Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the All-Star Game Tuesday afternoon and two Rockies received received some pleasant news. Third baseman Nolan Arenado and second baseman DJ LeMahieu will head to Cincinnati and compete in the Midsummer Classic among the game's best players July 14th.
Though the fan voting doesn't reflect it, Arenado's selection does not come as a surprise. He's among the league leaders in most offensive categories and is generally considered the best defensive third baseman in the game today. Arenado is currently hitting .283/.314/.599 with 18 doubles, 24 homers and a MLB-best 68 RBIs. Arenado joins starter Todd Frazier of the Reds and Kris Bryant of the Cubs as the National League's third basemen.
Arenado's selection was expected by most Rockies fans; LeMahieu's was not. The second baseman won the player vote, likely due to his strong start to the season. He spent much of the season's first few months with one of the highest batting averages in the league, peaking with a .351 mark on June 11th before cooling off a bit. He's currently hitting .298/.351/.387. In addition to his success at the plate, players around the National League likely factored the 2014 Gold Glove winner's sterling defensive reputation into their decision.
LeMahieu will be one of three second basemen on the NL roster, joining starter Dee Gordon of the Marlins and Joe Panik of the Giants.
Troy Tulowitzki has not been named to the team... yet. He is one of five National League contestants in the "Final Vote" that runs through Friday afternoon. Tulowitzki began the year slowly (by his standards) but has been one of the best hitters in baseball for the past six weeks or so. He's hitting .392/.447/.600 since May 29th.
Even though he's a deserving candidate, it looks like it will be an uphill battle for Tulo. He's facing four pitchers from bigger markets and fanbases. His competition in the silly marketing exercise that determines the final roster spot: Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto, Mets reliever Jeurys Familia, Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez and some guy named Clayton Kershaw.
The Rockies' season has quickly turned dismal and glum, but all three infielders have been bright spots. Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu are now All-Stars because of their efforts.
The complete All-Star rosters can be found here. You can vote for Tulowitzki (or any of the other guys) here.