2014 MLB All-Star Game: National League pitching staff announced

The conversation with the pitching staff for the National League will start with the big, impossible question: who will start between Adam Wainwright and Clayton Kershaw?

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Even to list only those two guys might not be fair, as Johnny Cueto of the Reds also deserves consideration after his historic start to the season. People might point to the fact that Cardinals’ manager Mike Matheny is in charge, but the argument for Wainwright and his overall body of work is hard to refute.

Then again, Kershaw threw one of the best performances in history this month and is working on a 36 inning scoreless streak. So yes, it’s a tough decision.

Here is a full listing of the intimidating National League pitching staff:

SP – Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
SP – Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
SP – Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers
SP – Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
SP – Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres
SP – Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves
SP – Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
SP – Jordan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
RP – Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds
RP – Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
RP – Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals
RP – Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers
RP – Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates

Teheran makes the team in an odd context. That spot was originally occupied by Jeff Samardzija, but the trade that sent him to Oakland made him ineligible, hence Teheran’s selection.

With all of the quality arms on that list, it’s hard not to jump to the back of the bullpen and imagine the National League’s options if they have a lead late in the game. Do you have Kimbrel set up for Chapman, or Chapman set up for Kimbrel? Both leagues are stacked with arms, but this NL group is absolutely dominant at the front end and back end.

What do you think of the NL pitching staff? Any glaring misses? Sound off in the comments section with your thoughts.

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