What the 2010 National League All Star Team Should Look Like

The 2010 baseball season has been a good one. One of the main stories so far has been the impact of rookies on the game. Will any of these rookies make my National League All-Star team? I will be Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel for a day, minus the Virginia drawl. The guidelines for my selections are simple. First, the roster will have 34 players, 21 hitters and 13 pitchers. Second, the designated hitter will be used. Third, each team needs to have at least one representative. Finally, I will be stuck, just like the real managers, with whomever is leading in the fan's vote. With all that in place let's see who made the team.

Catcher: The starter behind the plate is Yadier Molina of the Cardinals. Although he wouldn't have made my team if not for the fan vote, it really isn't a big deal because only one catcher stands out as a true all-star. Miguel Olivo of the Rockies is far and away the best catcher in the N.L.

First base: This is a position that is difficult to narrow down to just a few. The starter is an easy choice for the fans, Albert Pujols. Four other first basemen deserve to make the team and here is where my designated hitter spot comes in handy. The Reds Joey Votto makes the team, it would be the Canadian's first all star selection. Slugger Adrian Gonzalez of the surprising San Diego Padres also makes the cut. I will also take the Phillies Ryan Howard and plug him in the designated hitter slot. Against my better judgment I will take another first baseman to back up Howard and that is Atlanta's resurgent Troy Glaus.

Second base: Chase Utley of the Phillies was the fan's choice at second base, but he is injured and will miss the game. The Brewers Rickie Weeks will get the start for me. We will take two back ups, the Marlins power threat Dan Uggla and the Braves Martin Prado, who leads the league in batting average.

Third Base: This was another position that was hard to choose. The fan's leading vote getter is currently the Phillies Placido Polanco. Well he wouldn't make the cut on my team, but since he is injured I need not worry about cutting two worthy candidates, now it will be only one. David Wright of the Mets is driving the ball again and leads the N.L. in runs batted in he starts for me. Scott Rolen of the Reds has stayed healthy and put up impressive numbers and gets a spot. Casey McGehee will have to wait another year to make his first all star team.

Shortstop: Another easy position to fill because there are only two players that deserve to make it. The starter is Florida's Hanley Ramirez, who despite his sometimes lackluster effort still manages to put up good numbers. Juan Uribe of the Giants has had a real solid first half and backs up Ramirez.

Outfield: The fan's chose Ryan Braun of the Brewers, rookie Jason Heyward of the Braves, and Andre Ethier of the Dodgers. The fans did a good job, but the injured Heyward will have to be replaced. Milwaukee's Corey Hart has been on fire and now earns a starting spot. I have five players for only four more spots. The Pirates need a player on the team so I'll take Garrett Jones. The Astros also need someone on the team, so another spot goes to Hunter Pence. Arizona will only have one player be an all star and that is Chris Young. Washington's Adam Dunn will take the last spot and Philadelphia's Jayson Werth will have to watch the game at home on television.

Pitchers: The pitching rotation will contain nine starters and four relievers. Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez already has 14 wins and a no hitter in the first half so he will get the start. The Cubs haven't been represented yet, so Carlos Silva is on board. Florida's Josh Johnson and Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo get the call. Mike Pelfrey of the Mets and Mat Latos of the Padres make their first all star team and Roy Halladay of the Phillies makes his first N.L. squad. There are two spots left and three Cardinals starters are in the running. Aces Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright beat out teammate Jaime Garcia for the final slots. The relievers are Billy Wagner of the Braves, Jonathan Broxton of the Dodgers, Brian Wilson of the Giants, and Ryan Franklin of the Cardinals.

Just like with my American League choices you are free to let me know who I missed, just as long as you tell me who needs to come off the team. Just leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Sources:
Alden Gonzalez, Wright gains; most NL positions up for grabs, mlb.com

MLB statistics 2010, ESPN.com