As its annual Mid-Summer Classic draws nearer, the hottest name in Major League Baseball is not Albert Pujols, Justin Verlander, or Miguel Cabrera. It isn't even Anthony Bosch.
Instead, Los Angeles Dodgers' Rookie Right Fielder Yasiel Puig has stolen the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. In less than a month, Puig has become must-see tv --- not only because of his historical numbers, but because of his electric playing style. Problem is, besides those few that subscribe to MLB Extra Innings or live in the Los Angeles Metro Area, not many baseball fans have actually seen Puig play.
Unfortunately for baseball fans everywhere, not to mention Major League Baseball itself, they also may not be able to tune in to see him play in the sport's biggest showcase outside of the World Series.
Since Puig did not make his Major League debut until early June, he was not included on any All-Star Game ballots. As a result, he faces an uphill climb to patrol the Outfield in Citi Field next month. Irregardless of his record-setting start --- 7 Home Run and 34 Hits in just 20 games --- Puig will need fans to write-in his name on their All-Star Game ballots. While his popularity is already skyhigh, this is a tough ask to say the least.
His 2nd option is to be selected by National League Manager Bruce Bochy, who has already expressed some doubt about Puig's credentials. Perhaps Bochy was persuaded by Puig's 3 hits, Home Run, and go-ahead RBI in a win over his San Francisco Giants on Monday. Nevertheless, it is a bit difficult to envision Bochy selecting a Rookie from the rival Dodgers as one of his All-Star picks.
Puig's last chance for inclusion is probably his best shot. With so much to gain from Puig's appearance, Major League Baseball will likely include him as one of their 5 National League players on their "Final Vote" ballot, which asks fans to vote via social media for the player that will fill the final roster spot on each team. The "Final Vote" not surprisingly always turns into a popularity contest, which should favor Puig over other potential candidates such as Paul Goldschmidt, Dexter Fowler, and Gerardo Parra.
Despite Bochy's skepticism, there is little doubt that Puig belongs in New York City next month. In just three weeks, Puig has proven his value as a five-tool player in the big leagues. His bat, legs, and arm have put fear into pitchers, catchers, and baserunners respectively. If Bryce Harper was deserving last year, then Puig's inclusion should be a can of corn this year.
All debate aside, Puig's Mid-Summer Classic appearance would be huge for baseball. For a league so desperate to build-up its All-Star Game that they put World Series Home-Field advantage on the line, Puig's inclusion would draw significant interest from fans, and even more attention from media. And in the world's media capital of the world, no less.
Major League Baseball has its stars in Cabrera, King Felix, and Tulo. It has its stories in Mariano's farewell, Matt Harvey's entry onto the scene, and Chris Davis' power explosion. And yet, just as he has done to the Dodgers' lineup this past month, Yasiel Puig's inclusion in one of its biggest weekends would add another dimension to the MLB's marketing campaign.
I mean, come on, who would dare change the channel when one of the game's most exciting, unpredictable, and talented young players was due up in the 9th against Mariano?
To be clear, Major League Baseball does not just want Yasiel Puig in NYC next month, it needs him there. In a city where Linsanity dominated the headlines for a couple months, Puigmania may prove more than a passing fad.
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