Making the Case: Conversing on Fleetwood's All-Stars

The arrival of July means two things. First, it means it's time to stock up on fireworks, sparklers, and hot dogs. And second, it also means it's time to vote for our annual BRASSball All-Stars.

At the risk of coming across as a shameless self-promoter (hey, Fleetwood DOES have the best record in the NL through 84 games), I thought I would use this blog to point out some of the most deserving players on my Fleetwood team. Hopefully you will keep these players in mind as you fill out your own ballots.

I've divided my team's nominees into two groups. The first grouping is the "Automatic" list, featuring players that definitely deserve your vote. The second grouping is the "Hidden Gem" list, featuring guys who won't jump off the ballot on you, but are still deserving (at least in my less-than-impartial mind).

THE AUTOMATICS

3B David Wright
.325 avg, 18 hr, 67 rbi, .391 obp, .560 slg, 8.5 runs created/27 outs

Simply put, Wright has had an amazing season. Through 84 games, he is among the National League's top 10 in batting average (7th), runs scored (10th), hits (7th), home runs (7th), and RBI (2nd). For the more sabermetrically-inclined, Wright ranks among the NL's top 10 in slugging percentage (5th), on-base percentage (7th), and runs created per 27 outs (4th).

OF Miguel Cabrera
318 avg, 15 hr, 53 rbi, .378 obp, .544 slg, 7.7 runs created/27 outs

In Fleetwood's otherwise dismal 2005 season, Cabrera provided a ray of hope with an amazing season (.308 avg, 44 hr, 125 rbi). He's now showing that his 2005 season was no fluke with another great season this year. He is among the NL's top 10 in batting average (10th), runs scored (6th), hits (6th), and doubles (2nd with 30). His rate stats are equally impressive, as he owns the NL's 9th best slugging percentage, 12th best on-base percentage, and 6th best in runs created per 27 outs. Finally, Cabrera also leads the NL in game-winning RBI with 12.

RHP A.J. Burnett
14 wins, 4 loses, 3.05 ERA, 121 ip, 9 hr, 47 bb, 104 k

Earning a decision in each of his 18 games started this season, Burnett has been Fleetwood's ace throughout the first 3 months of the season. His 14 wins are best in the league, and 3 more than his nearest competitor. His ERA is 5th best in the National League, and he is 6th in strikeouts. Sounds like a potential All-Star starting pitcher to me.


THE HIDDEN GEMS

C Ramon Castro
.318 avg, 10 hr, 38 rbi, .404 obp, .628 slg, 9.1 runs created per 27 outs

Along with Javier Valentin (.304, 9 hr, 22 rbi), Castro has formed perhaps the most potent catching tandem in BRASSball. Castro's counting stats are impressive, but his rate stats really tell his story. Although he doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify (152 so far), his slugging and on-base percentages would be amongst the best in the National League. Given an otherwise less-than-inspiring group of NL catching candidates, Castro deserves your strong consideration.

OF Jim Edmonds
.241 avg, 22 hr, 52 rbi, .337 obp, .557 slg, 6.2 runs created per 27 outs

In a home park that is tough on left-handed hitters, Edmonds has more than held his own while also supplying Fleetwood's pitching staff with excellent defense. Edmonds is 3rd in the NL in home runs (22) and 13th in RBI (52). Meanwhile, his outfield defense is 3rd best in the NL (has converted 89% of x-chart chances into outs, behind only Vernon Wells and Ichiro). Given his power numbers, tough home park, and stellar defense, he is having a wonderful season indeed. Oh, and with 11 game-winning RBIs, he trails only Miguel Cabrera and Richie Sexson in the NL (both with 12).

Side note: We don't get to vote for relief pitchers, but Derrick Turnbow (3-2, 17 saves, 2.27 ERA) is also a deserving candidate. In his rookie season, he has consistently excelled and stabilized Fleetwood's bullpen.

That's it. Thanks for your consideration, and best of luck to all in the second half.