Houston Astros: What players are All-Star Game Worthy?

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DETROIT, MI – MAY 13: Jake Marisnick #6 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Robinson Chirinos #28 of the Houston Astros after hitting a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Comerica Park on May 13, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

The Houston Astros’ 2019 roster is full of former All-Stars. They are fielding a team that could see as many as six total All-Stars selected this year.

So, what players are worthy of not getting that week off, and walking down that Red Carpet into Cleveland this year?

All-Star Voting: Separating Fact From Fiction

All-Star voting has been under the microscope for a long time now, the microscope of the public opinion. Many times we see players get elected to the All-Star Team that are on the Injured List, not performing well in the current season, or simply not the “best” statistically in their respective position.

Every year there are always those players who make it because of their name recognition, and other players that are left off the team simply because they don’t have that same recognition.

Last season, former Houston Astros’ World Series winning pitcher Charlie Morton didn’t make the team, although, a pitcher isn’t contingent on fan votes. With the season he was having and a record of 11-2 going into the break, he should have been selected, but wasn’t. There were other players like Jed Lowrie and Eddie Rosario who deserved a spot on the squad as well.

The reason I bring this up is because with the abundance of evidence for multiple players on this roster someone will more than likely be left off. Every year there is that one player that deserved to be on the All-Star Team but ultimately gets snubbed.

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 17: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros and the American League celebrates with Manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros and the American League after hitting a solo home run in the tenth inning during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Astros All-Star Locks (Hitters):

The Houston Astros realistically have five players that will most likely make the All-Star Team this season, and if it weren’t for the injuries to a few other players, up to three more players could have easily be considered.

George Springer – Springer has nine lead-off home runs and a total of 17 for the season, good enough for third in the League. He is carrying a batting average of .308, with 43 RBIs (for a lead-off man that’s a ton), and 41 runs scored, not to mention his top-notch defense.

Josh Reddick aka “Spider-Man” – Reddick is hitting very respectable .309 and has the second highest OPS (.804) of his career. Then there is his defense, he has an excellent ability to run a ball down and throw out runners.

Michael Brantley “Professor at the Plate, Modern day Tony Gwynn” – Brantley is third in the American League with a .332 batting average, has knocked ten home runs and leads the Majors with 27 multi-hit games (stat could change daily).

Alex Bregman – He has a BA of .275, and is also tied for third in the League with 17 home runs. He has collected 60 hits and has an OPS of .947, which is seventh best in the League. His glove and fielding skills put him in elite territory.

Robinson Chirinos – Robinson has knocked nine home runs, carries an OPS of .873, and despite his .245 batting average. He is among the top in the American League in all offensive categories for catchers this season.

HOUSTON, TX – JULY 12: (L-R) Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman #2, George Springer #4 and Justin Verlander #35 acknowledge the crowd before being presented with their 2018 All-Star jerseys at Minute Maid Park on July 12, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Astros All-Stars on the Bubble:

Jake Marisnick – He has a batting average of .258, an .824 slugging percentage, AND six home runs on the season. His defensive abilities puts him in the company of elite defenders in the League. Unfortunately, he probably would have to hit at least .300 or better to make it in an already crowded field.

Astros Who Miss Out:

Jose Altuve – His hitting has been down this season at .243, his number of strikeouts have increased, and with the knee issues this season he is not deserving of an All-Star bid. Going out on a limb, I would think his thoughts would be along the same lines. We do know, that because he is one of the best second basemen in the league, that alone may carry him to an All-Star selection. That is if he is off the Injured List by then.

Carlos Correa – Coming off back surgery, he was having a stellar year in the field and at the plate. Hitting .295, with 11 home runs, and a .907 OPS, he appears to be back in All-Star form. Then his injury this season hit and it takes him completely out of consideration. Had he not been injured here as of late, he would all but have a ticket punched more than likely as a starter at the 2019 All-Star Game.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 05: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Astros All-Star Pitchers:

Justin Verlander – Bonafide Ace of this staff and having an amazing year. He has a record of 9-2, with a 2.27 ERA and 103 K’s, he’s surely one of the top considerations for starting pitcher.

Gerrit Cole – His record of 5-5 might not impress, but he does lead the league in strikeouts and has been the recipient of some bad luck, some times coming in the form of a lack of run support from this high powered offense. He should be in the mix as a reserve this season at the very least.

Ryan Pressly – Recently he ended his streak of scoreless innings, which was impressive. But he still sports an ERA under one at .062, with 32 K’s in 29+ innings. A lock-down setup man who has also notched three saves this season.

Roberto Osuna – His streak of 26 saves in a row by a Houston Astro was impressive. Soon after, he got into some tough games where he had to battle through adversity, and in my mind, still getting the job done is elite. He has 16 saves this season and a 1.98 ERA. He has struck out 28 batters in 27 innings and is among the top of the League among closers.

All-Star Honorable Mention

Will Harris – Having a great year, not sure he will get the call but he has been very reliable this season.

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros pitches in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians during Game Three of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Wade Miley – If he notches a couple more wins before the All-Star break, he could sneak onto this squad. At one point, he had the most games with allowing three runs or less. Not even Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals could say that. He has only given up four runs once this season as well.

In this day and age, there certainly will be players who deserve to be a part of the All-Star festivities who get snubbed, and there will be those who haven’t earned a spot but will join the party based on name recognition alone.

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While the All-Star ballot system isn’t the best, it’s all we have as fans. So temper your votes with a sound mind, of course, if you’re an Astros fan vote for your guys. Think about it before hitting the vote button. I remember several years ago when the Kansas City Royals had a campaign and got nearly every player on the roster or to lead the vote. Don’t be like those fans, baseball deserves our respect. The players having banner years do as well.

Vote Early, and Vote often.

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