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MLB All-Star Game 2015: 5 bigggest snubs – AL

By Will Osgood

Jul 4, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) at bat during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) at bat during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

OF Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

Second-year Boston Red Sox centerfielder Mookie Betts is ninth in baseball among position players in WAR, at 4.0 wins above replacement. One of Betts’ issues in making the All-Star Game probably has something to do with the fact he’s earned about one-third of his 4.0 WAR defensively.

And defense doesn’t usually get a player to an All-Star Game, right or wrong.

Looking at his hitting statistics, though, it’s not as if anyone can argue Betts isn’t deserving based on his offensive merits. In another down year for offense in baseball, his .799 OPS is upper-echelon. He’s gotten there via a .336 on-base percentage, which is fairly solid for such a young hitter.

And his .463 slugging percentage is nothing to sneeze about for a smaller, quicker player. He also has nine home runs and 41 runs driven in–again nothing to sneeze at, especially in this era of baseball.

He’s added 13 stolen bases while only being caught four times. And that comes while playing for an organization which doesn’t believe in running a ton.

Betts may not be a star yet, but anyone who watches the Red Sox regularly will tell you he is well on his way. His snub this year is unfortunate, but assuming he maintains his health and continues to improve we will eventually see him in an All-Star Game.

Next: A relatively unknown pitcher

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