2013 MLB All-Star Game: Putting Together the AL All-Snub Team
Compiling the AL All-Snub Team
The American League has a ton of snubs this season. Whether it's the Oakland Athletics being heavily under-represented or the Detroit Tigers being a bit over-represented, the league has a few players left off the All-Star squad that should have been there.
Everyone knows of at least one player who didn't make the cut because they don't have quite the big name as another player of the same position. In the AL, the positions of first base and third base are pretty stacked with talent and they usually are because of the big bats at the positions.
I am compiling a list of the AL All-Snub team -- a team that could definitely compete with the backups on the All-Star roster for the American League. This team has guys that haven't been discovered by the rest of the league yet and guys who have been discovered but have never gotten the respect of their fans, players nor managers.
Who are the guys that you would like to see on this list? I know I couldn't fit every single snub in the AL on the AL All-Snub team, just who I feel is the biggest snub at each position, including a relief pitcher and a starting pitcher.
I personally feel as if every single guy on this list could have easily been an All-Star selection in the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.
Although it's unfair to say that some big names have a far better chance and a leg up on the more deserving younger guys who haven't made a name for themselves yet, it's true.
Here is my AL All-Snub team for the 2013 season. I wish baseball would actually give this team a shot and make an All-Snub game. Wishful thinking.
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.
C: Carlos Santana
It's hard to find a good young catcher these days. Carlos Santana is just that for the Cleveland Indians, hitting .266 with 11 homers and 40 RBI.
1B: James Loney
James Loney is having one of his best years as a pro. Hitting .319 with nine home runs and 43 RBI should have landed him in the All-Star Game, but the first base position is stacked.
2B: Howie Kendrick
One of the top second basemen in baseball, it's confusing as to why Howie Kendrick was left off the squad.
SS: Jose Iglesias
It's easy to see why Jose Iglesias didn't make it on the team; he's only 23 years old and has yet to make a name for himself. With a .387 average and 12 RBI, he's well on his way as a shortstop.
3B: Josh Donaldson
Josh Donaldson leads his team in nearly every offensive category. His .319 average, 15 home runs and 58 RBI are impressive enough to make the team -- that's why he's one of the biggest snubs out there.
OF: Daniel Nava
Daniel Nava is a lesser-known player, and at the age of 30 he's in the prime of his career. He's a bit of a late-bloomer, just making it to the majors two years ago, but he's hitting .296 with 10 homers and 51 RBI.
OF: Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner is one of the top snubs in this class. The New York Yankee outfielder is hitting .270 with seven homers and 31 RBI. His numbers are a bit down, but he's still talented enough for a bid.
OF: Jacoby Ellsbury
Jacoby Ellsbury, like Gardner, has the talent to be an All-Star and some of the numbers, but he doesn't have the flash or sizzle that the guys who made the game in the outfield have.
RP: Joaquin Benoit
Joaquin Benoit is one of the best relievers in baseball. His 1.73 ERA and 7/7 saves is pretty impressive for a newly-appointed closer. There are only good things to come for this veteran.
SP: Ervin Santana
Possibly the best starter on the Kansas City Royals' staff this season, 30-year-old Ervin Santana has been phenomenal. With a 2.90 ERA and 94 strikeouts, he is the epitome of a snub.
