Also, please note that I do cite ESPN's Player Rater quite often. When I do, it is merely to help reinforce a point. It is hardly the basis for my argument and I would actually encourage most to not put too much faith into the Player Rater. While it can be a useful tool, it is flawed. With that said, it does provide a decent ranking of how players have done so far this season (most of the time).
So without further ado, your 2014 Fantasy Baseball All Star Starting Lineup:
Catcher - Devin Mesoraco, CIN
Mesoraco went un-drafted in most standard leagues. Heading into the All Star Break (ASB), he's hitting over .300 with 16 home runs. Those 16 dingers lead all catchers (tied with Evan Gattis) and his 45 RBI are second to only Arizona's Miguel Montero. Mesoraco has been a huge bright spot for the Reds, who have missed the usual MVP type production from first baseman Joey Votto.
First Base - Jose Abreu, CWS
Abreu's ADP on ESPN was 135.8... 135.8! His 29 homers mark the highest total in the MLB and after his 3 for 5 performance on Sunday, he's risen his average to .292. With the Yankees' Masahiro Tanaka due for an extended stay on the disabled list, Abreu is virtually a lock for the American League's Rookie of the Year Award. For a player who went in the 14th round in most standard leagues, Abreu is arguably the fantasy MVP so far.
Second Base - Dee Gordon, LAD
Gordon's 43 steals are tops in the major leagues heading into the ASB. For a player with an ADP of 222.3, he's had tremendous value. Gordon has also put up a .293 BA with over 50 runs scored. He's been a fantasy monster and if Kemp, Gonzalez, and Ramirez can have more substantial numbers in the second-half, which they're all capable of, Gordon's counting stats will look even better come year's end.
Third Base - Todd Frazier, CIN
Todd Frazier has taken the MLB by storm this season. The 28 year old is hitting .290 with 19 homers. He also leads all third basemen with 14 steals. His batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage are all well above his career averages, which suggests a possible regression in the second-half. However, there is no doubting the incredible production Frazier has given and he should be a fun participant to watch in the Home Run Derby.
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Sure, "Tulo's" ADP (15.1) was significantly higher than all of the previous players listed, but he has simply been too good to leave off. Tulowitzki's 21 home runs lead all shortstops, as does his 71 runs, 106 hits, 39 extra base hits (XBH), and .344 BA. Getting the picture? Tulowitzki is a fantasy god and if he can avoid the disabled list in the second-half his final numbers will be breathtaking.
Outfield - Nelson Cruz, BAL; Giancarlo Stanton, MIA; Michael Brantley, CLE
I know, I know. Mike Trout is not here. Neither is Pittsburgh's beast Andrew McCutchen. Trout and McCutchen have been nothing less than fantastic. While that's true, these three players have provided just about the same value for a much cheaper draft pick. Cruz has a respectable .285 batting average. His 28 homers and 74 RBI lead all outfielders. Though Stanton has only 1 hit in his last 19 at bats, he still has an average of .295. His ADP was 32.7 yet he is the 10th overall player on ESPN's Player Rater. Brantley, who was still available in most drafts by the 22nd round!! is the fourth overall batter on the Player Rater and is hitting a smoking .322 with double-digit homers and steals. These three players make up my (very debatable) fantasy all star outfield.
Designated Hitter - Charlie Blackmon, COL
ESPN lists Blackmon's ADP as 260. That is the number assigned to all players that had an ADP outside the 25 rounds of standard leagues. Essentially, Blackmon was pretty much drafted no where. Those who were able to pick him up in free agency, though, are enjoying the ride. Blackmon is slashing .306/53/14/51/17 for Colorado (that's BA / R / HR / RBI / SB). He has been an unbelievable, all around, offensive threat. He has put up better numbers than players such as Yasiel Puig and Adrian Beltre. Blackmon has been a fantasy stud.
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Starting Pitcher - Johnny Cueto, CIN
Cueto, the third overall pitcher on ESPN's Player Rater, may have been the National League's starting pitcher on Tuesday had he not started Sunday's game for the Reds. Not bad for a pitcher who had an ADP of 182.4. He has miniscule ratios with a 2.13 ERA and 0.89 WHIP to go along with 141 punch outs. Kershaw, Hernandez, Darvish, and Wainwright have all been fantastic. Cueto is right up there with them. Consider each of those players' ADPs and it is no wonder why Cueto is the fantasy all star team's starter.
Closer - Francisco Rodriguez, MIL
For most of the Spring, most believed that Jim Henderson was going to be Milwaukee's closer. For that reason, "K-Rod" went un-drafted in most standard leagues. That didn't stop K-Rod from not only taking the 9th inning for the Brew Crew but from being ranked the #1 closer on ESPN's Player Rater heading into the ASB. Yes, most would rather have an Aroldis Chapman or Craig Kimbrel type closer going forward. But given where they were drafted, K-Rod was quite easily the best value out of all closers. He has a K/9 over ten, is tied for second in all of baseball in saves, and has a WHIP under 1.00. He is also in the top ten out of current closers in strikeouts. For those lucky enough to pick up Rodriguez back in April, they are reaping the benefits.
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