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Fantasy Baseball: Top Five AL All-Star Snubs
Jul 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) steals third base during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
The All-Star Game and beach trips have a few things in common. They are both fun, American, summer activities and each come with their downsides.
At the beach, there is usual those annoying jellyfish that might be swimming around and perhaps stinging the beach-goers.
All-Star roster snubs sting (figuratively) just as much, and like jellyfish at the beach, snubs for the Mid-Summer Classic are unavoidable.
Even with New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner being added to the roster this week, there are still quite a few snubs from this year’s team. Here are the top five American League fantasy baseball snubs:
Jul 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) fields a ball against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Xander Bogaerts, Boston
One would think a .312 batting average in June and then a .433 average with a 1.002 OPS in July would be strong enough to land a shortstop on the All-Star team, but that isn’t the case. From a fantasy perspective, Bogaerts is the best shortstop in the league, yet he won’t be in Cincinnati next week.
The Red Sox middle infielder is slashing .304/.340/.416 with 25 extra-base hits, 41 RBI and 38 runs in 323 at-bats this season.
Among AL shortstops, he is ranked in the top three in every one of those categories.
Jun 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) gets a single during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Yankees 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Perhaps baseball wanted to avoid the A-Rod controversy at the All-Star Game, but as fantasy owners have learned this year, Rodriguez can still help you win.
He is hitting .276 with a .880 OPS, 16 home runs, 47 RBI and 45 runs scored. If not for Nelson Cruz’s eligibility at DH (he’s played right field more than he has been the DH) then Rodriguez would have a real strong argument to start at DH in the Mid-Summer Classic.
Rodriguez leads all permanent designated hitters with homers, slugging percentage, OPS and runs.
Jul 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a RBI sacrifice fly in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Dozier, Minnesota
Dozier might be the biggest snub of the entire All-Star team. He is having a tremendous season and in AL only fantasy leagues, there is no better option at second base than Dozier.
He leads AL second basemen in home runs, RBI, runs, extra-base hits and slugging percentage. In most of those categories, Dozier is dominating with 18 bombs, 45 RBI, 65 runs scored and a .513 slugging percentage.
A low average, .257, is what probably kept him off the All-Star team, but with his other numbers, fantasy owners would be stupid to do the same.
Jul 4, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Yoenis Cespedes, Detroit
The Detroit Tigers were able to land four All-Stars, so they really can’t be too unhappy, however, it would be a crime if the back-to-back Home Run Derby champion is not in Cincinnati.
Cespedes is slashing .293/.320/.491 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI and 50 runs in 334 at-bats this season. The on-base percentage is surprisingly low, which is probably why Billy Beane traded him, but fantasy owners love the production in the other categories.
Unfortunately, even if Cespedes wins the Final Vote, he will not have the opportunity to defend his Home Run Derby Crown.
Jul 8, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) pitches against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Kazmir, Oakland
A pitcher’s record always has a lot to do with whether they make the All-Star team, but fantasy baseball owners want production in the other categories too.
Despite just a .500 record, Kazmir is providing great numbers in the other categories and has an argument to be in Cincinnati.
He has a 2.49 ERA, which is fifth best among AL starters, 1.12 WHIP, which is eighth best and 96 strikeouts in 101 1/3 innings to go with his 5-5 record this season.
His .215 batting average against and 8.53 K/9 also rank Kazmir in the top 12 American League starting pitchers.