5 Los Angeles Angels Who Deserve to Play In 2013 MLB All Star Game


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Los Angeles Angels

Angels
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

July is almost here, and that means the 2013 MLB All Star Game is just a few more weeks away. There have been quite a few surprises through the first half of the season, including some disappointing starts for teams thus far, with one being the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angles, picked to win the AL West, currently sit in third place with a 37-43 record and have not lived up to the hype to say the least. Last season, the Angels had four players voted to play in the 2012 All Star Game, which included starting pitchers Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson, center fielder Mike Trout and first baseman Mark Trumbo.

This year, the starting pitching for the Angels has been average at best, and the team has had to rely on much of the relief staff and their bats to win games. Though it has been a rough first half, the Angels have had several players performing up to and beyond expectations.

The following slideshow is not a list of the best players on the team, but rather a list of the players who have performed well enough to garner consideration for making this season's All Star Game. This slideshow lists five players for the Angels in order from last to first on how seriously each should be considered for All-Star recognition.

Fans can vote for the Angels they think should be in the 2013 All Star Game by simply visiting the MLB's home page and casting their ballot. After reading this list, hopefully your decision may come a little easier.

Bryan Heater is an MLB and AAC columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, add him on Facebook or add him to your Google network.

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Michael Kohn

Kohn
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Kohn is one of the Angels' relievers that has exceeded expectations and came in relief to shut down the opposing side. Over the first half of the season, Kohn has made 27 appearances, allowing just 12 hits through 23 innings of work. His 1.96 era ranks second on the pitching staff among players who have made a minimum of 20 appearances, not to mention he has averaged nine strikeouts per nine innings.

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Scott Downs

Downs
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Downs is another Angels' reliever who has been electric out of the bullpen. With 34 appearances, Downs owns a team-leading 1.61 era with a minimum of 20 appearances and a team-high 15 holds. He has allowed only 20 hits and has struck out 17 batters to eight walks. Downs has kept the Angels in games all season and has been the best pitcher, starter or reliever, on the staff.

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Howie Kendrick

Kendrick
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Kendrick has had himself a great first half of the season, ranking second among the starters in batting average at .313 and fourth in RBIs at 37. Though he has committed nine errors, the second baseman has a .976 fielding percentage and has been a key part of the Angels lineup batting sixth in the order.

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Mark Trumbo

Trumbo
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Trumbo made the All Star Game and he appears to be back on track to do so again in 2013. His batting average has been suspect at .248, but he leads the team in home runs with 17 and is second in RBIs with 50. He also leads the Angels in slugging percentage with a mark of .465. It's safe to say, if Trumbo were not in the lineup, the Angels would be even further back in the standings.

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Mike Trout

Trout
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last, but certainly not least, is Trout. What has this guy not done? After an amazing rookie season, Trout has avoided a sophomore letdown, leading the team in batting average (.316), RBIs (52), on-base percentage (.392) and hits (103). Without Trout, the Angels would have no chance at making the playoffs and that speaks to his value for this team. At this point, Trout is virtually a lock to get a bid to this year's All Star Game.


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