Votes are in … and so is trio
Alex Bregman adhered to a cycle of staid responses that projected humility and deflected credit for being voted in by fans as the American League’s starting third baseman in the All-Star Game at Progressive Field in Cleveland on July 9.
His selection, which makes him the first third baseman in Astros history to start in the Midsummer Classic, seemed presumptive because of his stellar season and scripted because of a format change coordinated with an ESPN program at 6 p.m. Thursday that revealed which players fans elected to start the game.
It was not until Bregman was asked if he would compete in the Home Run Derby for a second consecutive year that he appeared to get thrown a curveball. His façade broke down. An enormous, uncontrolled grin rose up in its place.
“Uh, I don’t know yet,” Bregman said, unable to keep a straight face.
His genuine expression suggested he had an idea and that, beyond the pomp and circumstance, a major leaguer still looks forward to the fun like a boy on the sandlot, even if he has participated in the All-Star festivities before.
This marks Bregman’s second All-Star selection. Astros outfielders George Springer and Michael Brantley also were elected starters by the fans as part of the newly created “Starters Election,” a 28-hour online voting period that featured three finalists at each position (and the top nine outfielders).
It is Springer’s second start and third selection, while it is Brantley’s first start and fourth appearance. They will be the first pair of Astros outfielders to start an All-Star Game.
Three starters ties Houston’s franchise record set in 2004 (Roger Clemens, Lance Berkman, Jeff Kent) and 2017 (Springer, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa). It will have four if Justin Verlander is the AL’s starting pitcher.
“You never know if it’s going to come back around,” said Springer, who has 18 home runs and 44 RBIs along with careerbest numbers in batting average (.315), on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (.645) and OPS (1.035). “You go. You enjoy it. You get to enjoy the clubhouse with guys you normally compete against. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of festivities. You get to enjoy the day and enjoy the moment.”
Brantley (.316 average, 11 home runs, 43 RBIs) played 10 seasons with the Indians. Recently, he called the chance to play in the AllStar Game in Cleveland “beyond special.”
The Angels’ Mike Trout, who led the outfield voting, will make his seventh consecutive All-Star start. The other AL starters are Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, Indians first baseman Carlos Santana, Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu, Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco and Rangers designated hitter Hunter Pence.
The National League will start Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, Cubs shortstop Javier Baez and outfielders Christian Yelich of the Brewers, Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves.
Santana’s 49.2 percent of fan votes edged out Bregman’s 49.1 for the largest share for any AL player.
“It’s an honor,” Bregman said. “It’s something I dreamed about as a kid. To be able to start this year is really special.”
Fans can vote to fill out the rest of the All-Star rosters until the final spots are announced at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Verlander (10-3, 2.67 ERA, 142 strikeouts in 114 2⁄3 innings) is a lock, while pitchers Gerrit Cole, Roberto Osuna and Ryan Pressly have pitched well enough to earn serious consideration.
The Astros’ seven Starters Election finalists were the most of any AL team. Altuve started each of the previous four years at second base.