Yasiel Puig Shouldn't Be Considered a Sure-Fire All-Star Selection

In the first tally of the "Final Vote" results on Monday, Yasiel Puig trailed Freddie Freeman for the last spot on the 2013 National League All-Star team, per Alyson Footer of MLB.com.

Judging by the nation's reaction, the world may implode on itself if the 22-year-old Cuban slugger doesn't surpass the Atlanta Braves first baseman.

But it shouldn't.

Indeed, Puig's results so far are outstanding. In his first 32 games as a pro, he's hitting .409 with eight home runs, 19 RBI and 25 runs while posting an on-base percentage of .437 and a slugging percentage of .677.

ESPN Stats & Info tweeted on Saturday:

That being said, consider the fact that plenty of players have had monstrous months this season, but not all of them have consistently performed throughout the course of the campaign. For example, Braves outfielder Justin Upton hit .298 with 12 home runs, 19 RBI, 22 runs and a slugging percentage of .734 in just 94 at-bats in April, but he's hitting .244 with 15 home runs and a slugging percentage of .439 for the season.

If Puig makes the All-Star team this season, you can't exactly say he didn't earn it. But I understand why some people would have a problem with it. We have seen plenty of players throughout the years have outstanding seasons early in their careers only for pitchers to discover their weaknesses and doom them for eternity.

Remember the 2012 version of Yoenis Cespedes? The 27-year-old Cuban hit .292 with 23 home runs and 82 RBI last season. 

This season? His home run numbers are still solid (15 home runs), but his batting average has dipped to .226. He's also walking less and striking out more.

If Puig doesn't make the All-Star team this season, it shouldn't be looked at as some travesty or signal that all is wrong in this world. But if Puig produces at the same level—or even close to it—in the first half of next season and doesn't make it, that's when we should sound the alarm bells.