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MLB All-Star Game Fan Vote Races

By Ryan Schultz

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League third baseman Brock Holt (26) of the Boston Red Sox, American League outfielder Brett Gardner (11) of the New York Yankees, and American League outfielder J.D. Martinez (28) of the Detroit Tigers celebrate after defeating the National League in the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The American League all stars won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League third baseman Brock Holt (26) of the Boston Red Sox, American League outfielder Brett Gardner (11) of the New York Yankees, and American League outfielder J.D. Martinez (28) of the Detroit Tigers celebrate after defeating the National League in the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. The American League all stars won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Catcher is one of the most difficult positions to judge based on simple numbers from a stat sheet. Understanding the value that a catcher brings to his team often requires watching the player interact with his pitchers and how he frames, throws, and blocks the ball. In the current state of the league, catchers are not known for their prowess at the plate. Finding a catcher that is solid defensively and offensively is incredibly difficult. These All-Star Game candidates have been able to combine offensive and defensive skills to become great players.

Buster Posey is having another fine season for the Giants, slashing .285/.348/.458 with 8 home runs and wRC+ of 130. He is also well-known for his ability to work with pitchers. Newly acquired Cueto and Samardzija have looked great with the Giants this season, partly because of Posey. Posey has gotten it done on both sides of the ball this season, which is why he is one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball.

Yadier Molina is also known as one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball. His throwing ability is his best defensive asset, but he isn’t lacking in either of the other two areas either. This season he’s hitting .261/.332/.341 with 1 home run and a wRC+ well below average at 86. Cardinals fans are strong supporters of their players, hence the number of votes for Molina, but he’s simply not in the same class as Posey this season.

Wilson Ramos is another catcher playing for one of the best teams in the National League this season. Despite not often being considered among the ranks of Posey and Molina, he has managed to put together a monstrous season at the plate to close the gap between him and those already considered elite. This season he is hitting .342/.385/.563 with 12 home runs and a very impressive wRC+ of 153. His hitting alone is good enough to get him into the All-Star Game, fan vote or not, but his defense isn’t too shabby either.

It’s tough to say that Buster Posey isn’t the outright leader in this category, because he has been for almost every season of his career; however, Ramos is absolutely raking right now. Posey has a complete game, but Ramos has simply outperformed the San Francisco start this season. Ramos has tough competition in Posey and Molina, but he has performed well enough to earn the vote this season.

Next: Royals vs. Tigers

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