MLB: Predictions for NL All-Star Game Pitching Staff

The halfway point to the baseball season is rapidly approaching, bringing with it the 2011 All-Star game.

The voters ballots for position players are closing in a few days, and certain players have already been guaranteed a spot in the All-Star game. However, the pitching staff will not be selected until much later, when the players and coaches have a say.

Which ones deserve to pitch for the National League?

No. 1: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves

Jair Jurrjens has definitely earned a spot on the NL All-Star team.

His record of 10-3 and his ERA of 2.07—the best in the National League—are very impressive by themselves.

Jurrjens is the No. 1 starter on one of the best pitching staffs in the MLB, and this alone should guarantee him a spot.

I am looking forward to watching Jair Jurrjens pitching to fellow Brave Brian McCann, who is ahead of his competition in the voting polls by a mile.

No. 2: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

I don't think there is any question whether Roy Halladay should pitch in the All-Star game.

Halladay, defending his Cy Young Award, is arguably the best pitcher in the league right now. He, like Jurrjens, is 10-3, with a slightly higher ERA of 2.44.

His FIP, however, is 2.15, suggesting he is even better than you may think. He also has a WAR of 4.5, a very nice stat.

He has been as consistent as ever this year, and deserves a spot on the All-Star roster.

No. 3: Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals

Jaime Garcia has pitched with the qualities of an ace this season.

His record is 6-3 and his ERA is an impressive 3.06. He may not have the league's lowest ERA, but his FIP is 2.65. Pitchers cannot be judged solely on ERA.

His teammate, Kyle Lohse, has pitched a comparable season. However, Garcia has clearly pitched better in June.

Garcia's ERA this month is 2.59, which is terrific, and gives him the resume of an All-Star pitcher.

No. 4: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

I am sure you are not surprised to see another of the Phillies "Big 3" starters on this list.

Cliff  Lee is 9-5 this season, with a 2.66 ERA.

This in itself is impressive. However, like Garcia, Lee has been pitching at his best this month. Last night, Lee pitched his third straight shutout, contributing to his 0.21 ERA in the month of June.

Add his average of 8.78 K/9 and he has clearly pitched well enough to land a spot on the All-Star team.

No. 5: Anibal Sanchez, Florida Marlins

I doubt many people expected Anibal Sanchez to replace Josh Johnson as the ace of the Marlins.

This season, Sanchez has an ERA of 2.82—one of the best in the league—and an impressive record of 6-1.

His FIP is 2.84, which suggests Sanchez is not on a temporary hot streak, and his amazing average of 9.14 K/9 will most likely land him a spot on the All-Star roster.

No. 6: Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves

Jonny Venters is arguably one of the best relievers in the game right now.

He has been nicknamed "Everyday Jonny" for good reason. He is called upon more often than any other Braves reliever. In his 50 innings pitched this season, he has a stellar 1.26 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP.

He has 16 holds, the third most in the league, and deserves a spot in the All-Star game.

No. 7: Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals

With 21 holds, Tyler Clippard has the most in the National League.

He also displays a fantastic ERA of 2.00, and a WHIP of 0.89.

He has pitched 45 innings this season, and his average of 11.40 K/9 alone should be enough for any manager to want him on his roster.

No. 8: Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants

Brian Wilson leads the league with 24 saves this season.

He has yet to give up a home run this year and displays a fantastic 2.43 ERA.

He was the Closer of the Year in 2010, and appears to be making a similar run this season.

I expect him to be given the reigns as the closer of the All-Star game this year.