2013 MLB All-Star Game: How many Pirates make the team?

With the 2013 MLB All-Star Selections to be announced on Sunday, there’s only one question on the mind of Pittsburgh Pirates’ fans.

How many Pirates will make the all-star team?

It’s a given that with the best record in baseball that the Pirates will have multiple all-stars, but will they be shown the typical love that usually comes with the best record in the game?

Jun 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jason Grilli (39) high-fives his teammates after earning a save in the defeat of the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The way I see it, seven different Pirates are having All-Star worth seasons. Now we both know that there’s no way seven Pirates will be heading to New York on July 16th, but I think there is a realistic chance that four Pirates will be on their way to Citi Field.

Unfortunately no Pirates players will be in the National League starting lineup which hurts the chance for some of the potential Bucco all-stars, but let’s break down the candidates.

Jason Grilli (0-1, 28 SV, 37.2 IP, 2.15  ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 60 K, 7 BB)

If there is a lock on this Pirates team it has to be Grilli. Not only does he lead the major league in saves, but he ranks in the top five in the NL among all relievers in strikeout to walk ratio (8.57) and strikeouts per nine innings (14.34). The Bucs closer is an absolute no-brainer. Prediction: Makes the team

Pedro Alvarez (.243 ABG, .307 OBP, .507 SLG, 21 HR, 56 RBI)

El Toro leads all National League third baseman in homers and RBIs and is behind only David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman in OPS (.814). Alvarez has carried the Pirates’ offense for about six weeks now and there is no way he should be kept off the team. Pedro makes his first of many All-Star games. Prediction: Makes the team

Andrew McCutchen (.298 AVG, .370 OBP, .467 SLG, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 18 SB)

Many will look at McCutchen and suggest he is not having a great year, but nothing is further from the truth. He leads the best team in baseball in mostly every offensive statistical category and has solid all-around numbers. In addition Cutch ranks either first or second among all NL center fielders in hits, runs, doubles, RBIs, stolen bases, batting average and WAR.

Whether it is based on reputation or the season he is putting together, Cutch is an All-Star. Prediction: Makes the team