Now the NL:

C – Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves. This one is really a tough call, as you could make a compelling case for McCann, Bengie Molina, Geovanny Soto, or Russell Martin. McCann boasts the most balanced stat sheet of the bunch with a .301 average, 14 HR and 44 RBI. I’m hoping Molina earns a backup role. I mean, what other Giant is going to make this squad?

1B – Lance Berkman, Houston Astros. Tough to argue with a guy hitting .360 w/ 21 bombs and 62 RBI. He’s even stolen 12 bases. If the season ended today, he’d be pushing Chipper Jones for NL MVP honors. If you wanted to be ornery you could make a case for the Pads’ Adrian Gonzalez.

2B – Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies. This one is probably even money between Utley and the Marlins’ Dan Uggla. The numbers are remarkably similar. I’ll give the nod to Utley, but you could really go either way on this one.

SS – Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins. This is yet another tough call, with Jose Reyes putting up great numbers, too. But Hanley’s power numbers give him my vote.

3B – Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves. This one’s a slam dunk. With apologies to David Wright, Chipper has put together an absolutely torrid first half and deserves the start. How can you not vote in a .400 hitter, people?

OF – Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers; Carlos Lee, Houston Astros; Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis Cardinals. I admit that none of these guys has a chance of overtaking the current starters. For some reason, we’ll be forced to watch Ken Griffey Jr. (he of the .245 batting average) gimp around and try to not pull a hamstring for 3 innings. But I think these three are the most deserving. Braun can absolutely mash as his .287 / 20 / 57 / 8 line testifies. Carlos Lee is an RBI machine. And Ryan Ludwick personifies this ’08 Cardinal squad. He’s come out of nowhere to boast a .292 average with 16 HR and 56 RBI. Moreover, he embodies the soul of a team that no one (not even this avid ‘Birds fan) expected to be leading the NL Wild Card race at the midway point.

Since the NL has to employ a DH in the AL park, I’m hoping Adrian Gonzalez will get a much deserving start at that spot.