Phillies All-Stars - Yes or No?

Raul will be in St. Louis.  But who's going to join him?

Ryan Howard: YES- The Big Guy hasn’t been to the Midsummer Classic since his MVP season of 2006.  This year, he deserves another trip.  While he is still striking out a ton (68 k’s in 220 at-bats) his power numbers remain among the games best.  Howard has 17 home runs and 47 RBI’s, both good for fourth best in the NL.  Albert Pujols is a given as the starter, but Howard, along with Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres, should be there as well.

Chase Utley: YES – He’s going to be voted in anyway, and there isn’t really anyone else in his orbit from the National League.  Utley has slipped a bit with his average, but he’s still hitting for power and knocking in runs. His .987 OPS is by far the best in baseball among 2B's, a great indicator of how he hits for power, but also gets on base a ton for the Phils.

Jimmy Rollins: MAYBE – You know why this is; you’ve seen the ugly numbers. Jimmy has tried to turn things around after going 2-for-4 on Sunday but the fact is, there is no way he’s going to St. Louis. Unless he goes on some sort of tear or is voted in, which right now is a real possibility, then he should be home working on his swing for those off days.

Pedro Feliz: NO – Even though Feliz has had a great year – something I didn’t see coming – third base is pretty much locked up by some other hard-hitters. David Wright is a shoo-in, but Ryan Zimmerman is having a superb year and will almost certainly be there lone rep. Casey Blake is mashing for L.A. and Chipper Jones, while oft-injured, is still putting up great numbers for the Braves. And it is a numbers game, which is why Feliz will be left out.

Carlos Ruiz: NO – I want to say yes to this, I really do. Defensively, Ruiz is stellar and calls a pretty good game, and now his bat is coming around too.  Chooch is up past the .300 mark and while he only has 94 at-bats this year, he’s becoming a bit of a force at the bottom of the order.  He will not make it to St. Louis, however.

Jayson Werth: NO – Everyone believes Werth has All-Star potential, but his numbers have slipped during a nasty slump and ASG consideration has gone with it.  While Werth still plays great D for the Phils in right, he needs to start hitting again.  He’s a vital cog in that order as a power-hitting righty bat.

Shane Victorino: NO – In the numbers game, Victorino too will be left out.  He has not committed an error in the field and his .295 average ranks 11th among NL outfielders.  Still, he has to compete with the likes of Beltran, Braun, Soriano, Ibanez, Carlos Lee, and youngsters like Justin Upton and Matt Kemp. There just isn’t enough room out there for Shane.

Raul Ibanez: YES – Rauuuul has cemented himself as a sure-fire All-Star this season, as he ranks first in RBI’s, second in homers, and ninth in batting average.  The only question now is, will he be voted as a starter?

Cole Hamels: MAYBE - After a slow start, it’s tough to say if Hamels will make it this year.  With Charlie Manuel as the manager, it’s certainly a possibility.  But with just a 4-2 record and an ERA well above four, Hamels has not separated himself from the likes of Derek Lowe, Zach Duke, or even Livan Hernandez when looking at ASG consideration. With a few more starts, we shall see.

Brad Lidge: NO – Sorry, just not happening.  Last year’s losing pitcher at the ASG will not be back.  Phillies fans can only hope he gets back on track, forget pitching in an exhibition game.  This may be the date we figure out what happens with Lidge as far as his role is concerned.

The Phillies definitely will have three players make the trip with Manuel to St. Louis, and that number could reach as high as five.