Six Kansas City Royals Are Candidates For The 2014 All-Star Game

Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

4) ALCIDES ESCOBAR – SHORTSTOP

In 2013, Alcides Escobar was the worst hitter in the major leagues. His .234 Batting Average ranked 69th in the AL out of 75 qualifying batters. His .259 On Base Percentage was dead last, as was his .300 Slugging Percentage.

His excellent 10.9 UZR helped push his WAR to an unlikely 1.1. Escobar was absolutely awful at the plate last season; there is no way to sugar coat that fact.

2014 has been a different story. His numbers thus far are even better than his career 2012 campaign. His slash through June is .295/.337/.410/.746. He has just 2 home runs but he has scored 38 runs.

Through the first three months of the season, Escobar has at least 20 doubles (23) and stolen bases (20).

He also has accomplished something no other Royal has ever done, and something only one other player in majors has done this season. Through the first three months of the season, Escobar has at least 20 doubles (23) and stolen bases (20). Jose Altuve has also accomplished this feat this season.

More importantly, Escobar has a WAR of 2.1 already this season, which is second best among AL shortstops.

Alcides Escobar is more than deserving to represent the Kansas City Royals in the All-Star Game, but with Derek Jeter taking a shortstop spot on the roster based on historical performances instead of current numbers, there is a very good chance Escobar will be left out.