Is D-backs’ Paul Goldschmidt worthy of All-Star nod?
Jun 17, 2016, 2:24 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt, right, celebrates his two-run home run against the San Diego Padres with Michael Bourn (1) during the second inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 28, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Paul Goldschmidt’s tear over the past month has bolstered his chances to land a spot on the National League All-Star team.
The three-time All-Star was hitting a measly .228 on May 18, but now stands at .281 entering a four-game series against Philadelphia.
Over the past 25 games, Goldschmidt is batting .367 (33-for-90) with four home runs and 19 RBI. He has also walked 16 times, compared to just 21 strikeouts.
D-backs president Derrick Hall spoke with Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Friday about Goldschmidt’s emergence into the All-Star picture.
“My kid, who is the biggest Goldy fan, said to me when he was batting .240, ‘Dad, I think he’s going to be close to .300 at the All-Star break and he’s going to be an All-Star.’ I said ‘wow, he would really have to turn it around.’ Well, here he is, over .280 and on his way to San Diego, possibly, as an All-Star.”
As of June 15, Goldschmidt ranked third in All-Star voting among National League first basemen behind Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo and San Francisco’s Brandon Belt.
Rizzo leads the way with 1,748,850 votes, while Belt has 584,533. Goldschmidt is within striking distance of Belt, with 485,008 votes.
Compared to other National League first basemen, Goldschmidt ranks first in walks (56), stolen bases (8), on-base percentage (.423) and wins above replacement (2.3).
He is also second in on-base plus slugging percentage (.912), third in RBI (42), fourth in runs scored (36) and fifth in average (.281), home runs (12) and slugging percentage (.489).
With each team guaranteed at least one All-Star spot, Goldschmidt has a good chance to represent the D-backs at Petco Park in San Diego next month.
Starting pitcher Zack Greinke is also a strong possibility for an All-Star nod. Greinke has righted the ship and now has a 9-3 record, including a six-start winning streak, with a 3.75 ERA.
