Bernie on the Scene: My National League All-Star Team

Last week I offered my American League All-Star team selections.

This week, I have prepared my National League roster.

The biggest issues readers had last week was my omission of Athletics first baseman Matt Olson. Well, that's what makes All-Star ballots so much fun. We all have differing opinions.

So, here is this week's edition. Next week I will select my pitching staffs. Your criticism and corrections to my thinking are welcome in the comments below. And please take a moment to answer the question I pose.

Batting average, home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS+ and stolen bases are listed in that order:

First Base

Freddie Freeman, Braves
AVG: .256
HR: 17
RBI: 42
OBP: .363
SLG: .477
OPS+: .840
SB: 4

This isn't the best we have seen of Freeman. I still think he is not waiting back enough on pitches, as he did when he was clobbering the baseball. However, there are signs he is coming to life. That's the guy I want on my team. That's the Freddie Freeman who can be plenty dangerous.

Runner-Up:

Max Muncy, Dodgers
AVG: .261
HR: 15
RBI: 35
OBP: .414
SLG: .531
OPS+: .945
SB: 1

Muncy is having a wonderful year for the Dodgers. However, the competition at the position is not that great. The American League is loaded with tough choices, and that just is not the case this year in the NL.

Muncy was on the injured list for 10 days with a strained oblique, but he had plenty of momentum going into the voting. He's still the second best option in the NL.

Second Base

Ozzie Albies, Braves
AVG: .256
HR: 12
RBI: 46
OBP: .324
SLG: .498
OPS+: .822
SB: 10 

Albies has picked up some of the slack that has been lost with a less productive than normal Freddie Freeman. He helps form a lethal group with Ronald Acuna, Freeman , Austin Riley and Albies.

Albies does so many things well, he can be a real boost for the NL All Stars.

Runner-Up:

Adam Frazier, Pirates
AVG: .326
HR: 4
RBI: 28
OBP: .396
SLG: .472
OPS+: .869
SB: 4

This came out of nowhere, but Frazier is having a great season. He could fetch a boatload of young talent for the Pirates from a team needing a seasoned veteran to push them over the top. The White Sox come to mind, with the injury to Nick Madrigal.

Third Base

Kris Bryant, Cubs
AVG: .273
HR: 15
RBI: 41
OBP: .360
SLG: .522
OPS+: .882
SB: 4

One could say Bryant is making a rather loud statement. Something like … "I'm worth tons of money in free agency."  But I doubt the Cubs will pay him.

Having a terrific season, I wonder where the Cubs would be without him. If Mr. Ricketts keeps his wallet sewn shut, they'll find out next season.

Runner-Up:

Austin Riley, Braves
AVG: .272
HR: 12
RBI: 33
OBP: .355
SLG: .461
OPS+: .816
SB: 0

I really like the fact that Riley has stepped up and solved the third base problem for Atlanta. He may not be the popular choice, but I want his power on my club. I had a tough choice to make here, but I chose Riley over one of my favorite players — Nolan Arenado. But Arenado made my team.

Shortstop

Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
AVG: .293
HR: 25
RBI: 54
OBP: .373
SLG: .702
OPS+: 1.076
SB: 15

This guy can do it all. He hit three homers Friday night. He's on a tear.

I worry about his shoulder issues, and I think the Padres will have to be very careful with him down the stretch.

Tatis is among the great young players of our day, and I think fans will really enjoy watching him in the All-Star Game.

Runner-Up:

Brandon Crawford, Giants
AVG: .255
HR: 16
RBI: 50
OBP: .343
SLG: .532
OPS+: .875
SB: 5

If anyone deserves to be an All-Star, it really is Brandon Crawford.

In the final year of his contract, Crawford has played terrific baseball on both sides of the ball. He's a Gold Glove caliber shortstop that doesn't get enough media buzz for his quality of play.

Catcher

Buster Posey, Giants
AVG: .322
HR: 12
RBI: 27
OBP: .411
SLG: .556
OPS+: .966
SB: 0

I never thought Buster Posey would be this strong and consequential at his age. But taking the entire season off last year has brought him new life. He's of critical importance to a team that remains in the heat of the pennant race. He may slow in the second half, but my team is based on the first half.

Runner-Up

Willson Contreras, Cubs
AVG: .235
HR: 13
RBI: 30
OBP: .330
SLG: .438
OPS+: .768
SB: 3

He brings a solid bat to a lineup that is fighting for a division championship. He has made a critical contribution to a lineup that can clearly struggle at times. He's earned this role.

Outfield

Nick Castellanos, left field, Reds
AVG: .349
HR: 14
RBI: 42
OBP: .402
SLG: .600
OPS+: 1.002
SB: 2

A hitting machine, Castellanos is an incredible pest at the plate. He brings a combination of power and a great hitting tool as a consistently tough out.

While the NL outfield is loaded with potential All-Stars, Castellanos plays in a very hitter-friendly home park that he has used to his advantage. He will blend in nicely in an outfield lineup that could easily feature any of six or seven All-Star type players.

Ronald Acuna Jr., right field, Braves
AVG: .280
HR: 20
RBI: 47
OBP: .391
SLG: .592
OPS+: .983
SB: 16

For me, he and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the finest players in the game today.

Acuna not only hits for power and average, but he steals bases and has a tremendous cannon for an arm in the outfield. 

Acuna Jr. has missed some time with a barking back and other issues, but he'll be there in Colorado and put on quite a show in Coors Field.

Jesse Winker, center field, Reds
AVG: .325
HR: 17
RBI: 45
OBP: .399
SLG: .581
OPS+: .980
SB: 0

All this guy does is hit. He was under the radar at draft time in fantasy leagues, but the guy I saw as a prospect hitter has come to fruition. I must admit, I liked him then, but I had no idea he would develop the power he has shown. 

Winker has earned his spot on my team with a constantly loud and impactful bat.

Runners-Up:

Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
AVG: .366
HR: 4
RBI: 21
OBP: .415
SLG: .552
OPS+: .967
SB: 1

I get to see him all the time. This guy is incredible. He can play second base as well, and he deserves the honor of making my All-Star roster.

Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals
AVG: .273
HR: 15
RBI: 35
OBP: .329
SLG: .572
OPS+: .901
SB: 5

Are you kidding, Bernie? O'Neill over Betts and Harper? Yes. Even Soto? Yes. This is a guy with tremendous power. He's built like a small mountain and he swings a lethal bat. Nobody hits curve balls like O'Neill. And that's why I want him on my team. He can hit any pitch, and he can win the game with that power. He deserves to be on my team.

Designated Hitter

Kyle Schwarber, Nationals
AVG: .253
HR: 22
RBI: 50
OBP: .336
SLG: .560
OPS+: .896
SB: 1

I want this guy in my starting lineup. Here's where I'm putting him. He can change a game.

He has put on the type of power display that we thought he could produce. Now he can help my team in the All-Star Game.

Runner-Up:

Bryan Reynolds,Pirates
AVG: .312
HR: 13
RBI: 42
OBP: .401
SLG: .538
OPS+: .940
SB: 1

He's doing it all, and the Pirates offense is improving.

My lineup

Ronald Acuna Jr., RF
Fernando Tatis Jr., SS
Nick Castellanos, Lf
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Kris Bryant, 3B
Kyle Schwarber, DH
Buster Posey, C
Jesse Winker, CF
Ozzie Albies, 2B

My Bench:

Bryan Reynolds, OF/DH
Tyler O'Neill, OF
Ketel Marte, OF
Max Muncy, 1B
Adam Frazier, 2B
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Austin Riley, 3B
Brandon Crawford, SS
Willson Contreras, C
Trea Turner, SS
Justin Turner, 3B

Apologies to:

Bryce Harper
Juan Soto
Mookie Betts

You're all good players, or even better than good. But I'm rewarding the guys who have really stepped up this season. You'll probably be back next year, because you'll light it up in the second half.

And apolgies to you, Jake Cronenworth. I wanted you on my team, but I didn't have quite enough room.

Next Week: My All-Star pitching staffs

HEADING HOME

Last week I asked this question: If I'm starting a baseball franchise today and I can have any position player, which player would be my first choice?

My answer?  While I really do think Fernando Tatis Jr. is a wonderful baseball player and a terrific athlete, I would select Ronald Acuna Jr. by a tad. It was thisclose in my mind between the two.

Why Acuna Jr.?  I don't think there's anything this guy can't do on a baseball field. His game is so complete, that he can beat you with a throw to the plate. He can beat you by stealing a base and getting into scoring position. And without a doubt, he can beat you with a clutch hit or a long home run when you need it the most.

Can't Tatis do all of that and more?  I'm not as sure of his consistency yet, because he's still learning the game and is finding his skills every day. Tatis is 22, and he's going to get even more power. Acuna is 23, and he's getting stronger every day. But I'll take Acuna by a whisker.

I worry more about Tatis staying healthy than I do Acuna. They both have been fighting issues; Acuna's back and Tatis' shoulder have provided hiccups.

But in a close one, I'll take Acuna. 

Now, here's this week's question: If you could have one pitcher to start your franchise, who would you pick? In my virtual baseball franchise draft in my new MLB league, Jacob deGrom is not available. The franchise owner before me grabbed deGrom. I have to pick someone else. Your choice? Mine will be revealed here next week.

Thank you for reading my work at forbes.com and for following me on Twitter @BerniePleskoff.