The Royals have five players named to the All-Star team, although this year’s selections may be more about the snubs than the picks. Chris Kuehn is 2nd in wins, 1st in K/9, 3rd= in WAR and with the top FIP in the American League but misses out while on the hitting side, Jadon Tezeno is ranked ahead of former teammate Chris Ambrose in every batter ranking!
The two legendary Relief Pitchers, Dan Nichols (10th) and Luis Danys Rhodes (6th) head back to the All-Star Game, and they are joined for the 4th time by Bobby Nickelberry, the second time by Luis Aceves, and first timer Jorge Corujo.
RP Dan Nichols (KC) - 7-1, 3.05 ERA, 59.0 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL Luis Danys Rhodes (KC)* - 3-2, 13 SV, 1.88 ERA, 62.1 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, 2.2 WAR
1B Luis Aceves (KC) - .271/.366/.645, 273 AB, 28 HR, 16 SB, 158 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
CF Jorge Corujo (KC) - .301/.368/.428, 332 AB, 5 HR, 52 SB, 115 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC)* - .347/.382/.697, 346 AB, 33 HR, 180 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
Five former Royals make the All Star lists, three in the American League and two for the National League.
3B Mike Campney (HOU)* - .301/.359/.582, 316 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 149 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
SS Chris Ambrose (CLE) - .270/.315/.394, 330 AB, 6 HR, 6 SB, 89 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
LF Mike Thomas (HOU) - .288/.384/.548, 323 AB, 17 HR, 13 SB, 149 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
SP Greg Moehring (STL)* - 4-5, 3.32 ERA, 76.0 IP, 1.32 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 1.9 WAR (Injured)
SS Mike Schwind (CHC) - .256/.305/.458, 332 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 101 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
It is a largely fruitless All Star Game for the Royals players. Bobby Nickelberry misses out through suspension, while Luis Aceves and Jorge Corujo go 0-3 between them and Luis Danys Rhodes gives up a HR as he only records one out. Dan Nichols is the most successful, pitching a clean 2/3 of an inning.
The first half of the season has seen the batting line up explode with ever hitter outside of the catchers hitting above league average. Luis Montoya has taken over every day catching due to Mike Woods’ horrific hitting numbers but that is a definite black hole! However, that is offset by the rest of the team, particularly the three All-Stars. Bobby Nickelberry is having an All-Time Royal year and is on track to smash the Royals HR record, with the first 50 HR Royals batter his goal. Luis Aceves is chasing him, with 28 HR at the break. Jorge Corujo already has 52 SB which is good for 11th all time on the Royals single season list, and Willie Wilson’s 83 steal season is in his sights.
Chris Kuehn and Ben Lane have both had excellent seasons, while Mike Herzner is the only starter to struggle. A third front line starter is certainly a chance ahead of the trade deadline. In the bullpen, Luis Danys Rhodes has been fantastic, Dan Nichols. Joe Manley, and Juan Anaya all excelling.