All-Star mess

     For years, fans have been able to vote in their favorite players to the MLB All-Star Game. Many times, the most popular players of a team would dominate the voting, and the lower tier players wouldn’t receive as many votes. Well we have reached a new point in voting. As of Jun. 15, eight of the nine AL spots are being occupied by Kansas City Royals. Now, you have to give it to the Royals' fans for getting behind their team, but some of these totals are outliers. We all need to remember that All-Star voting is for the players having the best years, not just trying to vote a whole team on. Now, some of the Royals' players have earned it, but when Omar Infante is hitting .229 with zero home runs and a .236 OBP and is leading in second base voting over Jason Kipnis, that is where it needs to stop. We need to reward deserving players, and celebrate their success.

Here are the players who lead voting at each position:

Catcher
1. Salvador Perez, Royals: 7,202,292
2. Stephen Vogt, A's: 3,260,864
3. Russell Martin, Blue Jays: 2,225,889

First Base
1. Eric Hosmer, Royals: 5,777,363
2. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 5,301,216
3. Prince Fielder, Rangers: 1,794,589

Second Base
1. Omar Infante, Royals: 4,518,765
2. Jose Altuve, Astros: 4,209,702
3. Jason Kipnis, Indians: 1,859,756

Third Base
1. Mike Moustakas, Royals: 6,505,258
2. Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays: 4,880,315
3. Nick Castellanos, Tigers: 923,589

Shortstop
1. Alcides Escobar, Royals: 6,332,981
2. Jose Iglesias, Tigers: 3,491,530
3. Jose Reyes, Blue Jays: 1,649,076
4. Marcus Semien, A's: 1,132,210
5. Jed Lowrie, Astros: 978,177

Outfield
1. Lorenzo Cain, Royals: 6,611,781
2. Mike Trout, Angels: 5,944,068
3. Alex Gordon, Royals: 5,581,096
4. Alex Rios, Royals: 3,952,551
5. Adam Jones, Orioles: 3,248,559
6. Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers: 3,165,784

Designated Hitter

1. Kendrys Morales, Royals: 5,422,250
2. Nelson Cruz, Mariners: 4,873,273
3. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays: 1,430,262

*Voting Totals Courtesy of MLB.com as of Jun. 15, 2015.

Here is who I think deserves the All- Star Nod:

Catcher- Stephen Vogt: Oakland A’s

Vogt has burst onto the scene this year and has taken over the starting job in Oakland. He first became famous for his referee skit on the MLB Network show, Intentional Talk, but is now letting his playing do the whistle blowing. He currently leads MLB catchers in home runs (13), RBIs (50), Walks (36), OBP (.382), SLG (.537) and OPS (.918). Stats like this deserve an All-Star appearance.

First Base- Miguel Cabrera: Detroit Tigers

As a perennial All-Star, Cabrera continues to put up silly good numbers. He leads AL first baseman in home runs (15), RBIs (51), average (.345), OBP (.447) and is second in hits (82), and doubles (13). This is just a special player who usually dominates the ballot. If this game is going to count for home field advantage, Cabrera needs to be in that lineup.

Second Base- Jason Kipnis: Cleveland Indians

After a disappointing 2014, Kipnis has turned it back on in 2015. He has even overcome a tough start to the season as he hit only .213 in April. Then came May in which he hit .429 and collected 51 hits, 15 of which being doubles. As it currently stands, Kipnis leads AL second baseman in hits (89) and average (.341), and is second in stolen bases (10) and doubles (20). This year is showing that his terrific 2013 campaign was not a fluke.

Third Base- Josh Donaldson: Toronto Blue Jays

An offseason trade saw Donaldson shipped to the powerful Blue Jay Line-up. He has showed no signs of having trouble becoming acclimated with the team. He leads AL third baseman in home runs (17), RBIs (46), doubles (17), hits (83) and is second in average (.304). Donaldson has not disappointed Blue Jays' fans, and should be starting in Cincinnati on Jul. 14.

Shortstop- Jose Iglesias: Detroit Tigers

I could’ve gone a few ways here, but Jose just beat out Alcides Escobar in my vote. Although he doesn’t qualify in the average and OBP departments because of fewer at-bats, Iglesias has an average of .328 with an OBP of .377. He has also wowed with his defensive wizardry, and would be a ton of fun to watch in the Midsummer Classic.

Outfield

Mike Trout: Los Angeles Angels

The only player of my picks actually in line for a spot on the team, Trout just keeps putting up numbers. It wouldn’t be an All-Star game without Trout. He is continuing the power he showed last year by hitting 18 home runs thus far. He also has a .299 average with 41 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. The five-tool outfielder also shines on the big stage and we will see him in Cincy.

Michael Brantley: Cleveland Indians

Although Brantley’s numbers don’t dominate in the home run department, he is in the top five in most major offensive categories. He has put up a very good .305 average with 21 doubles (1^st in AL) and 35 RBIs. He also has more walks, 29, than strike outs, 17. He has been a staple in the Indians' lineup and has taken off since the beginning of 2014.

Adam Jones: Baltimore Orioles

This was a tough choice as there are too many deserving outfielders. Jones, though, has great numbers across the board, .305, 10 home runs, 35 RBIs. He is third among AL outfielders in hits with 73, and really loves the spotlight. He is deserving of a 5^th All-Star appearance.

Designated Hitter- Nelson Cruz: Seattle Mariners

This is a no brainer… Cruz is 2^nd in the AL with 18 home runs, and has put up a very good average (.315) and OBP (.379). Most importantly he has continued his power threat at the plate and with the power pitching the NL offers, we’d love to see Cruz take his hacks and challenge them.

Just missed:

1B Prince Fielder (TEX): .344, 11 HR, 47 RBI

1B Albert Pujols (LAA): .273, 20 HR, 42 RBI

2B Dustin Pedroia (BOS): .307, 9 HR, 27 RBI

2B Jose Altuve (HOU): .287, 17 SB, 28 RBI

3B Mike Moustakas (KC): .321, 6 HR, 25 RBI

3B Manny Machado (BAL): .292, 14 HR, 34 RBI

OF Yoenis Cespedes (DET): .301, 9 HR, 35 RBI

OF Josh Reddick (OAK): .291, 10 HR, 41 RBI

OF Jose Bautista (TOR): .251, 13 HR, 44 RBI

DH Kendrys Morales (KC): .286, 7 HR, 43 RBI

DH Alex Rodriguez (NYY): .277, 13 HR, 34 RBI

"Houston, we have a problem... we're actually good this year."

          For years, the Houston Astros have been the doormat of Major League Baseball, losing 100 games in three of the past four seasons while not even reaching .500 since their 2008 campaign which saw them go 86-75. The organization has been preaching about "The Process" and have been trying to get everyone to buy in. They have built a strong farm system through numerous trades and the draft, and it has started to bare the fruit needed to contend.

As of Jun. 12 2015, the Astros have accrued a record of 35-27 while leading the talent filled AL West. Once deemed the 2017 World Series Champions by Sports Illustrated, the Astros may fulfill that prophecy a few years early. They are led by consistent pitching that has posted a team ERA of 3.61, 3rd best in the AL. The rotation has been led by Dallas Keuchel who has picked up where he left off in 2014. Through his first 13 starts, Keuchel is 7-2 with a 1.90 ERA, and if he keeps this up, we can expect to see him in Cincinnati for the midsummer classic in July. Lance McCullers has also jumped onto the scene going 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA through his first five starts.

One of the biggest improvements though, has been the bullpen. 2014 was a struggle for the pen as they were last in bullpen ERA, 4.80, and tied 28th in saves with 31. They let many games slip away in the late innings and never had a defined closer. 2015 is a complete turn around. To address this need, general manager Jeff Luhnow signed Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson to serve as veteran anchors in the bullpen. Both have done their job well as Gregerson has saved 15 of 17 games while Neshek has posted a 2.82 ERA while striking out 20 compared to two walks. Will Harris has also been a reliable option as he has put up a 0.94 ERA while striking out 33 in 28 2/3 innings.

On the other side of the ball, the Astros have a very different lineup than in years past. What used to be considered a Triple-A lineup is now a force to be reckoned with. Led by Evan Gattis (12 HR, 39 RBIs), George Springer (.255, 10 HR, 13 SB) , and Jose Altuve (.290, five HR, 17 SB) , the Astros are at the top of many offensive categories. They are 1st in home runs (83), 3rd in stolen bases (50) and 8th in Walks (83). The home run hitting offense does have a downside though as they are 29th in batting average (.235), 24th in OBP (.302) and have the second most strikeouts in the majors behind the Chicago Cubs (571). Their offense will have to be more consistent to contend, but if the pitching keeps it up, they can power their way to winning games. Also unlike the 2014 Atlanta Braves, who did not have success with the all or nothing offense, the Astros have speed on the team to help mix the offensive attack.

Overall, the Astros are a completely different team than in the previous four years. They have pitching, a formidable line-up and a veteran presence that can lead them to contend for a division title in what has so far been a disappointing AL West.

Evaluating the first day of the 2015 MLB First-Year-Player Draft

After years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, dreams have started to become true. Yesterday was the first day of the 2015 MLB First Year Player Draft, and it was very exciting to see these young men being given an opportunity to start their path to the big leagues. Here is a look at some of the story lines from Monday's draft.

Drafting at the Top is No Short Order

Leading up to the draft, there was no clear cut No. 1 overall pick. The Arizona Diamondbacks had the first selection and many speculated that they would take either Dansby Swanson, Brendan Rodgers, or Tyler Stephenson. As it turned out, three shortstops would be taken in the first three picks. Here is a look at the three shortstops.

No. 1 Overall -- Arizona Diamondbacks -- Dansby Swanson, shortstop, Vanderbilt University
The Diamondbacks would end up selecting Swanson, the power hitting shortstop from Vanderbilt, who was considered best pick of the three. He has stellar potential and has excelled at the college level. On the night of the draft, facing Illinois, he went two-for-four with his 15th home run of the season off of Tyler Jay, who would be the No. 6 overall selection to the Twins. Swanson possesses great makeup, is a great leader and has potential to be a future face of baseball.

No. 2 Overall -- Houston Astros -- Alex Bregman,  shortstop, Louisiana State University
Adding to the farm system once again, the Astros picked another shortstop, this time at the college level. Bregman is not quite at the level of Swanson, but is very close and is a high upside guy who is deemed a "pure hitter." He also possesses a good glove at short and has the ability to play second base. With the Astros turning the page to win now mode, a college shortstop was the perfect way to go for a quicker impact in the bigs.

No. 3 Overall -- Colorado Rockies -- Brendan Rodgers, shortstop, Lake Mary HS (FL)
The Rockies found their shortstop of the future in Rodgers. Rodgers, who is committed to Florida State, is another power bat drafted at the shortstop position. He possesses athleticism and a good arm that will be able to keep him at shortstop. This was a great pick for the Rockies as it seems like Troy Tulowitzki's days with the club are lessening.


Surprise, Surprise

Daz Cameron- outfielder - No. 37 Overall by the Houston Astros
At one point many scouts thought Cameron was an option to go No. 1 overall. As the spring went on he was positioned around the #6 best draft prospect on most boards. Last night saw Cameron, the son of former big leaguer Mike Cameron, drop to No. 37 overall into the Competitive Balance picks. Why would this happen? Many speculated the asking price was $5 million dollars, and not too many teams had the pool money to make it happen. Another variable is that Cameron is represented by Scott Boras, and many teams shy away from Boras' clients due to his often high demands. It will be interesting to see whether Cameron will receive the money that he wants and sign with the Astros, or attend Florida State in the fall.


Josh Naylor- first baseman - No. 12 Overall by the Miami Marlins
Coming into the Draft, Naylor was ranked as the 59th best draft prospect on the MLB.com Top 200 Draft Prospects list, so the Marlins taking him at No. 12 overall was a shock. This would make him the highest drafted Canadian in Draft History. Now, don't think the Marlins aren't getting talent. Naylor is a premier power hitter and produces consistent hard contact. Power is always hard to find, so the Marlins went out and got the big slugger. Imagine Naylor and Giancarlo Stanton in the same lineup down the road.

Great Story Lines

Kyle Tucker- outfielder - No. 5 Overall to the Houston Astros
Kyle Tucker is the younger brother of Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, who was called up earlier this year. It was said that the Astros got to know Kyle even more as he attended the Astros Spring Training camp to watch his older brother. It will be fun to watch as these two have the opportunity to play in the outfield together in the future.

Kolby Allard- left-handed-pitcher & Lucas Herbert- catcher-  No. 14 and No. 54 Overall (respectively) to the Atlanta Braves
While Allard was attracting the attention on the mound at San Clemente High School in California, Herbert was opening eyes behind the plate. Not often do you see a high school battery get drafted not only early in the draft, but to the same team. It is also worth noting that Herbert previously lived in Georgia, where he attended Milton High School. He will now get the opportunity to play in Atlanta once again. It will be fun to see these two as they grow up in the minors together.

Rodgers- shortstop & Mike Nikorak- right-handed-pitcher - No. 3 and No. 27 Overall (respectively) to the Colorado Rockies
Rodgers and Nikorak were two of only four players who showed up to the MLB Network Studios for the draft on Monday, but it worked out well for both of them as they both now know someone entering pro ball. Both are professional young men and it will be great to see if they develop a friendship these next couple years that can be traced back to meeting at the draft.