Bautista’s great story has continued into 2013, as the outfielder has posted a park-adjusted 128 wRC+ with 18 home runs and six stolen bases.

13. Andrew McCutchen, OF  (Team Tulo)

With the Pirates finally doing well as a team, McCutchen is getting some much deserved attention. The outfielder has posted a .293 batting average, 129 wRC+, nine home runs and 16 stolen bases. 

14. Jean Segura, SS (Team Miggy) 

Segura has quickly emerged as one of the best shortstops in the game. The infielder has posted a .333 batting average, 144 wRC+, 11 home runs and 24 stolen bases.

15. David Ortiz, DH (Team Tulo) 

Ortiz doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The DH has hit to the tune of a .317 batting average, 164 wRC+ and 16 home runs.

Round 4

16. Evan Longoria, 3B (Team Miggy) 

Miggy will be starting at third base as captain, but Longoria will provide some relief when needed. Longoria has swatted to the tune of a .298 batting average, 152 wRC+ and 17 home runs.

17. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B (Team Tulo)

Votto and Goldschmidt are neck-and-neck as the top National League first basemen. Goldy has posted a .309 batting average, 154 wRC+, 19 home runs and eight stolen bases for the Diamondbacks.

18. Matt Harvey, SP (Team Miggy) 

With each start, Harvey continues to shine. The young Mets’ ace has hurled a 2.00 ERA (versus park-adjusted 2.64 xFIP) and a 5.50 K/BB.

19. Adam Wainwright, SP (Team Tulo) 

It’s a tough decision to pick the first starting pitcher, but Wainwright has been masterful in 2013. The righty has hurled a 2.22 ERA (versus park-adjusted 2.67 xFIP) and 9.50 K/BB.

20. Yu Darvish, SP (Team Miggy) 

Darvish’s 143 strikeouts lead the league, and his 2.95 ERA (vs. 2.57 xFIP) is pretty fantastic too.

Round 5

21. Felix Hernandez, SP (Team Tulo)

King Felix continues to be one of the finest starting pitchers in baseball. Hernandez has posted a 2.70 ERA (versus park-adjusted 2.51 xFIP) and a 5.59 K/BB. 

22. Dustin Pedroia, 2B (Team Miggy)

Pedroia is consistently one of the best producers at second base, and 2013 is no different. Pedroia has posted a .325 batting average, park-adjusted 131 wRC+, five home runs and 11 stolen bases. 

23. Manny Machado, 3B (Team Tulo)

Machado might not walk much (4.0 percent walk rate), but he has mashed: .316 batting average, 122 park-adjusted wRC+, five home runs and six stolen bases. He also has one of the best gloves at third base in the league.

24. Prince Fielder, 1B (Team Miggy)

When there’s tough competition like Davis, Votto and Goldschmidt, a guy like Fielder can drop in the selection process. Regardless, it’s hard to hate on Fielder and his 131 wRC+ and 13 home runs.

25. Jason Kipnis, 2B (Team Tulo)

After a slow start, Kipnis has emerged as one of the best young second basemen in the game. Kipnis has posted a .299 batting average, 153 wRC+, 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases for the Indians. 

Round 6

26. Buster Posey, C (Team Miggy)

Posey is enjoying yet another elite season behind the dish. Posey has posted a .324 batting average, 161 wRC+ and 11 home runs. If not for his lackluster defense (just this season), he’d be an instant pick over Mauer and Molina.

27. Carlos Santana, C (Team Tulo)

Santana’s production has cooled off a bit lately, but his 135 wRC+ and 10 home runs are still huge achievements for a catcher.

28. Shin-Soo Choo, OF (Team Miggy)

Choo has been a hitting machine for the Reds this season. The outfielder has collected a 149 wRC+, 12 home runs, eight stolen bases and a 15.1 percent walk rate.

29. Gerardo Parra, OF (Team Tulo)

Parra has proven to be a worthy offensive force this season, posting a .299 batting average, 119 wRC+, seven home runs and six stolen bases.

30. Ryan Braun, OF (Team Miggy)

Braun might not hit 41 home runs this season, but the outfielder has posted a .304 batting average, 141 wRC+, nine home runs and four stolen bases this season.

Round 7

31. Everth Cabrera, SS (Team Tulo)

Cabrera has been a completely improved player in 2013, posting a .305 batting average, park-adjusted 134 wRC+, four home runs, 31 stolen bases and a 10.1 percent walk rate. 

32. Jhonny Peralta, SS (Team Miggy) 

There haven’t been many great American League shortstops this season, but Peralta has been the exception. Peralta has posted a .316 batting average, park-adjusted 129 wRC+ and seven home runs.

33. Clayton Kershaw, SP (Team Tulo)

Kershaw has continued his dominating ways in 2013, hurling a 2.08 ERA (versus park-adjusted 3.16 xFIP) and 3.58 K/BB. 

34. Chris Sale, SP (Team Miggy)

Sale has been the sole bright spot of the White Sox in 2013, posting a 2.75 ERA (versus park-adjusted 3.00 xFIP) and 4.25 K/BB.

35. Shelby Miller, SP (Team Tulo)

Miller is far and away the National League’s best rookie pitcher, pitching to the tune of a 2.79 ERA (versus 3.24 xFIP) and 4.59 K/BB.

Round 8

36. Anibal Sanchez, SP (Team Miggy)

The Tigers have been pleased with free-agent signee Sanchez this season, as the pitcher has hurled a 2.76 ERA (versus 2.57 xFIP) and 4.39 K/BB.

37. Max Scherzer, SP (Team Tulo)

Aside from his sterling 12-0 record, Scherzer has also posted a dominant 3.10 ERA (versus 2.78 xFIP) and 5.24 K/BB.

38. Jason Grilli, RP (Team Miggy)

Grilli has arguably been the best closer in baseball this season, dominating to the tune of a 1.77 ERA (versus 1.78 xFIP), 27 saves and 8.29 K/BB.

39. Craig Kimbrel, RP (Team Tulo)

Kimbrel has been one of the top closers in baseball since 2011. So far in 2013, Kimbrel has posted a 1.48 ERA (vs. 2.43 xFIP), 4.30 K/BB and 23 saves.

40. Aroldis Chapman, RP (Team Miggy)

Chapman is walking a few more guys in 2013 than he did in 2012, but the Reds closer has still posted a 2.65 ERA (vs. 2.58 xFIP), 20 saves and 3.35 K/BB.

Round 9

41. Mariano Rivera, RP (Team Tulo)

The All-Star Game wouldn’t be complete without Rivera, but the aged closer is genuinely worthy of a spot. Mo has posted a 1.55 ERA (versus 3.23 xFIP), 26 saves and 4.50 K/BB.

42. Greg Holland, RP (Team Miggy) 

In his first full season as the closer, Holland has posted a 1.86 ERA (versus park-adjusted 1.78 xFIP), 16 saves and 4.27 K/BB.

43. Glen Perkins, RP (Team Tulo) 

Perkins is relatively new to closing but has looked like a veteran ninth-inning man in 2013, posting a 2.05 ERA (versus 2.19 xFIP), 20 saves and 6.14 K/BB. 

44. Joe Nathan, RP (Team Miggy) 

A lot of critics felt Nathan was toast after 2011, but Nathan has been his vintage self in 2013. Nathan has posted a 1.56 ERA (versus 3.76 xFIP), 26 saves and 3.40 K/BB.

45. Mark Melancon, RP (Team Tulo) 

Along with Trevor Rosenthal and Jesse Crain, Melancon has been one of the best non-closing relievers in 2013. Melancon has pitched to the tune of a 0.92 ERA (versus 1.97 xFIP) and 10.75 K/BB.

Round 10

46. Trevor Rosenthal, RP (Team Miggy) 

Rosenthal was perhaps more deserving of the Cardinals closing gig than Mujica, but the reliever has still been worthy of an All-Star slot. Rosenthal has posted a 1.89 ERA (versus 2.28 xFIP) and 6.75 K/BB.

47. Edward Mujica, RP (Team Tulo) 

The career middle reliever has emerged as a closing savior for the Cardinals, posting a 2.20 ERA (versus 3.17 xFIP), 21 saves and 14.00 K/BB. 

48. Sergio Romo, RP (Team Miggy) 

After Brian Wilson was not brought back (due to injury), the Giants fully entrusted Romo with the closing job. Romo has been a delight in 2013, posting a 2.40 ERA (versus 2.70 xFIP), 18 saves and 6.80 K/BB. 

49. Jesse Crain, RP (Team Tulo) 

Crain has been the star of the White Sox bullpen despite not being the closer. Crain has posted a 0.74 ERA (versus 2.99 xFIP) and 4.18 K/BB. It’s likely the to-be free agent will pursue closing jobs for 2014.

50. Clay Buchholz, SP (Team Miggy) 

Buchholz is en route to a career year in 2013, pitching to the tune of a 1.71 ERA (versus 3.22 xFIP) and 2.79 K/BB. Once he returns from injury, Buchholz will attempt to keep the Red Sox’s playoff hopes alive.

Round 11

51. Hisashi Iwakuma, SP (Team Tulo)

Iwakuma has played an impressive second fiddle to Felix Hernandez this season, posting a 2.42 ERA (versus park-adjusted 3.21 xFIP) and 5.94 K/BB.

52. Cliff Lee, SP (Team Miggy) 

The Phillies might be suffering through a bad season, but Lee has been brilliant in 2013. Lee has posted a 2.59 ERA (versus park-adjusted 3.08 xFIP) and 5.48 K/BB. 

53. Mat Latos, SP (Team Tulo)

Latos has emerged as the Reds’ ace starting pitcher in 2013, hurling a 3.03 ERA (versus 3.32 xFIP) and 3.63 K/BB.

54. Alex Cobb, SP (Team Miggy) 

Cobb’s scary injury has put his season in doubt, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to be on the All-Star team. Cobb has posted a career best 3.01 ERA (versus 2.99 xFIP) and 3.30 K/BB.

55. Hunter Pence, OF (Team Tulo)

Pence has been a nice source of offensive for the Giants lineup in 2013, hitting to the tune of a .284 batting average, park-adjusted 128 wRC+, 13 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Pence has also been very stellar defensively. 

Round 12

56. Dexter Fowler, OF (Team Miggy)

Since CarGo is having a whale of a year, some critics have forgotten about Fowler’s great season. Fowler has posted a .291 batting average, park-adjusted 129 wRC+, 10 home runs and 12 stolen bases.

57. Carlos Beltran, OF (Team Tulo)

At age 36, Beltran appears to have plenty left in the tank.  He has powered the Cardinals offense with a .308 batting average, 150 wRC+ and 19 home runs.

58. Michael Cuddyer, OF (Team Miggy) 

The Rockies outfield has been extremely productive at the plate this season, led by Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler. However, Cuddyer has quietly contributed too. He has posted a .344 batting average, 157 wRC+, 14 home runs and six stolen bases.

59. Stephen Strasburg, SP (Team Tulo)

Even though Strasburg has endured a few injury scares in 2013, the phenom has still pitched to the tune of a 2.41 ERA (versus 3.38 xFIP) and 3.33 K/BB.

60. Jordan Zimmermann, SP (Team Miggy) 

In addition to leading the National League in wins, Zimmermann has also hurled a 2.28 ERA (versus 3.42 xFIP) and 4.71 K/BB.

Round 13

61. Patrick Corbin, SP (Team Tulo)

Corbin has still been “perfect” in 2013, posting an impressive 9-0 record. But Corbin has more impressively hurled a 2.22 ERA (versus park-adjusted 3.72 xFIP) and 2.93 K/BB.

62. Jeff Locke, SP (Team Miggy) 

Locke has finally busted out in 2013, pitching to the tune of a 2.06 ERA (versus park-adjusted 4.10 xFIP) and 1.63 K/BB. Locke might have some trouble replicating his great start in the second half, but it’s hard to argue with a 2.06 ERA (even if his peripherals do).

63. Mark Trumbo, OF/1B (Team Tulo)

Trumbo has made tremendous strides in 2013, specifically improving his walk rate (from 6.1 percent in 2012 to 9.6 percent in 2013). Trumbo has also posted a park-adjusted 118 wRC+ and 18 home runs.

64. Brandon Phillips, 2B (Team Miggy) 

Phillips is no longer among the elite second baseman (at least not this season), but he has still posted a park adjusted 100 wRC+ and 11 home runs. 

Round 14

65. Starling Marte, OF (Team Tulo)

Marte has been a hit machine for the Pirates this season, swatting a .288 batting average, 127 wRC+, eight home runs and 22 stolen bases.

66. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF (Team Miggy) 

Ellsbury has bounced back nicely from injury in 2013. Ellsbury has posted a .296 batting average, 107 wRC+ and 32 stolen bases, and he has been solid in the field. The outfielder’s pop is nowhere to be found, but he’s still finding other ways to be productive.

67. Jason Castro, C (Team Tulo)

Castro has been a huge bright spot on an otherwise insufferable Houston Astros team. Castro has posted a 119 wRC+ and slugged 11 home runs.

68. Brett Gardner, OF (Team Miggy) 

Even though Gardner has stolen fewer bases in 2013 (11 stolen bases), he has also already tied his career best in home runs (seven home runs). The outfielder has posted a .286 batting average and 116 wRC+, and he has been an elite glove too.