The Royals see a Stewart-era-high seven players selected to the All-Star Game with multi-selections Edgar Mir (6), Bob Crimi (2), Curt Bogans (2), Eddie Baquerizo (2), Mike Connolly (2), and Banmei Kataoka (2) being joined by first-timer, and rookie, Tsuguo Abe with four pitchers and three bats fairly representing the breakdown in performance over the first half of the season.
SP Eddie Baquerizo (KC) - 11-1, 1.71 ERA, 126.0 IP, 0.86 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 4.9 WAR
SP Curt Bogans (KC) - 10-6, 2.97 ERA, 118.0 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 WAR
RP Tsuguo Abe (KC) - 1-3, 2.67 ERA, 57.1 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 10.5 K/9, 2.0 WAR
RP Banmei Kataoka (KC) - 9-2, 1.94 ERA, 60.1 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 1.7 WAR
1B Bob Crimi (KC)* - .283/.367/.509, 346 AB, 20 HR, 10 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
2B Edgar Mir (KC)* - .273/.401/.539, 304 AB, 22 HR, 16 SB, 151 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
LF Mike Connelly (KC)* - .234/.359/.437, 286 AB, 12 HR, 18 SB, 118 wRC+, 2.3 WAR (Injured)
In addition, four ex-Royals make the All Star Game with fans happy to see Jeremy Rogerson return from his injury and earn his 3rd, and first since 2034, selection.
CF Juan Soreni (CLE) - .254/.363/.583, 307 AB, 27 HR, 154 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
SP Daniel Nava (ATL) - 7-6, 3.45 ERA, 128.0 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 3.1 WAR
RP Eric Cook (PHI) - 1-2, 2.23 ERA, 48.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 0.6 WAR
SS Jeremy Rogerson (MIL) - .322/.450/.463, 177 AB, 3 HR, 162 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
In the game, Crimi went 0-1 with a walk, Mir 0-2 while Connelly is still injured so missed the game. Bogans, Baquerizo, and Abe all pitched a single inning – Bogans and Abe with 1 K and 0 H while Baquerizo took the loss, his inning costing 2 R on 3 H.
A range of performance from the Royals bats leaves some questions at the All Star Break. Eric Rose’s return hasn’t been smooth while Jimmy Goodman has been poor since his injury and Billy Mumaugh isn’t quite at his prior heights. Sincere Latin’s bat hasn’t shown up but his defensive value means he has contributed almost 1 WAR.
Despite some injuries the pitching battery has been elite. All five starters have a FIP- under 100, while of the relievers, only Alvaro Baladez is over that league average 100 level.