Kansas City Royals 2015 All-Star Review

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Tonight, the 86th All-Star Game will be played at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. It is a time where all of the game’s best players will be together on the grand stage, with the eyes of the nation upon them. Now, instead of being an exhibition, the game counts, since the All-Star Game is being used to determine home field advantage for the World Series.

It is fitting that the Kansas City Royals, whose improbable October run last year energized their fanbase, will play an integral part in the festivities. Not only will our own Ned Yost be managing the team, but the Royals have seven players in the All-Star Game, if we include the injured Alex Gordon.

This is certainly a far cry from those days when the Royals had that token, baseball mandated representative. No longer are they at the point where players like Mark Redman, who may have been the worst All-Star selection of all time, are chosen to represent the team because there was no one else to bring along. It is, indeed, a great time to be a Royals fan.

So, in lieu of the typical Week in Review, let us instead take a look at the Kansas City Royals All-Stars. These seven players may well play a key role in determining whether or not the American League has home field advantage in the World Series, which could end up being vitally important should the Royals make a return trip to the postseason.

Next: The gold standard at catcher

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Salvador Perez

If one just looked at Salvador Perez’s batting line, it would understandable as to why so many other fanbases question his inclusion in the All-Star starting lineup. His .262/.273/.453 batting line is not going to jump off the page at anyone. Yes, the 15 home runs from a catcher are nice, but to the uninitiated, Perez would seem to be just an example of Kansas City Royals fans stuffing the ballot box.

That, however, completely diminishes what Perez is – the best defensive catcher in the American League. A two time Gold Glove winner, and now a three time All-Star, Perez is a key part of the Royals philosophy of pitching and defense, commanding the pitching staff and taking charge on the diamond.

Even without Royals fans and the popular vote, Perez would likely have been on the All-Star team anyway. His power, as well as his ability to entirely shut down a running game, make him an asset in any format. Since the All-Star Game counts, why not have the best defensive catcher in the league behind the plate?

Salvador Perez is now a three time All-Star at the age of 25. Chances are, the Kansas City Royals catcher will have quite a few more appearances in the All-Star Game in his future.

Next: Yescobar!!

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Alcides Escobar

As most of you probably realize, I live in New England, right in the heart of Red Sox country. According to Sox fans, the idea that Alcides Escobar, the Kansas City Royals shortstop, is starting over Xander Bogaerts is a crime tantamount to the worst atrocities in human history.

Yet, one could argue that Escobar, who was deserving of an All-Star appearance last year, is even more deserving this season. On the heels of last year’s .285/.317/.377 batting line, Escobar has produced a .290/.327/.372 line this year, showing an improved eye at the plate. Perhaps that move to place him atop the lineup was truly the vote of confidence that he needed.

While Escobar has been solid at the plate, his calling card is still on defense. Escobar routinely makes plays that other shortstops could not imagine, showing off his tremendous range and arm. How he has yet to win a Gold Glove is beyond comprehension.

Those who complained about Alcides Escobar making the All-Star Team will be glad he is out there when he gets to flash some leather tonight. The Kansas City Royals shortstop should have been there last year, and deserves his appearance this season.

Next: The blossoming star

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Cain

The 2014 postseason was essentially the Lorenzo Cain Breakout Party. He had put together a career year for the Kansas City Royals, but had toiled in obscurity due to the lack of national presence for the Royals. After the playoffs, that was no longer the case.

This season, Cain took that next step towards on the path to stardom. For the season, he has produced a .316/.373.491 batting line with a career high eight home runs and 17 stolen bases. Add in his continual Gold Glove caliber play in center, and he has truly blossomed into more than a raw player with excellent tools.

In fact, it is likely time for the Royals to begin the conversation to keep Cain in Kansas City for the long term. He is just now starting to hit his prime, and with only two years of arbitration left after this season, now is the time to lock him in to a long term extension.

The Lorenzo Cain show is once again coming to the national stage. This will be a reminder of just how good the Royals center fielder has become.

Next: The Face of the Franchise

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Gordon

It was great to imagine the American League starting outfield of Mike Trout, Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon. With that defense, any pitcher would not need to worry about a ball landing in the outfield, as they would be able to cover enough ground to make Yellowstone seem tiny.

Unfortunately, Gordon suffered a groin strain last week, knocking him out of the Royals lineup until September. While the All-Star Game and the various accolades would not be new to Gordon, given that this would be his third trek to the MidSummer Classic, it would still be great to have seen him get his due as the starting left fielder.

Gordon has certainly had an excellent season up to the point he was injured. He had posted a .279/.394/.457 batting line with eleven home runs. His 135 OPS+ was his best mark since his breakout campaign in 2011, and with those eleven home runs, Gordon was making a run at a new career high. In what may have been a free agent season, Gordon had started to put together what may have been his best season.

Fortunately for the Kansas City Royals, Alex Gordon should be back for the playoff push. Unfortunately, he will not be able to showcase his ability in the starting lineup of the All-Star Game this season.

Next: Good thing Lawrie's not on the squad

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Kelvin Herrera

Within the Kansas City Royals bullpen Cerberus of Greg Holland, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera, it seems as though Herrera is somewhat forgotten. Perhaps this is because of his role in the seventh inning, or just from the sheer dominance of Davis and Holland, but Herrera seems to be relatively unnoticed.

Now that setup men are starting to get their due in the All-Star Game, it is a perfect time for Herrera to shine. While he has not been as dominant this season as he was in 2014, Herrera has still posted an excellent 1.95 ERA and a 0.946 WHiP, striking out 37 batters in his 37 innings of work.

The All-Star Game also gives Herrera a chance to be known nationally as more than the pitcher who threw behind Brett Lawrie. Now, if he enters the game, Herrera can be known for his ability to fire 100 MPH fastballs by the opposition, showing why the Royals have the best bullpen in baseball.

Kelvin Herrera is a key part of the Kansas City Royals bullpen. Hopefully, if he gets in the game tonight, he can erase the image of that one unfortunate incident.

Next: Sheer dominance

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Moustakas

Let’s face it – when Mike Moustakas was listed as one of the Final Five for that last American League All-Star spot, was there any doubt that the Kansas City Royals third baseman would be voted in?

Just a year removed from being sent to Omaha for ten days, and just over three months removed from whether or not he would ever reach his potential, the 2015 season has been one of redemption for Moustakas. Moved up to the second spot in the lineup, Moustakas has posted a .297/.353/.427 batting line with seven home runs. He has evolved from being a dead pull hitter to spraying the ball around the field.

This change has been utterly astonishing. There were signs that Moustakas was starting to develop confidence, especially after his excellent postseason performance last year, and that carried over into Spring Training. Yet, those torrid Spring Training numbers had never continued into the regular season. This year, that has all changed.

Mike Moustakas is starting to be the third baseman that the Kansas City Royals imagined when he was taken second overall in 2007. Now, at age 26, we may be seeing the Moustakas breakout party. This All-Star selection is just the confirmation.

Next: Fan Outrage at Robinson Cano Signaled Revival