For a team that draws so much criticism, you’re going to be surprised at how many Tampa Bay Rays head south to Miami for the MLB All-Star Game on July 11. Would you believe, maybe, five? Probably not, but you could make a case for 5 Rays to make the American League team.

Do you Agree? If not, Who?

Corey Dickerson is almost a done deal at DH.  He has led the AL in hitting at several different times this season.. right now, 3rd at .326, behind Avisail Garcia and Aaron Judge.  He leads the league in hits, among the leaders in runs, doubles, and multi-hit games.  This is why the Rays traded Jake McGee to Colorado, to see a young, promising hitter like Dickerson explode.  It took him a full season to get accustomed to the DH and AL pitching, but now that he is, look out.

Logan Morrison is a solid choice at first base.  His BA isn’t great at .247, but his power numbers are better than any other AL first baseman with 21 homers and 51 RBI.. yup, that’s better than Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, Jose Abreu, Chris Davis, Justin Smoak, any of them.  And that projects to 40+ homers and 110+RBI for a full season, if he keeps up that torrid pace.

A long shot would be Steven Souza Jr, but he’s on pace for a 30-100 season.  Still, his power numbers rank with the AL’s best, he’s excellently defensively, and he’s another guy who’s a year behind the Rays’ projected schedule, but catching up in year 2 in the AL.

Alex Colome should match his All-Star selection from last season.  He’s tied for the AL lead in saves with Craig Kimbrel, at 20, and he’s on pace to surpass last season’s total of 37.  He looks just as good as last season, and he’s still getting used to the closer role.

This might be a stretch, but Chris Archer is pitching well enough to make the team.  He’s been dominant at times, still striking out batters, and with any luck (that means, run support) Archer could have 9 wins by the All-Star break.

There you go, possibly 5 in Miami in July.  For a team that gets ripped for the losses, the Rays are contending in the tough AL East.  They’re in the 2nd Wild Card slot… barely, but they’re in there.  And they expect Wilson Ramos and Brad Boxberger to return in the next week.

The Rays could be a major part of the American League All-Star team.  And it looks like it’s going to be a fun summer.. and maybe a better fall. So, which of our Tampa Bay Rays do you think should represent Tampa Bay in the All-Star Game July 11th? Be sure to visit our Sports Page to stay on top of sports activities in our area. (Cover photo credit Theresa Rodgers, read more by Dave Wirth by visiting his 813area Local Contributor Page.)