2013 MLB All-Star Game: 10 Snubs You Didn’t See Coming

10 Snubs of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game

With the 2013 MLB All-Star Game just a week away, the discussions and debates of All-Star snubs and surprises are just heating up. Did Justin Verlander really deserve the nod over another more-deserving pitcher? Does Jose Bautista deserve to be a starter -- or even in the game -- with an average hovering around .260?

Those are just some of the burning questions being raised following the announcement of the All-Star teams. Other questions arise such as why isn't Yasiel Puig even a reserve in the game with the best month of any rookie in MLB history? Or for you Puig-haters out there, why was he even considered to be an All-Star after just one month of solid work?

Either way, the game will be played and it will have more on the line than it should. A few years back, Bud Selig ensured that the winner of the All-Star Game would earn home-field advantage in the World Series. While it used to be a game played just for fun, the game has become more competitive whether the players like it or not.

Some teams are heavily represented, like the Detroit Tigers who have six players, while other teams have the guaranteed one player, like the San Diego Padres.

The All-Star Game this year is missing some of baseball's biggest stars such as Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols -- both of whom have underachieved this season despite being paid big contracts recently.

Every year there are snubs and surprises, and the 2013 season is no different. I have compiled a list of 10 guys who deserved to be All-Star selections, but either due to too much depth at their position represented in the game or just a flat-out overlook of their stats, they are sitting at home for the All-Star break.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Ian Desmond

Leading the Washington Nationals in both home runs and RBI, Ian Desmond is one of the best shortstops in the National League.

Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria didn't make the All-Star Game, but teammate Ben Zobrist -- who has a lower average, less homers and less RBI -- did. Although it has a lot to do with the stacked position of third base, it's still a snub.

James Loney

It's tough to see a guy with a .319 average, nine homers and 43 RBI miss out on the All-Star Game, but that's exactly what happened to James Loney.

Josh Donaldson

Leading his team in every major statistical category including average, home runs, hits and RBI, Josh Donaldson may be the biggest snub of the game.

Stephen Strasburg

Some may argue that his record was a big reason that he was left off the National League roster, however Stephen Strasburg's 2.45 ERA and 107 strikeouts are no joke.

Freddie Freeman

A first basemen with average and power is a dangerous combination. Freddie Freeman has both for the Atlanta Braves, but apparently his .305 average with nine home runs and 56 RBI isn't good enough for a nod.

Adrian Gonzalez

Adrian Gonzalez went from one of the biggest names in baseball to a bit of an underdog. His .298 average with 13 home runs and 54 RBI lead the team for the amount of at-bats he's had, but that wasn't enough to get him to New York.

Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick is one of the best second basemen in all of baseball and his .312 average, 11 home runs and 40 RBI shows he has a bit of pop in his bat as well. That's rare for a second baseman.

Joaquin Benoit

Joaquin Benoit is adjusting to his new role of closer with the Detroit Tigers, but his save numbers aren't impressive for a closer. Many don't take into consideration that he just became the closer a couple weeks ago and is already 7/7 in saves with a 1.73 ERA and 11.39 strikeouts per nine innings.

Yasiel Puig

I know, you probably thought I was going to forget Yasiel Puig. Puigmania has exploded in Los Angeles and the Dodgers are pretty thankful for that. He has had the best first month in the MLB of any rookie in history. His .409 average with eight homers and 19 RBI isn't too shabby for his first 33 games.