The Giants strong first half of July has them 3.5 G ahead of the Padres at the top of the NL West, and holding the best record in the league. The Royals are in a class of their own for the best record in baseball, 6 G up on the Angels.
The Giants strong first half of the season is rewarded with five named to the All Star Game. On the pitching side, Andy Frederick is a beneficiary of the fan vote to earn his second selection as his 2-5 record, 4.50 ERA and 1.27. WHIP in 9 GS doesn’t scream All Star. Rickey Martino, however, fully deserves his second nod, 20 SV and a 2.67 ERA from 30.1 IP meaning he has been involved in well over a third of the Giants wins.
More surprisingly are the three position players selected, all earning their first selection with new arrival Jesus Castro and Germains Curtis justifying their signing to put up 2.4 and 3.0 WAR respectively while Ernesto Pantoja’s breakout season is recognised, a 140 wRC+ with 15 HR and a 2.2 WAR making his selection well earned.
SP Andy Frederick (SF) - 2-5, 4.50 ERA, 48.0 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 0.4 WAR (Injured)
CL Rickey Martino (SF) - 2-3, 20 SV, 2.67 ERA, 30.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
C Jesus Castro (SF) - .298/.387/.444, 248 AB, 7 HR, 136 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
2B Ernesto Pantoja (SF) - .280/.362/.505, 293 AB, 15 HR, 140 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
RF Germains Curtis (SF) - .272/.348/.433, 356 AB, 10 HR, 27 SB, 120 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
The Giants actually have more selections than Stewart’s old team, the best in baseball Royals. A strong Stewart team make up is clear though with both teams having a Catcher, and middle Infielder and an Outfielder selected.
C Nelson Saiz (KC)* - .315/.402/.540, 276 AB, 11 HR, 156 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
2B Juan Montelongo (KC)* - .304/.343/.478, 247 AB, 9 HR, 11 SB, 122 wRC+, 2.2 WAR (Injured)
CF Mike Gronkiewicz (KC)* - .271/.365/.463, 339 AB, 13 HR, 63 SB, 126 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
The Royals once again have three All-Star Prospects selected with Arturo Varela making his second trip, along with Beau Wartel and first timer Pete Lamar.
SP Pete Lamar (SF-A+) - 7-3, 2.82 ERA, 105.1 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 12.6 K/9, 3.2 WAR
RP Arturo Varela (SF-AAA) - 0-1, 12.46 ERA, 17.1 IP, 1.85 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, -0.6 WAR
2B Beau Wartel (SF-R) - .311/.422/.497, 177 AB, 7 HR, 2 SB, 122 wRC+, 1.3 WAR