THE NL TEAM

Yesterday I posted my picks for starters on the AL All Star team.
Here are my NL picks:

C RUSSELL MARTIN- .288/.356/.450- This pick is a no brainer. The catcher position in the National League is terrible. Brian McCann has taken a huge step back. Martin has hit 7 HR and driven in 41 RBI. He is a solid backstop and a workhorse behind the plate. He has started all 62 Dodger games behind the plate.
Runner Up: Brad Ausmus

1B PRINCE FIELDER- .290/.374/.637- The Brewers have emerged from NL Central cellar dwellers to contenders. “The Prince” is one of biggest reasons (No pun intended) for this transformation. He is leading the National League with 25 Home Runs and is second in RBI with 54. Fielder has emerged as a prime MVP candidate. Prince even showed some wheels by hitting an in the parker yesterday. That’s the last time that is going to happen.
Runner Up: Albert Pujols

2B CHASE UTLEY- .320/.397/.572- The best second baseman in the majors is clobbering NL pitching. The former UCLA star has kept the Phillies in contention in the absence of slugger and reigning NL MVP, Ryan Howard. Utley leads all Major League second basemen with 12 homeruns and 54 RBI.
Runner Up: Kelly Johnson

SS HANLEY RAMIREZ - .322/.386/.493- Shortstop is the most exciting position in the National League. It is filled with high energy young players that run fast, hit power and play wizard like defense. In the NL shortstop race you can take your pick between Ramirez, Jose Reyes and Edgar Renteria. Renteria. Hanley is having a great sophomore campaign with 8 Homers and 136 total bases. Hanley has stolen 22 bases at a clip of 81.5%.
Runners Up: Edgar Renteria, Jose Reyes

3B MIGUEL CABRERA- .332/.400/.613- Sorry Jose Reyes and David Wright, Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez team up to form the best lest side of the infield in the National League. The young superstar, who burst onto the baseball scene in 2003 when he helped catalyze a Marlins World Championship run, is off to his best season yet. Cabrera leads all NL third basemen with 16 Homers and 51 RBI.
Runner Up: Aramis Ramirez

OF MATT HOLIDAY- .363/.403/.612- Holliday is one most underrated player in Major League baseball. The 27 year old has feasted on National League pitching ever since he debuted in 2004. He is not just another Coors Field wonder either. Although his splits are better at home (.401/.432/.694), Holliday has hit well on the road with a line of .321/.372/.522. Holliday is leading the league in hitting and if he continues to play this well, he should be in the running for the NL MVP award.

OF KEN GRIFFEY JR- .287/.387/.570- The switch from roaming center field to right field has done wonders for Griffey. He has fresh legs, is injury free, and is raking. JR has been one of the few bright spots for the Reds this season. He has hit 18 Home Runs and has driven in 43 RBI. Griffey is 19 Home Runs away from joining the 600 HR home run club.

OF BARRY BONDS -.287/.492/.581- The most hated man in baseball got off to a torrid start to begin the season. He has slowed down a bit, but still is the most feared NL batter. Bonds leads the majors with 26 intentional walks and a God like .492 On Base Percentage. Barry is eight home runs away from breaking Hank Aaron’s record. I despise the man and have no doubt that he has done steroids, but until he fails a drug test or stops putting up huge numbers, the man deserves to be an All Star.
Runners Up: Aaron Rowand, Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee

RANDOM NOTES

-The Lowell Spinners start their New York Penn League season tomorrow against the Oneonta Tigers. The team is coached by former Angel player and Massachusetts native, Gary Discarcina. The Spinners roster contains many intriguing young prospects from last seasons draft like Caleb Clay, Ty Weeden and Ryan Kalish. A player that I am interested in seeing perform is converted Dominican outfielder, Willy Mota, who will pitch for the Spinners. If you live in the area, I highly reccomend taking the trip to LeLacheur Park for a Spinners game. It is a very fun atmosphere and you will see some high quality baseball.