All-Stars revealed tonight at 7 ET on ESPN
Kristopher Bryant of the Cubs or Nolan Arenado of the Rockies? We could debate that one way past closing time -- and probably will, regardless of who ends up as the National League's All-Star starting third baseman.Here's another one: Carlos Correa of the Astros or Francisco Lindor of the Indians?
Here's another one:
Isn't this why we love All-Star voting? Ultimately, it's our call. That's why we'll be watching when the American League and National League All-Star rosters and 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote candidates are announced at 7 p.m. ET tonight on the "Esurance All-Star Selection Show" on ESPN.
This is one of those days that some players will remember for the rest of their lives. That's why they'll be tuned in or have word passed to them in the dugout.
As Correa said, "It would be a dream come true."
He'll make the AL Team, even if he isn't named a starter. Making an All-Star Team is an honor. But starting an All-Star Game is a special kind of honor.
The 88th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on July 11 in Miami is going to be a reminder that we're watching yet another wave of ridiculously talented young players sweep into Major League Baseball.
One of those is Yankees right fielder
The 6-foot-7, 282-pound 25-year-old is already a larger-than-life superhero who hits the baseball harder and farther than anyone else in the game. When Judge batted .179 in 27 games last season, the Yankees weren't quite sure what they had.
Now they know. AL Rookie of the Year Award favorite? Check. AL Most Valuable Player Award frontrunner? Probably. At the moment, he's leading the AL in almost everything, including home runs, with 27.
There's third baseman
First base in the NL appears to be a close call as well.
First base is a tough call in the AL as well.
Zack Cozart of the Reds led
And the outfield spots in both leagues was up for grabs. While Judge led second-place
In the NL,
When all is said and done, this is likely to be another young All-Star Game. There have been 54 first-time All-Stars in the last two contests, and in the AL only one player older than 27 -- 36-year-old Cruz -- leading.
And despite his youth, the 24-year-old Harper is positioned to start his fifth All-Star Game. Which says all sorts of good things about the state of the game and its youthful transition. But you probably already knew that.
Richard Justice has been a reporter for MLB.com since 2011. Read his columns and follow him on Twitter at @RichardJustice.