Here's an excerpt of this week's "Out of Left Field" column. Fantasy Source subscribers can access the entire column, as well as Fantasy Source's other great tools.
Last week, I covered my AL fantasy All-Stars. Now it’s time to reveal my votes for the NL roster.
(If you haven’t done so already, you still have time to go fill out your ballot. If we put our minds to it, we can still get Yonder Alonso into the starting lineup. Who’s with me?)
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Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers. Lucroy is second in the NL in batting, and he looks like a lock to hit 15 home runs on the season. More important, the Brewers made a funny video about him.
First Base: Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks. I really wanted to give this to Anthony Rizzo, especially because Goldschmidt’s advantage in batting average is propped up by an inflated BABIP. Ultimately, though, Goldschmidt’s steals proved to be the difference-maker. Rizzo’s breakout is an exciting development for Cubs fans and fantasy owners alike.
Second Base: Dee Gordon, Dodgers. Any time a guy has 40 steals before July, he’s going to be a fantasy All-Star. Gordon’s sudden proficiency with the bat has led to more opportunities for stolen bases, and he has cashed in in impressive fashion. Just think: He started the season in a platoon with Alexander Guerrero. March feels like a long time ago.
Third Base: Todd Frazier, Reds. Another guy who probably started the season on your bench or your league’s waiver, Frazier already has reached double digits in steals and homers while batting .284. He also has one of the better Twitter handles among the major league set (@FlavorFraz21).
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies. There’s no room for debate on this issue. When Tulowitzki’s healthy, he’s one of the 10 best players in the game – fantasy or otherwise. I’ll also take this opportunity to plug Starlin Castro’s excellent bounce-back season. The guy’s only 24 and has a lot more room for growth. Another reason for Cubs fans to be excited. (Also: this.)
Outfield: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins; Carlos Gomez, Brewers; Andrew McCutchen, Pirates. In my Marlins preview, I wrote, “In our latest Sporting News Experts Mock Draft, I took Yasiel Puig instead of Stanton with the first pick in the third round. I'm pretty sure that was a mistake.” I also called Stanton the safest bet for 40 home runs in the National League. He certainly hasn’t done anything that would change my mind. Honorable mention to Charlie Blackmon, who is playing himself into contention for “Waiver Wire Find of the Year.”
Starting Pitcher: Adam Wainwright, Cardinals. Again, you can’t vote for starters in All-Star voting, but I do what I want. If there were any justice in the world, Jose Fernandez would be healthy and preparing to start his first All-Star Game. As it stands, it’s a toss-up between Wainwright and Johnny Cueto, so I’m going with the guy who did this instead of the guy who did this. (Sure, it’s been almost four years, but old grudges die hard.) Also, a shout-out to Alfredo Simon, who has been more valuable to fantasy owners than Justin Verlander and Cole Hamels combined. I think we all saw that coming, right?
