Skimming through the All-Star game roster this year, there are some names that shouldn’t surprise: Mike Trout, Josh Donaldson and Bryce Harper. Not all All-Stars are MVP candidates and studs.
In 2012, the Chicago Cubs needed a first baseman with Anthony Rizzo still in the minors and journeyman Bryan LaHair snatched up the starting job. In the first half of the season, he was shockingly good, hitting 14 home runs with an impressive .282 average. For his strong performance, he was named a reserve for the All-Star team.
MILWAUKEE, WI – AUGUST 22: Bryan LaHair #6 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Steve Clevenger #51 after hitting a lead off solo home run in the top of the 7th inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on August 22, 2012 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
His success didn’t continue post-break.
He hit only 2 more home runs all season and his .202 average dragged his average down to .259. He hasn’t appeared in the majors since, playing in both Japan and the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox organizations. The 32-year-old is currently a free agent.
Relievers in All-Star games also have a weird history. Strong half-seasons can make the most obscure pitchers All-Stars, case in point former Pittsburgh Pirate Evan Meek.
PITTSBURGH – MAY 24: Evan Meek #47 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the game on May 24, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Now starters and closers usually fill the pitching staff of All-Star games, but Meek was having an absurd season when he was named to the team in 2010. He had an eye-popping 0.96 ERA. His second half wasn’t atrocious, but his numbers rose and he finished with a 2.14 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.
#Pirates Evan Meek named to 1st All-Star game of his career. Has only ERA in MLB under 1.00 (0.98).
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 4, 2010
Meek would pitch 36 games over the next two seasons with the Pirates before being relegated to the minors since, except for a forgettable 23 game appearance in 2014 where he posted a 5.79 ERA. Meek is currently a member of the Washington Nationals organization.
Jason Bartlett was a decent shortstop with the Rays in the late 2010’s, being named an All-Star in 2009 on his way to posting 14 home runs with a .389 OBP. That season an anomaly more than what was to come, as he only had 11 career long balls in over 400+ games, although he was technically a former MVP candidate, as in 2008, before his All-Star selection, he received a fifth place MVP vote despite hitting only one home run the entire year.
ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 11: Shortstop Jason Bartlett #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays makes a throw against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 11, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
While the selection was justified, Bartlett flamed out almost immediately. In his next 300+ major league games he would hit just six home runs and not come close to emulating his All-Star season. He was traded to San Diego in 2010 with the club hoping he’d take over the shortstop position for years to come, and was released by the team in 2012. He sat out all of 2013, and aside from appearing in thee games with the Twins in 2014, he hasn’t appeared in any other games at any pro level. He retired after his last brief stint.
So which players could join Meek, LaHair and Bartlett as likely one-time All-Stars?
Rockies second baseman D.J LeMahieu is almost a lock.
With half the season gone, he’s already approaching career highs across the board and is starting in place of the injured Dee Gordon after getting voted in by fans. So why doesn’t he scream perennial future All-Star? Well, for one thing, despite playing in Colorado he’s got almost no power. His career high in long bombs is just five, and even if he eclipses that number this season, he’ll be lucky to ever hit in the double digits.
His value solely derives from his defensive play, as LeMahieu was a Gold Glove winner at second base in 2014. Now he’s producing offensively this season, but his career .325 OBP and .373 BAPIP this year suggests this season is probably a tad fluky. While he’s a fine player who’s proven he’s deserving of a spot in an MLB lineup, he’s not an All-Star, at least a worthy one.
Utility man Brock Holt was also named to the All-Star team as a reserve and this quote from Ned Yost summarizes just how ridiculous that is.
Ned Yost says Brock Holt has "an aura about him." He really likes Brock Holt.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 7, 2015
Holt is a valuable player. The super utility man has played every defensive spot this year except for pitcher and catcher. Does that mean he should be an All-Star? No, no it does not. Despite his aura.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 16: Brock Holt #26 of the Boston Red Sox reacts to fans after a 9-4 win over the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on June 16, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
In 71 games this year, Holt has two home runs and 22 RBIs with a .292 batting average. He’s scrappy, but has virtually no power or All-Star appeal aside from his versatility. Everybody loves Holt as he’s developed into Ben Zobrist light, but it’s baffling he made it over Alex Rodriguez who’s having a legitimate MVP season.
Finally, Kansas City went all-in with fan voting which was a big factor in why seven Royals were named to the team, including third baseman Mike Moustakas.
The man they call Moose is in the midst of bounce-back season raising his average from year-to-year to .212 to .297 and his OBP from .271 to .353. He’s shown OK power this year (7 home runs) and is a good defender at third but nothing suggests he’s worthy of the honor. But to be entirely honest, he’s participating solely because of fan-voting. While he’s still got plenty of potential, and is relatively young at 26, it’s just not his time.
The trio’s selection shows how being an All-Star isn’t as esteemed as it once was.
