All-Stars have been excelling in May. Weather has been heating up and so have the performances of baseball’s best.
The same rules apply to qualify for this team of All-Stars as there were for the April team last month. One player at each position in the field, one DH, one starter, and one reliever. The Evil Empire is the best represented team while quite a few have no representatives. Sorry, no participation trophies here.
All-Star Roster
C Adley Rutschman
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2B Marcus Semien
3B Jose Ramirez
SS Corey Seager
LF Kyle Tucker
CF Aaron Judge
RF Juan Soto
DH Brent Rooker
SP Luis Gil
RP Emmanuel Clase
Don’t Call Me Junior
I have no idea if first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is as defensive as Henry Jones Jr. about being a junior to a successful father. Same question for SS Bobby Witt Jr. Either way, after his performance this month for the Toronto Blue Jays, he is looking more like his dad every day. Guerrero (Jr.) was third in MLB with a .357 average. Not as much power on display with only two home runs, but his 16 walks and 14 RBIs round out a strong all-around month.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson are going to be swapping back and forth in the shortstop spot all season. However, this month, SS Corey Seager made a statement with a 1.047 OPS, only behind two fellow AL All-Stars: OF Aaron Judge and 3B Jose Ramirez. Seager wacked eleven home runs and drove in 21 runs. Needless to say, when Seager is at the plate, it is likely he will say “Sea you later” to whatever is thrown his way.
All-Stars, All Divisions Infield
Each one of the AL divisions received a representative in the infield. C Salvador Perez came down to Earth after an outstanding April. He’s still playing well, but Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman had the better month. The only thing Rutschman and the Orioles didn’t do this month was catch the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. Rutschman did his best by leading AL catchers with 19 RBIs and was second with six home runs. The designated hitter who gets the best seat to view Rutschman’s work will be Brent Rooker. The Oakland Athletics need some positive news, so here it is. Rooker hit .330 and was another player with an OPS near 1.000 (.997). He was top ten in the league in OPS, average, and RBIs.
If someone attempts to steal second, Rutschman would be throwing the ball to 2B Marcus Semien. Semien’s glove is the main reason, but his 19 runs in the month is top ten in the league as well. Overall, it was a second-rate month for most of the second baseman in the Junior Circuit, but someone had to be the All-Star here. Across the diamond, José Ramiréz is in the hot corner. 3B Rafael Devers made a strong case but not quite enough. Stay hungry Rafe. Ramiréz had one of the best Mays of any player. He led the league with 33 RBIs, had 11 homers and 23 runs, while hitting .295 and having a 1.061 OPS.
Against My Better Judge-ment
Aaron Judge had a respectable month, which is much as I will say as a Red Sox fan. He slashed .361/.479/.918. He led all of MLB in average, on-base, slugging, OPS, runs, and home runs but was second in RBIs. Like I said, a respectable month. I tried to not be too judgy.
The Yankees have the best record in the American League, so it is fitting they would have more than Juan All-Star. Clearly, Juan Soto is another one for the Yankees. 24 RBIs and seven home runs in a month for the best team in baseball is important. Cannot wait to see the lunacy his agent Scott Boras causes in free agency if he keeps hitting like this.
With Soto in right, Kyle Tucker will be out of position in left. His bat will compensate for any issues the change in corners cause. Tucker has tuckered out pitchers all season long, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 19 runs. He led the AL in walks, getting 23 free passes. His .217 average was not ideal under any circumstances, but someone has to hit ninth, even in a lineup of All-Stars.
Clase Dismissed
Now starting for the AL All-Star team, Luis Gil. The Yankees were able to sneak a third into this lineup. Gil was masterful this month, going 6-0 in six starts with a 0.70 ERA in 38.2 innings. He never struck out eight in a row like SP Nick Pivetta did for the Red Sox, tying a Sox record held by Roger Clemens. Regardless, he pitched exceptionally well this month, and the whole of the league is hoping Gil used his best stuff in May, instead of October.
Gil’s 0.70 ERA is impressive, but not to closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase closed out the month with 9 saves, and a 0.00 ERA. Four hits in 13 innings are pure dominance. The Guardians are showing that the loss of Terry Francona won’t slow them down this year. Ramiréz has provided the leads, and Clase has kept them in tight situations. That is a winning formula in any month of the year.
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