MLB All-Star Game: Rosters with package deals on defense

Aug 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds unveil the All Star Game logo prior to the game against the Cleveland Indians at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Putting a unique spin on this July’s MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati can be fun. Even more so if you’re one of the bitter fans out there who does not like what is going on in the American League with the Kansas City Royals.

But for the most part, the Midsummer Classic is supposed to be fun and full of festivities for kids and their parents. The Home Run Derby is a showcase like the dunk competition is in the NBA. You go, you watch, have a few smiles and move on. Here is one interesting spin on the All-Star Game, breaking teams down in terms of divisions instead of leagues.

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MiLB does its own take, pitting the best American born players versus foreign born ones in an All-Stars Futures Game. You could scour the internet and undoubtedly find a multitude of different alterations or spins on the event. Call to the Pen offers you this latest twist on the game. What if the All-Star roster’s were composed based on overall value of players, but determined by defensive groupings as a stipulation? Everything is a package deal. Pitcher and catcher. Right side of the infield. Left side of the infield. All three outfield positions.

Using wins above replacement is probably the best overall way to gauge value, so that will definitely factor in. But to the detriment of some players who are paired with far inferior options in their positional grouping, it’s about finding a balance. Someone like center fielder Mike Trout, who has a sturdy companion in Kole Calhoun in right field, would likely not appear on this version of an All-Star roster due to terrible options in the Angels’ left field.

Without further delay, let’s get after it. Here are your American and National League All-Star roster’s, if everything had to be a package deal.

Next: American League