The final All-Star vote for the National League includes two players from the Los Angeles Dodgers—first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and right fielder Yasiel Puig. One of the two players is taking his hat out of the ring to back his teammate, according to MLB.com
"For me, personally, I want Puig to go," said Gonzalez, who has already been an all-star four times in his career. "I'm voting for Puig."
Adrian Gonzalez has been one of the bright spots for the Dodgers with a .296 BA, 13 HR and 53 RBI. Puig on the other hand has been on fire since coming to the majors on June 3 and is creating a buzz all throughout the league—.408 BA, 8 HR and 19 RBI in 32 games.
"That's what the fans want to see," said Gonzalez. "It's from the heart."
Gonzalez acknowledged part of his decision was due to the fact he had already been an all-star multiple times. "No, then I'd want to go," he admitted. "But that's why I want him to go."
Puig has been the topic of conversation among every MLB analyst in the country. The debate—Has Puig been in the league long enough to warrant an all-star selection.
Earlier this month Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon let his feelings on the subject be known saying there were other guys who were more deserving.
Puig is not the first rookie to come up mid-season and be considered for the all-star team. In 2010, Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strausburg came to the big leagues on June 8. He had only made a few starts but during those starts he was fooling hitters and wowing fans. However, Strausburg did not make the 2010 NL All-Star team.
According to Gonzalez, it was a little peculiar the final vote included wto individuals on the same team.
"I thought that was weird," said Gonzalez. "It makes it tough on the team. How do they promote one and not the other? It's kind of uncomfortable. I just told the team to do it all for Puig and we're in good shape."
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has a simple solution to having two of his players as candidates for the final NL spot.
"I'm voting for both," he said.
*Stats according to ESPN.com
