Every year when the All-Star selections are final, the fans and managers forget a selected few that should have had a spot on the final roster. There are always those fan favorites that make it every year no matter their stats, and there are also some players that just flat out don’t deserve it. Managers do have a tough decision to vote for the remaining positions after the fans get their chances to vote so I can’t argue with their decision making but there should be an exception for these snubs.
American League Snubs
Corey Kluber, SP, Cleveland Indians
Stats: 8-6, 2.86 ERA, 125 IP, 137 K
After the Cleveland Indians lost Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir last winter it was clear that Terry Francona‘s club needed arms to step up and fill the void. Justin Masterson was supposed to carry his dominate 2013 season into the start of the 2014 season but he has lost velocity and is walking batters at an unreal rate. Young stud flamethrower Danny Salazer is now pitching in the minors after showing promise in 2012. Corey Kluber has more than filled void left by Kazmir and Jimenez. In fact, Kluber’s been good enough to merit first-half Cy Young consideration, let alone deserving a trip to Minnesota. Across 19 first half starts, Kluber owns the distinction of a dominant K/9 rate (9.81), high value total (3.4 fWAR; third in MLB) and peripherals (2.65 FIP, 2.80 xFIP) that match a sterling ERA of 2.86. If the AL’s best are present at Target Field, Kluber must be included.
Garrett Richards, SP, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Stats: 10-2, 2.71 ERA, 116 IP, 117 k
Richards has quietly emerged into a shutdown righty, capable of generating ground balls and striking batters out. With a fastball reaching 97+ MPH on a regular basis the National League batters should have a sigh of relief since they don’t have to try and catch up to that heat. Richards showed great up-side last season while throwing out of the bullpen and also starting games. In 2014 Richards has proven that he can dominate any team that he faces with his heater and relying on ground balls to carry him through the game. He has carried this pitching staff all season and deserves a roster spot with his impressive 10 wins and great 2.71 ERA.
Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox
Stats: 8-1, 2.16 ERA, 87 IP, 96 K
When it comes to snubs, Chris Sale’s name should be part of any list of complaints for the 2014 All-Star Game. The Chicago White Sox southpaw isn’t just dominant; he’s also the most overpowering left-handed strikeout artist since Randy Johnson. Yes he did miss a month of baseball but his numbers are still overwhelming. Striking out 9.89 batters per nine innings and owns a sparkling 2.16 ERA. Chris Sale IS THE REAL DEAL!
National League Snubs
Anthony Rendon, 2nd & 3rd, Washington Nationals
Stats: .282 avg, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 8 SB
Rendon does about everything for the Nationals and makes it look easy. He plays multiple positions and can hit leadoff to cleanup if needed to. The young stud hits for a high average and has enough power to finish the season with 20+ homers. When the Nats have a runner in scoring position or need a clutch hit you can count on Rendon to drive them in. In 2013 he was able to show many baseball fans that he is capable to be an everyday starter in the show and isn’t disappointing.
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs
Stats: .276 avg, 17 HR, 45 RBI
With Sterlin Castro having a down year in 2013 Rizzo was called upon to carry the offense and he didn’t let them down. Rizzo has carried his career year in 2012 in 2013 and doesn’t look to slow down. He isn’t striking out like he was last season and is making solid contact. He is hitting for a solid average and is clobbering the ball over the fence at a career rate. Every year Rizzo is progressing and is becoming one of the best young studs in all of baseball, if he doesn’t make the 2014 All-Star team we should see his name on the roster for years to come after.
Tim Hudson, SP, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 7-5, 2.53 ERA, 113 IP, 74 K
Many baseball critics thought Tim Hudson’s career was over after his gruesome ankle injury in 2012 with the Atlanta Braves. After signing with the Giants during the winter Hudson knew he had to prove everyone wrong that he still had it in him to produce, well he has done more than that. Hudson has been a great #2 starter behind Madison Bumgarner since Matt Cain is having yet another down year. Hudson has been vintage Hudson all season, relying on his defense to collect outs and being an innings eater. Even though he won’t be an All-Star in 2014 he should finish the season with a chip on his shoulder knowing he didn’t make it.
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