Kris Bryant is an All-Star over Matt Carpenter (photo/MLB)

Kris Bryant is an All-Star over Matt Carpenter (photo/MLB)

There’s no doubt how valuable Matt Carpenter has been to the St. Louis Cardinals lineup.  However, Carpenter, a two-time All-Star in each of the past two seasons was left off the National League’s reserve roster spot, in favor of Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant.  The numbers are close, but Bryant deserves the selection.

Comparison of the two players:

Carpenter–8 HR, 39 RBI, .274 Avg., .374 OBP, .444 SLG
Bryant–12 HR, 49 RBI, .279 Avg., .383 OBP, .485 SLG

Bryant has more stolen bases and the same fielding percentage.

As far as other Cardinals who are on the bench.  Yadier Molina will be joined by Michael Wacha and Trevor Rosenthal.  Both pitchers are first time selections.  Fans can vote in Carlos Martinez for the final roster spot.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Pitchers
LHP: Madison Bumgarner, Giants
RHP: A.J. Burnett, Pirates
LHP: Aroldis Chapman, Reds
RHP: Gerrit Cole, Pirates
RHP: Jacob deGrom, Mets
RHP: Zack Greinke, Dodgers
RHP: Mark Melancon, Pirates
RHP: Shelby Miller, Braves
RHP: Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies
RHP: Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers
RHP: Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals
RHP: Max Scherzer, Nationals
RHP: Michael Wacha, Cardinals
Reserves
C: Yasmani Grandal, Dodgers
C: Yadier Molina, Cardinals
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers
1B: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
2B: DJ LeMahieu, Rockies
2B: Joe Panik, Giants
3B: Nolan Arenado, Rockies
3B: Kris Bryant, Cubs
SS: Brandon Crawford, Giants
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
OF: Joc Pederson, Dodgers
OF: A.J. Pollock, D-backs
OF: Justin Upton, Padres

Final Vote candidates
RHP: Johnny Cueto, Reds
RHP: Jeurys Familia, Mets
LHP: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
RHP: Carlos Martinez, Cardinals
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

Starters
C: Buster Posey, Giants
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
2B: Dee Gordon, Marlins
3B: Todd Frazier, Reds
SS: Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals
OF: Bryce Harper, Nationals
OF: Matt Holliday, Cardinals
OF: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Pitchers
RHP: Chris Archer, Rays
RHP: Dellin Betances, Yankees
RHP: Brad Boxberger, Rays
LHP: Zach Britton, Orioles
RHP: Wade Davis, Royals
RHP: Sonny Gray: Athletics
RHP: Kelvin Herrera, Royals
RHP: Felix Hernandez, Mariners
LHP: Dallas Keuchel, Astros
RHP: Darren O’Day, Orioles
LHP: Glen Perkins, Twins
LHP: David Price, Tigers
LHP: Chris Sale, White Sox

Reserves
C: Russell Martin, Blue Jays
C: Stephen Vogt, Athletics
1B: Albert Pujols, Angels
1B: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
2B: Jason Kipnis, Indians
3B: Manny Machado, Orioles
SS: Jose Iglesias, Tigers
IF/OF: Brock Holt, Red Sox
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
OF: Adam Jones, Orioles
OF: J.D. Martinez, Tigers
DH: Prince Fielder, Rangers

Final Vote candidates

Starters
C: Salvador Perez, Royals
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B: Jose Altuve, Astros
3B: Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays
SS: Alcides Escobar, Royals
OF: Mike Trout, Angels
OF: Lorenzo Cain, Royals
OF: Alex Gordon, Royals
DH: Nelson Cruz, Mariners