It's most certainly that time of year, the time for baseball fans to bemoan the non-selection of their obviously deserving major league baseball player for the annual MLB All Star Game. Luckily for fans of the Washington Nationals, there are more than one snub they get to bemoan. Bespectacled Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard was Washington's lone All Star selection, but arguments could easily be made for Nats youngsters Danny Espinosa and Jordan Zimmermann to be on the National League squad as well.
Going into Sunday's game, Espinosa may have only been hitting .242, but he leads all rookies in home runs (15), runs batted in (48), slugging (.465) and OPS (.793). He's also tied for second in stolen bases, with nine. Unfortunately, barring an injury to Rickie Weeks of the Brewers or Brandon Phillips of the Reds, Espinosa will not make this year's squad, though it's pretty obvious he has a few All Star game appearances in his future.
If you've watched the Nationals all year, it's become quite apparent Jordan Zimmermann is the ace of the staff. The young righty has pitched less than six innings in a game just twice in his 16 starts, none since the end of April. He is fifth in the National League in ERA, with a 2.63 ERA and eight in WHIP. Sadly, his 5-7 record probably keeps him off the list no matter how many positive stats are mentioned.
A final note - I can't quite count Washington's Michael Morse as a snub yet, as he is part of the Final Five vote for the last N.L. roster representative. I don't think he's going to win, but he is hitting .299 on the season with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs, which ain't too shabby. And for those texters perhaps needing one more reason to vote for Morse? Since May 22nd he has led the entire National league in home runs and runs batted in.
For complete All Star game coverage, and a full list of snubs, visit Baseball Nation.