Francisco Liriano an All-Star?

Francisco Liriano has been on fire this season. It is his best start since his unbelievable 2006 season. But one thing I haven't heard is Francisco Liriano for the All-Star game.

Francisco Liriano is 7-3 with a 2.30 ERA in 54.2 IP and a 10.0 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, and 2.77 K/BB and another Pirate who should make the All-Star team, Jeff Locke, is 7-1 with a 2.06 ERA in 96.1 IP and a 6.3 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, and 1.63 K/BB. So why shouldn't he have the consideration? He has the same amount of wins, a better strike out ratio, a better walk rate, and a better strikeout per walk rate than Locke and has a very similar ERA. What's holding him back from the All-Star game? I think it's his innings pitched being significantly lower because he missed a lot of time. Guys who have put up similar production in more innings seem possibly more deserving but it's still hard to argue with those stats.

I wrote this quick snapshot of an article to highlight Liriano's under appreciated stats and make an All-Star case for him. I wrote I while ago about how Liriano could be the ace of the rotation by year's end if he keeps this up and has really had to be with AJ and Wandy down. So I think despite the lower innings he should still make it. I don't think he will though but you never know with the Yaisel Puig hype after less than a month of playing in the MLB. To end I'll give you a list of guys who could make an All-Star game and who I think will.

Could: Liriano, Locke, Grilli, Alvarez, Cutch, Melancon, Martin

Will: Grilli, Locke, Alvarez

Only time will tell who gets in but Frank The Tank should definitely get consideration.