This season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have three All-Stars: Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen and rookie phenom Corey Seager. Both Jansen and Seager will make their first Midsummer Classic appearance.
Once again, the Dodgers didn't have a player voted by fans into the starting lineup of the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard (tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX). The Dodgers have had a terrific season, posting a 51-40 record, but they are in second place in the National League West, 6 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers should have more fan support than they have.
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I would like to see Major League Baseball institute a rule limiting the number of players from one team that can be selected for the All-Star Game. Although the Chicago Cubs are having a magnificent season and their fans are excited about the possibility of their team going to the World Series for the first time since 1945, having seven Cubs on the National League squad seems a little excessive.
The Giants have the best record in the NL, and yet they have four players going to the All-Star Game. Even though many people dislike the rule that mandates that every team must have one representative at the All-Star Game, it is necessary. No matter how bad a season a team is having, the team has a player worthy of an All-Star Game selection.
Historically, Dodger fans haven't stuffed the All-Star ballot box. Although the Dodgers have a large, loyal fan base, averaging over 3 million in attendance year after year, the team's fans are typically more laid back than fans of teams in the East and Central divisions.
Seager deserved to be the starting shortstop for the NL All-Star team, but he didn't receive enough votes. Most of his games start at bedtime for most of the country, so he needed more support from West Coast fans. Seager leads the Dodgers in every major offensive category. Among NL shortstops, Seager is in the top five in all offensive categories.
Despite many knowledgeable people thinking Seager's size makes him more suitable for third base, he has been a defensive asset for the Dodgers. He doesn't make rookie mistakes. His strong throwing arm and large range have robbed the opposition from many base hits.
The Dodgers' all-time saves leader, Jansen is finally receiving the recognition that he has deserved. Other NL closers had overshadowed him, but his contributions have helped the Dodgers to win three consecutive division titles.
This year Jansen is having arguably the best season of his career. His fantastic cutter baffles the opposition, making his other pitches more effective. Jansen's 27 saves are tied for second in the league.
Middle reliever Adam Liberatore also deserved an All-Star nod, but if a pitcher isn't either a starter or a closer, he can usually forget being named to the All-Star Game. On Saturday Liberatore set a franchise record of 24 consecutive scoreless appearances.
Currently on the disabled list, Kershaw was chosen for his sixth consecutive All-Star team. He leads the NL in ERA. He has struck out 145 while walking nine. He has three complete games. While he can't play in the All-Star Game, he will participate in the festivities.