All Star Picks, NL Edition

I really used to like the All Star Game. But as soon as the powers that be decided to make it "mean something," I got turned off. The decision to award home field advantage in the World Series to the team from the league that wins this exhibition game is one of the dumbest ideas in recent memory.

If the owners want more eyeballs, maybe make it U.S. players against the rest of the world. Kind of fits with the current political climate.

Anyway, here are my National League selections

1B - Freddie Freeman, Braves. He leads the NL in hits, OPS, and total bases.
2B - Scooter Gennett, Reds. He's hitting .337 for a terrible team and might be the best player you've never heard of.
SS - Brandon Crawford, Giants. He leads all NL shortstops in hitting, second in OPS.
3B - Nolan Arenado, Rockies. 14 HR, .958 OPS, and a highlight-reel defensive play every night.
OF - Matt Kemp, Dodgers. Having his best season since 2011 with an OPS leading all NL outfielders.
OF - Nick Markakis, Braves. He's having a career year and is fifth in NL in hitting.
OF - Odubel Herrera, Phillies. With a recent slump behind him, he's the best hitter in Philadelphia.
C - JP Realmuto, Marlins. Best hitting catcher in the league.

I'm not sure if Herrera makes the team because fans want Bryce Harper in the game. Harper may be leading the NL in home runs, but he's having a terrible year.

And I fully expect Phillies ace Aaron Nola to get named to the pitching staff, along with Max Scherzer, Jacob DeGrom, Jon Lester, Russ Stripling, Michael Wacha, and Sean Newcomb.