Close Article Return to stream X
MLB

5 St. Louis Cardinals Who Deserve 2015 MLB All-Star Game Consideration

+Read full article

5 St. Louis Cardinals Who Deserve 2015 MLB All-Star Game Consideration

Jhonny Peralta Cardinals
Getty Images

Once again, the St. Louis Cardinals are in the midst of an outstanding season, as they've clearly established themselves as the class of the National League. The level of success the Cards have experienced this year translates to plenty of representatives at the Midsummer Classic. Here are five St. Louis players who are deserving of a spot on the National League All-Star Team.

5. Carlos Martinez

National League Championship Series Game 1: San Francisco Giants v. St. Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

5. Carlos Martinez

National League Championship Series Game 1: San Francisco Giants v. St. Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

Martinez is having a breakout year during his first season in the St. Louis rotation. With an ERA under three and a high strikeout rate, there's no doubt that he's among the best pitchers in the National League thus far in 2015. He doesn't yet have the reputation as an established star, which could hurt him, but that's starting to change. After an incredible run in June, Martinez deserves serious consideration for the All-Star spot.

4. Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter Cardinals
Getty Images

4. Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter Cardinals
Getty Images

Competition at third base in the National League is tough, with the season Todd Frazier is having and the emergence of rookie Kris Bryant, but Carpenter is definitely in the mix. A lack of home runs may hurt him compared to the other candidates, but Carpenter has been a doubles machine this year and may be the most well-rounded third baseman in the National League, making him a great All-Star candidate.

3. Jhonny Peralta

Los Angeles Dodgers v St Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

3. Jhonny Peralta

Los Angeles Dodgers v St Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

We know Peralta isn't a gifted defensive shortstop, but there's no denying he's been the best offensive shortstop in the National League this year. He leads all major league shortstops with 11 home runs, and only one other shortstop has even cracked double-digits. Despite his questionable defense, with an OPS over .850, there's no way the National League can leave Peralta off the All-Star team.

2. Michael Wacha

San Francisco Giants v St. Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

2. Michael Wacha

San Francisco Giants v St. Louis Cardinals
Getty Images

Wacha has been the ace of the Cardinals' pitching staff and definitely one of the best starters in the National League this year. He's not quite 24, but Wacha already has great name recognition as being an established star. And seeing that he's tied for second in the National League with nine wins and carries an ERA under three, there's no leaving him off the All-Star Team this year.

1. Trevor Rosenthal

Trevor Rosenthal Cardinals
Jeff Curry - USATODAY Sports

1. Trevor Rosenthal

Trevor Rosenthal Cardinals
Jeff Curry - USATODAY Sports

Rosenthal has to be a lock for the All-Star Game. He's allowed just two runs in over 32 innings of work, giving him an ERA of 0.56. There are plenty of great closers in the National League, but Rosenthal is at a whole other level. He's dominated the ninth inning all season. The numbers speak for themselves, leaving no doubt that Rosenthal will be an All-Star and could potentially pitch the ninth inning of the Midsummer Classic.

Your Favorites