MLB All Star Ballot: Blue Jays vs The Leaders

Apr 24, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) reacts after he hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base:

Jose Altuve vs Devon Travis (4th)

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Comparing these two players is actually quite easy since their diminutive stature lends itself to commentary. Both are proving that good things come in small packages. Actually, you can also include 5th place Dustin Pedroia in that conversation. Second base is full of small players putting up big numbers. Now, it would be highly unlikely that Devon Travis can upset Jose Altuve in this contest since he’s a million behind already. As well, Altuve has developed a reputation for being one of the better contact hitters in baseball. Travis is a rookie who’s spent some time on the disabled list.

Toronto Blue Jays

After breaking on to the scene at the beginning of the season, Travis had cooled down quite a bit and then was hurt by a ground ball to the shoulder. Yet, he is still putting up comparable numbers to Altuve. IF he can come back healthy and get back to his monster April numbers, he could give the Astro a run for his money. He has displayed more power than Altuve already. Really, he just needs the consistency to make it very close. We could also throw in Travis’ much higher UZR/150 rating to make the conversation more interesting.

Of course, the voting for the All Star game is a somewhat removed from pure talent based selection. And, it is for that reason that fans could actually close the gap between the two. By heading over and voting for Devon Travis, we very well could send him to Cincinnati to represent the Blue Jays. Having said that, it would take quite the push. And, those who vote for the best players at each position will likely vote for Altuve given his better numbers. But, you never know…

Next: Jose Reyes Battles For Top Spot