AL All-Star Final Vote: A case for each candidate
By Tim Haberin
Xander Bogaerts – .302 BA, 3 HR, 37 RBI, 4 SB
Jul 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) throws a ball to first base during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Boston Red Sox won 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Former Red Sox top prospect Xander Bogaerts will hope to join utility man Brock Holt as Boston’s second representative at the Midsummer Classic. The young shortstop has done a fine job in a first half that has been a major disappointment in Beantown.
Bogaerts has appeared in nearly every game for the Red Sox, slashing .302/.339/.414 with three homers and 37 RBI in the process. After a middling first two months in which he hit .274, the 22-year-old put together a strong June, batting .312 on the month to solidify his All-Star Game case.
He currently finds himself among the league leaders at shortstop in a variety of categories: batting average (3rd), RBI (5th), runs (6th), and OPS (5th). On an All-Star roster already flush with young talent, why not continue the trend by sending the promising BoSox neophyte?
Next: Yoenis Cespedes