One of the toughest things to do, especially if you have a day job and/or are in the process of a huge move, is to generate daily content for a blog. Thankfully, the Cubs decided to send some guys to the All-Star Game in Washington, DC, so we have something to write about.
Here’s a first time honor for Willson Contreras:
.@WContreras40: IN. pic.twitter.com/A5gOIzHyBK
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 8, 2018
He’s joined by fellow most-exciting-player-in-baseball candidate, Javier Baez:
You know something special will happen when Javy’s on the field.
@javy23baez is the starting 2B for the National League. pic.twitter.com/vXE4a0lshR— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2018
While the other guys are playing well, the voters were most adept at voting in these two given a down year for Bryzzo probably keeping their vote totals down. It is difficult to argue against Javy, who has been a dynamo and a magician all over the field and in the community. Willson is a bit of a reach, but he has been calling a good game and keeping the running game in check. Way to stuff those ballot boxes, Cubs fans!
#Cubs Baez received 2,757,401 votes to edge the Braves' Albies (2,625,401) while Contreras got 2,172,682 votes over the Giants' Posey (1,918,966)
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 8, 2018
And since he swings for the fences anyway, here’s my vote for Javy in the Home Run Derby:
Do you want to compete in the Home Run Derby?#Cubs' Javier Baez: "If I got the opportunity, I would probably do it because it's my first All-Star Game. We'll see. We'll see. I haven't heard anything about it, but sure, I'd love to."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 8, 2018
Here are the National League starters:
Your 2018 National League All-Star starters! pic.twitter.com/IzQvko1MQj
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2018
The American League roster does have a DH, and I’m sure the NL will stick someone there since the All-Star Game uses the DH no matter what.
Your 2018 American League All-Star starters! pic.twitter.com/YZKPf78pqG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2018
Hey look, Jon Lester got invited too!
.@JLester34: IN. pic.twitter.com/F7SkhNFJn6
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 8, 2018
With all the success of the 2018 Cubs to this point, Lester has been the most consistent starter even with some potentially worrisome trends. He is getting the job done, though, and deserves this selection. Lester will join a pretty impressive NL pitching staff:
Your National League All-Star Pitchers:
Max Scherzer
Jacob deGrom
Jon Lester
Aaron Nola
Josh Hader
Kenley Jansen
Patrick Corbin
Sean Doolittle
Mike Foltynewicz
Brad Hand
Miles Mikolas
Felipe Vazquez— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2018
Lester will most likely pitch one or two innings, while Javy and Willson will be out by the fifth inning, if not sooner. The AL has an impressive pitching staff as well:
Oh, those poor hitters.
Here’s your American League All-Star pitching staff. pic.twitter.com/2Ri5vuNh2b
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2018
Here are the NL reserves:
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1016103539955896320
Here are the AL reserves, also a very formidable group:
This roster is STACKED.
Your American League All-Star reserves. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UZZ6iSOthA
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2018
You may notice former Cubs prospect Gleyber Torres on the list. Torres has had an impressive rookie season, but unfortunately landed on the disabled list with a hip strain. If the Yankees are taking it easy, the AL may need a replacement infielder, but it might be fun for him to get the experience in the exhibition even if he doesn’t play.
Strictly on paper, I think the AL squad is markedly superior to the NL, but strange things tend to happen in baseball. It’s not like this game counts for something anyway, right?
The full rosters are in the post below, including the final vote candidates, which sadly does not include Albert Almora…
Full AL & NL rosters for the 2018 @AllStarGame were announced tonight on the @CampingWorld All-Star Selection Show on ESPN. Rosters include 29 All-Stars age-27 or younger, 25 first-time All-Stars and 21 foreign-born All-Stars. pic.twitter.com/ZonMp7k3WH
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 8, 2018
Get ready for a week full of bad Twitter hashtags, everyone!
UPDATE 7/9 8:50 PM: It seems that Buster Posey is a bit dinged up, so Yadier Molina will be replacing him. Whee!
Yadier Molina has been named to the NL All-Star team to replace Buster Posey (right hip inflammation). pic.twitter.com/0T0rmgLorv
— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2018
Between now and the end of games on Sunday, I imagine there will be more replacements, especially for All-Star pitchers who had to pitch on that Sunday. The big snub-that-will-be-fixed is probably Rays lefty Blake Snell.
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