Twins All-Star representative?

We are about a month away from the All-Star game, but it is about the time we can start thinking about who will be the Twins' representative for the All-Star game. There are no clear-cut favorites at this point, especially given the team's horrid start. However, even though the team is terrible, there have been a few bright spots on the team. I will give you a top three.

3. Joe Mauer, 1B

If you were to ask this question a month ago, Mauer would probably have been No. 1 on this list. He got off to a terrific start, but cooled down considerably for a good portion in the month of May before turning it on the past few weeks. He has raised his batting average to .281 and has six homeruns, but just 21 RBI. Kansas City's Eric Hosmer and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera are having fantastic years, but after that it is a toss-up. He has the third highest batting average among American League first basemen, but I think his lack of homeruns and runs batted in will hurt him. However, if he keeps playing like he has the past few weeks, I see no reason why Mauer could not vault himself up to the top spot on this list.

2. Eduardo Nunez, SS

Most people would put him as No. 1 on this list and I would have no complaints with that. Nunez has had a career year for the Twins. He is No. 2 in the entire league in batting average among shortstops at .337 and among the leaders in homeruns for a shortstop with nine. His lack of runs batted in may hurt, as he only has 24, but some of that has to do with players in front of him in the lineup not getting on base and leadoff hitters don't get many RBI chances. Ultimately, I believe the biggest reason he might not be the Twins All-Star representative is his position. There are so many great shortstops in the American League that it will be tough to beat out some of the others. It will be difficult for Nunez to beat out Francisco Lindor, Xander Bogarts, Carlos Correa and especially Manny Machado.

1. Fernando Abad, RP

This may be a surprising choice for the top spot, but I think he is more than worthy. Abad has been a revelation this year after signing a minor league contract this past winter. In an otherwise leaky bullpen, he has stood out. He has only allowed two earned runs in 20.2 innings for an 0.87 ERA. He also has 21 strikeouts. In recent years, it seems like All-Star managers have been more willing to take set-up men. Even though there a number of good set-up men in the American League, Abad is certainly worth a roster spot and that is why he takes over the top spot. Feel free to rip away if you disagree...