Baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, and the 2014 edition of the MLB All-Star Game has the unenviable honor of trying to live up to the high standards of the annual event.
Fortunately for hardcore and casual fans alike, the rosters for both the American and National Leagues are stacked with elite hitters and dominant pitchers. The game should be a fierce battle with home-field advantage in the World Series on the line.
Here are the complete rosters for the AL and NL and a focus on the player whom baseball fans are most excited to see in action.
Player to Watch: Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
A cadre of pitchers could steal the show in the All-Star Game, and several hitters have the power to dominate the headlines, but no one possesses the game-changing abilities of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
While many fans immediately think of his consistency and power at the plate, McCutchen is arguably the best outfielder in the sport. With a unique mixture of speed and awareness in the field, he can cover an incredible amount of ground and make breathtaking catches.
The Pirates’ official Twitter account talked about where he ranks amongst the all-time Pittsburgh greats:
That speed also helps him on the basepaths. McCutchen has racked up 15 stolen bases this season and looks to be on pace to meet his season average of 23. He may look to use his baserunning ability during the actual All-Star Game.
When asked about the honor of making the Midsummer Classic, McCutchen told Tom Singer of MLB.com about going with his teammates and being voted as a starter:
It’s definitely an honor and I’m happy I will have some guys accompanying me there…It takes us winning to get that recognition, and we’ve done that the last couple of years. It’s good to see. Being in the All-Star Game is enough in itself. Being No. 1 [in voting for outfielders] is a plus, really cool.
ESPN’s Stats and Info department shared a great image of just how hot McCutchen has been since June 1:
McCutchen picked up right where he left off last season. He has compiled a .321 batting average, 15 home runs, 59 RBI, 53 runs and a .419 on-base percentage in 91 games this season. He looks to be on pace to match or surpass almost all of his regular-season averages.
In his three previous All-Star Game appearances, though, McCutchen has only managed one hit in five at-bats. It could be time for the Pittsburgh star to buck the trend and take the game over for the National League.
With 46 extra-base hits in 2014, McCutchen has the ability to change the game with one swing of his bat.
Predicted stat line: 2 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 stolen base
*Stats via MLB.com.
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