2015 MLB All-Star Worthy Selections: Starting Pitcher
In KIRS’ final edition of “All Star Worthy Selections”, let’s analyze who should be starting the 86th Annual Mid-Summer Classic for both the American and National League:
AL ALL-STARS: STARTING PITCHER CANDIDATES
Chris Archer, Rays: 9-6, 2.74 ERA, 147 Ks, 1.02 WHIP
Felix Hernandez, Mariners: 11-5, 2.84 ERA, 112 Ks, 1.07 WHIP
Dallas Keuchel, Astros: 11-4, 2.23 ERA, 114 Ks, 1.00 WHIP
David Price, Tigers: 9-2, 2.38 ERA, 115 Ks, 1.12 WHIP
Chris Sale, White Sox: 8-4, 2.72 ERA, 157 Ks (Most in AL), 0.95 WHIP
NL ALL-STARS: STARTING PITCHER CANDIDATES
Madison Bumgarner, Giants: 9-5, 3.33 ERA, 121 Ks, 1.11 WHIP
Gerrit Cole, Pirates: 13-3 (Most Wins in MLB), 2.30 ERA, 116 Ks
Jacob deGrom, Mets: 9-6, 2.14 ERA, 112 Ks, 0.92 WHIP
Zack Greinke, Dodgers: 8-2, 1.39 ERA, 106 Ks, 0.84 WHIP
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: 2.85 ERA, 160 Ks (Best in MLB), 1.02 WHIP
KIRS PICKS… Chris Sale and Gerrit Cole. Since his May 12th start against Milwaukee, Sale has struck out 131 batters, averaging nearly 11 strikeouts per start. His once ERA of 5.09 has dropped to 2.72. As of now, Sale is the most feared pitcher in the American League and being the winning pitcher in the 2013 Mid-Summer Classic, he has the experience factor. Making his All-Star Game debut, Cole should be getting the tab to start the game. Max Scherzer would’ve been the favorite if the Nationals waived his Sunday start as he is compiling Cy Young Award numbers (10-7, 2.11 ERA, 150 Ks, 0.78 WIHP).
-KIRS ALL-STAR TEAMS-
KIRS American League All-Star Team
C: Stephen Vogt, Athletics
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B: Jason Kipnis, Indians
3B: Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays
SS: Jose Reyes, Blue Jays*
LF: Brett Gardner, Yankees
CF: Mike Trout, Angels
RF: Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers*
DH: Nelson Cruz, Mariners
SP: Chris Sale, White Sox
KIRS National League All-Star Team
C: Buster Posey, Giants
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
2B: Dee Gordon, Marlins
3B: Todd Frazier, Reds
SS: Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals
LF: Bryce Harper, Nationals
CF: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
RF: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
SP: Madison Bumgarner, Giants
*Not Selected as 2015 MLB All-Stars