2013 MLB All-Star Game: Top 5 Candidates To Start For the National League

Matt Harvey, New York Mets

June 23, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey (33) delivers to the plate during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Harvey seems like the obvious choice, and for good reason.

The Mets’ right-hander leads the NL in ERA (2.05) and FIP (2.01). Very rarely is a pitcher’s FIP lower than his actual ERA. But Harvey’s been economical in the walks department, and his arsenal of off-speed weapons speaks for itself in the strikeouts department.

There are conceivably a slew of other stats that favor Harvey. I’ll list a few more for your pleasure: he’s second in WAR (3.9), first in WHIP (0.88), first in Average Game Score (66.9) and first in K% (28.9 percent). As you drool over those, it’s worth mentioning that his average 95.6 MPH fastball leads baseball, as he recently surpassed Stephen Strasburg for the top spot (70 innings minimum)

The trend is clear. You could go on and on. The point: Harvey leads the primary categories, and more. Given that the All-Star Game is in New York at Citi Field, or Harvey’s home, it’d only be ideal for him to start for the NL. And the numbers, well, nab him as the current favorite.