Tuesday, July 12th will surely be an exciting day for the city of San Diego and Major League Baseball fans across America. The MLB All-Star Game is under one month away, with millions of votes already cast for this season's top ball players. In the National League, the current standings show a Cubs-dominated starting lineup with nearly all of the top infield vote-getters coming from Chicago. This should come as no surprise considering the red hot first half the Cubs have executed, still holding the best overall record in the National League (45-20). Nevertheless, with plenty of time remaining before the first All-Star pitch, the tables could turn easily with so many close races in National League voting. Have you contributed to the vote yet? Here are eight big league ball players that you should not overlook when casting your National League ballot this year:
1. Catcher: Wilson Ramos (Washington Nationals)
Somewhat of a surprise star this season, Wilson Ramos holds the best batting average among MLB catchers this year at .335 (second overall in the National League). The Washington Nationals' backstop also leads all catchers in RBIs, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage thanks to an offensive surge to start the 2016 season, including 11 home runs. Although Ramos has struggled with injury in the past, he has demonstrated resiliency and proven to be All-Star worthy throughout this impressive first half performance.
2. 1B: Brandon Belt (San Francisco Giants)
Brandon Belt has always been valuable to the San Francisco lineup, but this year may be his one of his best offensive seasons to date. So far, Belt has belted nine home runs to go with a .300 batting average and a combined slugging and on-base percentage (OPS) of .938. According to ESPN, those numbers are a major improvement from last year thanks to a minor change in Belt's batting stance. By slightly lowering his hands when he sets up to bat, Belt has improved his batting average by 20 and his OPS by 42 points compared to last season's numbers. Small changes could lead to big things for Belt's All-Star chances.
3. 2B: Daniel Murphy (Washington Nationals)
After a horrific ending to his 2015 season with the New York Mets, Daniel Murphy is reminding everyone of his All-Star capability. Murphy currently boasts an outstanding 1.002 OPS percentage, .360 batting average, and 46 RBIs on a total of 91 hits. This past Friday, Murphy also slated his 12th home run in Washington's victory over the San Diego Padres. He achieved his career best in home runs last season with a total of 14. The future is looking very bright for the Nationals' newest slugger.
4. 3B: Nolan Arenado (Colorado Rockies)
Nolan Arenado has consistently upped his game every year, and this season appears no different. Now in his 4th year in the big leagues, Arenado has already tallied 20 home runs and 57 RBIs, earning better numbers in nearly every statistic compared to the likes of current top vote getter Kris Bryant. Arenado serves as a reliable source for positive impact in the Rockies lineup as shown by his offensive and defensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement) ratings, 3.5 and 1.4 respectively. Despite stiff competition in the third base battle, Arenado's first half showing deserves the All-Star stamp.
5. Shortstop: Aledmys Diaz (St. Louis Cardinals)
This rookie is turning an unfortunate injury into a shocking success for the St. Louis Cardinals. With big shoes to fill from Jhonny Peralta's absence, Aledmys Diaz literally stepped up to the plate with a .301 batting average and 8 home runs so far. Although Peralta is back with his health restored, Diaz convinced manager Mike Matheny that he's here to stay with his impressive .487 slugging percentage that filled the hitting gap created by a struggling Kolten Wong. Will Diaz be the MLB's next Rookie of the Year? That's a serious possibility at this rate. For now, Diaz has at least earned himself a spot on the All-Star team.
6. Right Field: Carlos Gonzales (Colorado Rockies)
Among a subpar Rockies lineup, Carlos Gonzales provides a glimmer of hope for Colorado fans. A strong .314 batting average and .916 OPS rating are among Gonzales' All-Star qualifications, with no signs of injury trouble slowing him down like the past few seasons. Trade rumors tell that Gonzales' future in Colorado is uncertain, but if his current efforts continue, Gonzales may find himself a valuable member of a brand new team as well as the NL All-Star team.
7. Center Field: Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs)
Fowler stands to start in center field for the NL All-Star team, and with good reason. In his second year with the red-hot Chicago Cubs, Fowler is putting up a .290 batting average with seven home runs over 64 games played. Both defensively and offensively solid, Fowler would make an appropriate All-Star and a big loss to the Cubs lineup as they await MRI results from a potential hamstring injury Fowler sustained on Saturday. Hopefully by the All-Star break, Fowler will be healthy and representing the Cubs on the National League team.
8. Left Field: Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)
Finally, nine-year veteran Ryan Braun is working toward making his 6th All-Star appearance. Defensively, Braun controls left field with no fielding errors and 98 put outs on 106 chances. Braun's .315 average with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs seem a waste on the dismal Milwaukee Brewers squad, but All-Star voters can assure that Braun's consistent success is rewarded.