The Chicago Cubs are sending two players, shortstop Starlin Castro and outfielder Bryan LaHair, to this year's MLB All Star Game, as the rosters for the game were announced on Sunday afternoon. Both players made the roster as reserves, as Rafael Furcal beat out Castro for the starter's spot.
The 22-year-old Castro is building quite the resume, one that already includes two All-Star Game appearances and a hit title last season. His offensive numbers have dropped somewhat this season, with a .298/.319/.432 line over 332 plate appearances, although his defensive metrics and stolen base figures have improved.
LaHair is making the season in his first year as a legitimate starter at the tender age of 29. He's hit .284/.364/.526 with 13 homers over 239 plate appearances this season, although he's currently being supplanted at first base in Chicago by Anthony Rizzo.
For more news and updates from around the league, drop by Baseball Nation with Rob Neyer. And for a closer look at the numbers and analysis behind the game, visit the sabermetrics blog Beyond the Box Score or keep up to date with the league's transactions at MLB Daily Dish.