MLB All-Star Game – National League Predictions, Odds and Preview

The National League will bring a stacked team to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, but it could’ve been so much better if not for some big pitching injuries. Nevertheless, the NL – led by the talented Cubs stars – still has the talent up and down the roster to do battle in the Midsummer Classic.

Let’s take a look at the whole National League All-Star squad – from the starters and reserves to the pitchers – ahead of the big game. Meanwhile, check out our preview of the AL All-Stars here.

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2016 MLB National League All-Star Team Preview

Starters

Position | Player | Team
C | Buster Posey | San Francisco Giants
1B | Anthony Rizzo | Chicago Cubs
2B | Ben Zobrist | Chicago Cubs
SS | Addison Russell | Chicago Cubs
3B | Kris Bryant | Chicago Cubs
OF | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals
OF | Carlos Gonzalez | Colorado Rockies
OF | Marcell Ozuna | Miami Marlins

Even without the injured Yoenis Cespedes, the NL starting lineup won’t be short of power. Cubs sluggers Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have combined for 46 home runs already, and are both in the top five in the league in slugging. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper and Carlos Gonzalez (Cespedes’ replacement in the outfield) have knocked in 19 homers apiece.

This team also won’t be short on defensive ability. Posey is as good as it gets behind the plate; the infield – comprised entirely of Cubs – will be well-acquainted with one another; Harper and Gonzalez both have excellent arms; and Ozuna can cover insane amounts of ground in center.

Reserves

Position | Player | Team
C | Jonathan Lucroy | Milwaukee Brewers
C | Wilson Ramos | Washington Nationals
1B | Paul Goldschmidt | Arizona Diamondbacks
1B | Wil Myers | San Diego Padres
2B | Daniel Murphy | Washington Nationals
SS | Corey Seager | Los Angeles Dodgers
3B | Nolan Arenado | Colorado Rockies
OF | Odubel Herrera | Philadelphia Phillies
OF | Adam Duvall | Cincinnati Reds
IF | Aledmys Diaz | St. Louis Cardinals
1B | Brandon Belt | San Francisco Giants
OF | Jay Bruce | Cincinnati Reds

There is a TON of pop on the NL’s bench. Jonathan Lucroy and Wilson Ramos have been two of the four best-hitting catchers in the majors this season. Wil Myers (19 HRs, 60 RBIs) is having a resurgent season in San Diego. Daniel Murphy (MLB-best .348 BA, 17 HRs) and Nolan Arenado (23 HRs, 70 RBIs) are both MVP candidates. Corey Seager (17 HRs, .531 SLG) is a bona fide slugger at short. Even the Reds duo of Adam Duvall and Jay Bruce (41 HRs combined) will be dangerous when they come up.

And since all All-Star games must feature a DH, the NL will get another spot in the lineup for one of its big reserve bats. With all those weapons at its disposal, the NL is a -113 favorite in the ASG.

Pitchers

Player | Hand | Team
Jake Arrieta | Right | Chicago Cubs
Bartolo Colon | Right | New York Mets
Johnny Cueto | Right | San Francisco Giants
Jose Fernandez | Right | Miami Marlins
Clayton Kershaw | Left | Los Angeles Dodgers
Jon Lester | Left | Chicago Cubs
Max Scherzer | Right | Washington Nationals
Drew Pomeranz | Left | San Diego Padres
Julio Teheran | Right | Atlanta Braves
Jeurys Familia | Right | New York Mets
Kenley Jansen | Right | Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark Melancon | Right | Pittsburgh Pirates
A.J. Ramos | Right | Miami Marlins

With the league’s top aces – Clayton Kershaw (possibly), Madison Bumgarner, Stephen Strasburg, Noah Syndergaard – either injured or unable to pitch, the NL will need someone else to step up as the starter. Reigning NL Cy Young Jake Arrieta would’ve been a shoo-in, but he’s surrendered 15 earned runs in his last 16.1 innings. Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47 ERA) and Jose Fernandez (11-4, 2.52 ERA) will likely be the two new front-runners.

Manager Terry Collins, though, will be spoiled for choice at the back-end of his bullpen. He has four of the top five closers this season in terms of saves – A.J. Ramos, Mark Melancon, Kenley Jansen and his very own Jeurys Familia – to choose from.

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