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MLB All-Star Game 2016: 5 biggest AL snubs

By Brad Weiss

June 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) catches a fly ball in the eighth inning against Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) catches a fly ball in the eighth inning against Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 30, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Detroit Tigers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Detroit Tigers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Detroit Tigers

Kinsler will get a chance to be named to the All-Star team if he can beat out the other four players in the Esurance Final Vote contest, but Kinsler should have been named an All-Star from the start. He has been the spark plug for the Detroit Tigers all season long, and he is arguably the best leadoff hitter in the American League.

A four-time All-Star, Kinsler is batting .290 at the top of the Tigers’ lineup this season, and has already blasted 16 home runs this year. In comparison, his highest home run total since he hit a career-high 32 as a member of the Texas Rangers in 2011 is 19, so he is well on his way to possibly setting a career-high in home runs.

The second-baseman is ninth in the American League in hits (97), third in runs (67), and he ranks in the top-15 in the league in wins above replacement (3.1). Judging by his numbers, he has done more than enough to earn a spot on this year’s roster.

The problem with Kinsler is that he plays second base, and that is a position with two elite players who have a strong fan base. Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros, and Robinson Cano of the Seattle Mariners got a lot of votes this season, leaving Kinsler as an odd man out.

Next: 4. Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

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