Corey Seager has trailed Zack Cozart of the Cincinnati Reds in each of the past two voting update for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers on track to not have a starter in the Midsummer Classic.
In the eyes of Reds first baseman Joey Votto, that’s warranted because in his estimation Cozart has ‘performed better’ than Seager. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered a much a different take, however.
“I know Corey is the best shortstop in baseball,” Roberts said following the game in which Seager matched a career-best with three home runs. “You’re looking for the best player, so Corey, obviously it’s a no-brainer.”
Roberts made his remarks in response to being asked if he’d like to lead Seager’s All-Star campaign. Roberts also named Yasmani Grandal, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Alex Wood as deserving of All-Star Game selections.
“I am bias, but if you look at the stat sheet those are no-brainers for me,” Roberts said.
While several of Cozart’s statistics this season are superior to Seager, he’s currently on the disabled list and cooled over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, Seager hit .415/.500/.829 with five doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI over a 10-game stretch.
“I think we’ve really grown to expect greatness every single night. When he’s throwing out hits and not slugging, we want more,” Roberts said. “It was a matter of time. He can hit the ball out of the ballpark anywhere.”
Seager made the 2016 All-Star Game as a reserve despite producing a better season than Cubs shortstop and starter Addison Russell. Of course, that’s the peril of allowing fans to determine All-Star Game starters.
