2015 MLB All-Star Worthy Selections: Catcher

We’re only two weeks away from the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati, and with the fan vote process coming to a close it’s time to take a look at our next position – catcher.

In today’s world of baseball, offensively-gifted catchers are scarce. The days of All-Star constants Mike Piazza, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, and Joe Mauer have ended as we move into an era dominated by Buster Posey and Yadier Molina. In fact, last year’s All-Stars Kurt Suzuki, Jonathan Lucroy, and Devin Mesoraco have all struggled or spent time on the DL this season. Here’s a look at the latest ballot updates for catchers:

AL FAN BALLOT LEADERBOARD (as of June 29)
1. Salvador Perez, Royals: 11,666,785
2. Russell Martin, Blue Jays: 6,405,822
3.Stephen Vogt, Athletics: 5,445,813

NL FAN BALLOT LEADERBOARD (as of June 29)          
1. Buster Posey, Giants: 7,990,423
2. Yadier Molina, Cardinals: 6,278,553
3. Francisco Cervelli, Pirates: 2,424,229

Salvador Perez, much like four of his Royals’ teammates is poised to start behind the plate. Although Perez’ stats are above-average, there is only one AL catcher with triple-crown numbers for his position. Yadier Molina trails Buster Posey by over one million votes. Molina’s .291 / .336 / .374 line is considered All-Star worthy, but Posey’s campaign should guarantee third All-Star game selection.

KIRS PICKS… Stephen Vogt and Buster Posey. The Giants’ 28-year old catcher is putting up monster numbers since last year’s All-Star break. Again, Posey leads all NL catchers with 12 homeruns while batting .303 and plating 54 of his teammates. Stephen Vogt is the triple-crown leader for American League catchers (.300 AVG with 13 HRs and 53 RBIs). Vogt will be an All-Star if he seemingly can’t catch Perez’ 11,666,785 votes.

Our reserve picks (aka “honorable mentions”) include Salvador Perez (although he will start the game regardless), Brian McCann (12 HRs and 49 RBIs), and Francisco Cervelli (career high .298 AVG with 26 RBIs in first season with Pittsburgh).

-KIRS ALL-STAR TEAMS-

KIRS American League All-Star Team (thus far!)

C: Stephen Vogt, Athletics

1B:

2B: Jason Kipnis, Indians

3B:

SS: Jose Reyes, Blue Jays

LF: Brett Gardner, Yankees

CF: Mike Trout, Angels

RF: Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers

DH:

SP:

KIRS National League All-Star Team (thus far!)

C: Buster Posey, Giants

1B:

2B: Dee Gordon, Marlins

3B:

SS: Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals

LF: Bryce Harper, Nationals

CF: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

RF: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins

DH:

SP: