MLB All-Star Game: An overview of the rosters – Part 6
The position players in the American League roster for the All-Star Game got elected with clear majority and some record-breaking numbers. The National League had some intense competition for the position players. All players deserved a spot and in the end,
it was the fan power during the last minute of voting which won positions for the players.
The National League line-up has been deprived of some “star” names. These include Albert Pujols (disabled list) and Brandon Phillips could not make it to the starting line-up and lost their positions to Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks respectively. The following
players made it to the NL roster.
Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves will be a part of the star-laden line-up. He was NL’s Most Valuable Player in the 2010 All-Star edition and given his form this season this does not seem a distant possibility. He is more than dependable at his catcher’s
position and his hitting ability is an added advantage to any squad. McCann has registered 89 hits in 77 games this season in conjunction with 34 runs and 48 RBIs. With a slugging percentage of .516, expect fireworks at Chase Field from the bearded McCann
on July 12!
Prince Fielder from Milwaukee Brewers fills in first base for the National League ahead of the thunderous Albert Pujols. Fielder is no less talented than any other player on the Circuit. His consistency and determination to the game has been his key to success
in his six years in the Majors. With a career record of 528 runs and 607 RBIs accompanied by strong arms to hammer the ball into the stands shown by 214 career home-runs, Fielder is capable of making it to any top team. This season has been no less, as Fielder
has been connecting brilliantly, managing 93 hits for 52 runs and 71 RBIs in 88 games. Fans gathering in Phoenix will look up to him to fill Pujols’ shoes.
At second base in the National League starting line-up is Rickie Weeks from Milwaukee Brewers. He edged past Brandon Phillips in the fan voting and the followers will now have high expectations from the right-handed maestro. Weeks is in good batting form
this season and challenging his ability at second base is not pertinent. Rickie has the second-most runs (61) in the NL this season and with experience backing his ability, he is expected to be a stand-out when the stars meet.
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco takes his position in the star-studded National League line-up at third base. The 35-year-old is the first Phillies third baseman elected for a start since Scott Rolen in 2002. Polanco has represented the
All-Star team in 2007 but from the opposite side. Winner of the 2007 and 2009 Gold Glove award, Polanco’s fielding ability cannot be doubted. This season, he has featured in 83 games and has managed 88 hits. Polanco is a master-craft when it comes to scoring
RBIs, having scored 670 in 1680 career games.
Polanco’s election to third-base assures that the bases are now well guarded for the National League. Combined with Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder, the partnership is well capable of tackling the strongest of the batting sides. An intense competition is
on the cards.
Continued in Part 7
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