Cleveland Indians players deserve the current All-Star Game support
The Cleveland Indians currently have three players at or near the top of All-Star Game voting, and all three deserve the right to play in the game.
The MLB All-Star Game always seems to bring out some hot takes from fans.
From fans claiming those who make it are undeserving to fighting for players from their favorite team, the players involved were important at the time when the game decided home-field advantage in the World Series.
But now that the game no longer decides such an important thing, it can go back to being a lighthearted showcase for fans to enjoy.
Yet even if the game still held the importance it did for over a decade, the fact three Cleveland Indians players are at the top of the voting would make sense. The team is the defending American League champion and is once again a major contender.
As seen in the tweet above, it appears as if Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley are locks to make the game. Remember, Mike Trout is out with an injury so Brantley’s starting spot is more solidified than it may appear.
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For those two players, inclusion in the game makes perfect sense. Brantley is currently the Indians’ best hitter, or perhaps consistent is the better word. He remains the only qualified hitter over the .300-mark heading into today’s game in Denver.
Lindor has cooled off after a hot start, but he has not bottomed out or anything like that. He leads the team in home runs and is close to the lead in doubles and overall hits.
And while his offense may not be elite right now, his defense makes up for it when it comes time for fans to decide to vote for the AL shortstop position.
Ramirez is the interesting one in this equation, as Lindor has taken up most of the national spotlight as the team’s young star. However, Ramirez’s great play in the 2016 postseason put him on the map as a fun player. The fact he is at the top of the offensive leaderboards once again in 2017 helps too.
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These early results may be a result of Indians fans voting like crazy, but it should not surprise anyone if people from all over the country (and Canada!) are voting for these Indians players. The talent familiar to Indians fans was showcased last October, and this All-Star Game support is a direct result.