2013 MLB All-Star Game: How many Pirates make the team?
By Matt Shetler
Starling Marte (.291 AVG, .343 OBP, .459 SLG, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 25 SB)
Jul 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke (49) looks in for a sign from the catcher against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Marte is putting together quite the season in his first full year in the majors and ranks first among all left fielders in hits, triples and stolen bases. In addition the youngster ranks second in batting average and third in runs and doubles. Unfortunately it is tough for a youngster to break into the All-Star conversation in the outfield and even though Marte has an All-Star worthy resume, he will be sitting this one out. Prediction: Snubbed
Jeff Locke (8-1, 102.0 IP, 2.12 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 69 K, 44 BB)
Who would have thought before the season began that we would be considering Locke an All-Star? But he should be heading to Citi Field during his first full big league season. Locke has become the anchor for the best pitching staff in the majors and sports the second best ERA in the majors. It would be hard not to take a Pirates starter and Locke has been the most consistent all season. I think getting that eighth win earned Locke his first All-Star selection. Prediction: Makes the team
Francisco Liriano (8-3, 69.2 IP, 2.20 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 74 K, 27 BB)
If we are talking about Locke for the All-Star game, why not Liriano? His resume is similar and he has been nothing short of outstanding since joining the rotation. If Liriano had the innings to qualify, he would rank just behind Locke for the third best mark in the NL. However not everyone can make it and Liriano has only 11 starts under his belt, even though they have been 11 very good outings. Prediction: Snubbed
Mark Melancon (2-1, 2 SV 41.1 IP, 0.87 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 44 K, 4 BB)
Melancon’s numbers are simply sick and everything about the job he has done this year screams All-Star. But you know the track record of setup men getting the nod and it’s not good. That trend will likely continue this season. Prediction: Snubbed