Desmond vying for NL All-Star nod in the Final Vote

There are always a few surprises when the All-Star teams are announced. It's simple math, really - too many deserving players, not enough spots. The need to make sure each National League team is represented is one complicating factor. So is the fact that some positions are just too heavy with potential representatives, while others are thin.

The Nationals had two players chosen to the National League All-Star team, and the announcement was made a short time ago live on FOX. Bryce Harper was voted into the starting NL outfield and right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will on the NL pitching staff.

But there could be a third Nat heading to Citi Field for the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, July 16. And that's where you come in.

Think your role ended July 4 when the final online balloting took place? Think again.

Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond - who made the All-Star team last season but missed the game due to injury - is part of the Final Vote, an online forum which chooses the last member of each squad. He's one of five players vying for that final roster spot, joining Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Giants outfielder Hunter Pence and Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.

No one can argue that Desmond isn't having a season worthy of All-Star acclaim. Entering play Saturday, he's batting .281 with team highs in home runs (15) and RBIs (49). He's got 23 doubles, two triples, 20 walks, 10 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of .324 and a slugging percentage of .506. Though he's made nine errors, most of those came early in the season, and Desmond has been making tough plays look routine for weeks.

Where do you vote? Well, we'll make it easy for you. Just go here and cast your ballot. We're not suggesting you stuff the ballot box, mind you, but you might want to make sure your mouse-clicking (or smartphone-punching) finger is limbered up, because NatsTown is counting on you.

Here's the wrinkle in the Final Vote voting: Because the player chosen as the NL's starting shortstop, the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, is currently on the disabled list, there's a chance that he might have to sit out the game, which would mean the NL would need to choose someone else to fill in for him. Desmond would seem likely to get the nod, but there's no telling for sure.

So start voting - remember,

Voting ends at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11.

blog comments powered by Disqus