Who deserves to be an all star: Rockies’ Trevor Story or Adam Ottavino?

Kiz: Nolan Arenado will start at third base in the All-Star Game, as well he should. But do the scuffling Rockies merit another player on the National League roster for the midsummer classic in Washington, D.C.? Sorry, Charlie Blackmon. In my mind, there are two deserving candidates: relief pitcher Adam Ottavino and shortstop Trevor Story. Will either get an invitation? Saunders: I think Chuck Nazty gets in, via a players’ vote or coaches’ choice, simply because he has a reputation now, even though this season pales in comparison to last, when he had a career year. I’m sure “Ottomatic” will get in, for a couple of reasons. First, he and his .079 ERA and .016 WHIP and 16 holds deserve it. Second, manager Dodgers Dave Roberts, a close friend of Bud Black’s, will make sure Ottavino makes it. As for Story, I’d say it’s 50-50 at this point. He’s playing all-star caliber baseball, but few outside the MDT know it. Kiz: On too many nights, you have been forced to file sad stories of missed opportunity from the ballpark, my friend. The Rockies are the picture of frustration. One consistently good story, however, has been the development of Story. He not only is a slick fielder but now is also a legitimate cleanup hitter. What has clicked for Story at the plate? Saunders: Kiz, Story is the Rockies’ feel-good story of the season, and it couldn’t happen to a more stand-up guy. What’s clicked? Hard work and hours of studying pitchers, plus the ability to examine his own flaws. He still strikes out a lot (29 percent), but that number has come way down. He has learned how to shorten his swing, especially with two outs or two strikes, without losing any power. By the end of the season, I envision a .265 average and 30-plus homers. Kiz: Story checks the boxes in so many offensive categories, from home runs (16) to OPS (.851), that he appears to be a no-brainer choice as a reserve for the NL team. But that’s just me. I’m afraid there will be a temptation to reward Atlanta’s Dansby Swanson for his contributions to the first-place Braves. Story feels like an all-star snub waiting to happen. Saunders: At last report, the Giants’ Brandon Crawford led the shortstop selection with 1,701,098 votes, followed by Swanson (888,077), the Cubs’ Addison Russell (771,478) and then Story (555,788). So, you’re right, Story is probably on the outside looking in. Black has repeatedly said Story is all-star worthy, adding that opposing managers and coaches are beginning to tell him the same thing. If Swanson (seven homers, .717 OPS) beats out Story, it will be a shame and a sham. But it’s not like we haven’t see that before with the Midsummer Classic.