The All-Star voting is over and the game will be played soon. The winning league will of course get home field advantage in the World Series.
But, if either the American League team or the National League team played against this team of Disabled List All-Stars, they would surely lose.
Here is an All-Star team of players who have spent time on the DL this season.
C: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins – Mauer suffered from weak legs for much of this season, but is back in the Twins’ lineup now. His power numbers have been nonexistent, indicating that his legs may not be 100% quite yet. But, he’s still one of the best hitters in the game and a valuable catcher.
1B: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals – Pujols was finally starting to get hot before he broke his arm a couple weeks ago. But, he’s recovering faster than expected and could be back in the Cardinals’ lineup by the middle of this week.
2B: Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves – Prado is battling a serious staph infection in his leg, but could begin a rehab assignment soon. His versatility and ability to play outfield and third base in addition to second base make him a valuable addition to the Braves and to the DL All-Stars.
3B: David Wright, New York Mets – Wright’s broken back has had him sidelined for most of this season. But, he’s resumed baseball activities and should return before the end of the month. It was a tough battle for third base between Wright and Ryan Zimmerman, but Wright gets the slight nod.
SS: Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins – Ramirez was having a very bad year before hitting the DL. He’s been better since he’s been back in action, but it’s still been a disappointing season for the young slugger.
OF: Carl Crawford, Boston Red Sox – Crawford hasn’t adjusted to Boston very well and now finds himself on the disabled list. It’s only a matter of time before he turns things around this year, but the Red Sox fans have got to be worried about their multi-million dollar investment.
OF: Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals – Holliday will be representing the NL in this year’s All-Star Game, but he still holds a spot on the DL All-Stars after spending a couple weeks on the shelf with a quad injury.
OF: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers – Hamilton is a no-brainer to complete the DL All-Star team’s outfield. There are only a couple hitters better than him in all of baseball, and though he is injury prone, he is very exciting to watch. He’d also be the DL All-Stars’ first choice for the Home Run Derby.
SP: Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins – Johnson is one of the best young pitchers in the game. Unfortunately, his shoulder inflammation has kept him out of the Marlins’ rotation for a while now. He should be able to come off the 60-day disabled list when he is eligible though.
CL: Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers – Broxton will be the DL All-Stars’ ninth-inning man. The young flamethrower has been on the DL for most of the season with a bone spur in his pitching elbow. But, he could return to the Dodgers after the All-Star break.