24 June 2058
Boise, Idaho
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by Tony Toney
All-Star CandidatesIt's that time of year as GMs gather to select the best of the best for the BBA All-Star game. So we here at The Times wanted to take a look at some Spuds that might garner votes...not that we're campaigning (
).Batters
LF
LF Sebastian 'Nino' Fradesso
69 G, 13 2B, 1 3B, 22 HR, 54 RBI, .293/.346/.563, 7 SB, +2.9 WAR
JL LF Leaderboard:
WAR: 1st (+2.9)
AVG: 5th (.293)
HR: 1st (22)
RBI: 2nd (54)
OPS: 2nd (.909)
Hits: 3rd (88)
Runs: 1st (55)
SB: 5th (7)
wOBA: 2nd (.379)
It's a crowded race as all outfielders are considered together, but Fradesso leads all LF in WAR, HR, and runs. His 22 HRs are tied for 2nd overall in the JL, 3 off the lead, and combining that kind of power with speed (5th in SB) is typically a magnet for All-Star votes.
CF
Lou Bayou
71 G, 21 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 36 RBI, .344/.384/.463, 32 SB, +2.8 WAR
JL CF Leaderboard:
WAR: 3rd (+2.8)
AVG: 2nd (.344)
RBI: 4th (36)
OBP: 1st (.384)
OPS: 3rd (.847)
Hits: 2nd (107)
Runs: 3rd (44)
SB: 1st (32)
wOBA: 3rd (.361)
Again, it's an outfield vote, but Bayou leads the league in stolen bases with 32 while the 2nd-place contributor has 24. Combined with his WAR, AVG, OPS, Hits, and Runs should not only garner votes but should easily put him in the Midseason Classic.
3B
Mahine 'Dragnet' Karetu
70 G, 18 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 45 RBI, .337/.366/.551, 1 SB, +2.3 WAR
JL 3B Leaderboard:
WAR: 3rd (+2.3)
AVG: 3rd (.337)
HR: 4th (13)
RBI: 5th (45)
SLG: 2nd (.551)
OPS: 2nd (.917)
Hits: 3rd (93)
Runs: 4th (40)
Doubles: 4th (18)
wOBA: 2nd (.382)
Narrowing the group down to one specific position, unlike OFs above, boosts 'Dragnet', but he faces as formidable challenge in Rocky Mountain 3B Malik bin Mazin who should likely coast to the starting spot at the JL hot corner. Still, his WAR, AVG, OPS, and hits should score him some votes on extended ballots.
2B
Marcello Custello
71 G, 8 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 31 RBI, .267/.332/.425, 11 SB, +2.3 WAR
JL 2B Leaderboard:
WAR: 4th (+2.3)
HR: 6th (9)
OBP: 5th (.332)
3B: 3rd (4)
SB: 3rd (11)
RNG: 4th (4.77)
ZR: 2nd (+5.8)
EFF: 2nd (1.065)
Custello doesn't pop out only considering offensive production, but 2B is a prime position for defense and he has shined in that regard. Will that earn him votes? Not likely. But he's paid to stay within at least the top 5 defensive 2B in the league and he's taking care of that.
