Nolan Arenado and the All-May Team for Major League Baseball

With May now in the books, it’s time to assemble the team of the month. Some players remain the same, others have lost their spots. With that said, here is the 3 Point Conversion’s All-May team:

 

Catcher: Wilson Contreras, Chicago Cubs

New York Yankees’ catcher Gary Sanchez absolutely lit it up with nine home runs this month, the most of all catchers and looked to be lock. However, Contreras actually was more valuable. He had a higher fielding percentage, a higher batting average and struck out less than Sanchez.

It’s hard not to give the nod to someone like Sanchez who hit the most home runs at the position. However, in today’s game, strike outs do matter and batting average is definitely something that goes under the radar. Especially when both players are tied for third at the position in runs batted in.

 

First Base: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh’s Josh Bell went untouchable this month at the plate. In addition to leading all of baseball in RBIs, he was tied for most home runs this month at 12 and hit .390. Even his strike out total has been down compared to other players at the position.

If he can keep up performances like this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him amongst the names for Most Valuable Player. He is out performing the defending MVP, Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich, through the first few months in all categories except home runs right now. If he can continue to swing a hot bat, we could be looking at a potential MVP candidate.

 

Second Base: Derek Dietrich, Cincinnati Reds

It’s unusual to put someone who hasn’t been a full on starter on a list like this. Especially when players like Milwaukee’s Mike Moustakas and Boston’s Michael Chavis have had nearly twice the amount of at bats as him. However, Dietrich this month has posted a .304 average, 12 home runs(tied for most of the month in all baseball), and 22 RBIs.

If manager David Bell isn’t contemplating a full on switch at second, then it shows why Cincinnati is in the basement in arguably the most competitive division in baseball. Whats even worse is Dietrich is a utility guy and is putting up numbers like this. Another month like this and Dietrich should be given some sort of starting role.

 

Shortstop: Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies

Another tight race between three players: RBI’s leader Trevor Story, batting average leader Xander Bogaerts from Boston and home runs leader Gleyber Torres. The pick came down to who as a whole did it the best out of those three.

Story had the most the RBIs but was also second in home runs and had a higher average than Torres so he got the nod ultimately. While the Rockies may not be in the position the Yankees are, they’ve put up some decent numbers as Story and the next entry have shown.

 

Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

After getting a new contract in the offseason, Arenado has been nothing short of astounding. While Houston’s Alex Bregman and Chicago’s Kris Bryant hit more home runs, they couldn’t match Arenado’s May. In addition to his 9 home runs, he lead third basemen in RBIs with 29 and hit an incredible .425 for the whole month.

 

Left Field: Eddie Rosario, Minnesota Twins

Probably one of baseball’s more amazing stories, the Minnesota Twins went from a sub .500 team last year to the leaders of the American League central in the span of a few months. One of the big names behind it has been left fielder Eddie Rosario who lead all left fielders in RBIs and maintaining a high .313 batting average.

While he may have been sixth in home runs, Rosario has produced and has been one of the lightning rods for a young Twins team. While it’s unclear if they’ll hold up as a contender, it’s not hard to see them as a team to watch. It’s also not hard to see Rosario as a player to watch in the near future.

 

Center Field: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

It’s been a hard year for Arizona. After an offseason that saw them trade away their biggest star for future stars, the Diamondbacks have been the second to worst team in the National League west. However, Ketel Marte has been a bright spot for the team.

Splitting time between second base and the outfield, he gets the nod in center because he’s played one more game there than second. He’s currently tied for second most RBIs at the position with the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout and leads all center fielders seven home runs.

 

Right Field: George Springer, Houston Astros

Tied for most home runs at the position, Houston’s George Springer has continued to be a formidable player for the Astros. Hitting a whopping .368 average with 19 RBIs and eight home runs, Springer has had a superb May.

The harsh reality right now is that he’s going to miss significant time with a strained left hamstring. While Houston has been able to manage without the likes of some players, injuries ultimately bury them in the division in the long run.

 

Designated Hitter: Hunter Pence, Texas Rangers

Hunter Pence, now on his fourth team, may be looking to finish his career at home in the Lone Star State. His eight home runs and 26 RBIs may not be spectacular at a normal position, but designated hitters have had to see the field more and more this year. The numbers really haven’t even been that close, with the Angels’ Shohei Otanhi coming in second.

 

Starting Pitcher: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers

Six games, five wins and only three runs allowed all month. Hyun-Jin Ryu was a star in May. While he didn’t have Boston’s Chris Sale’s strike outs, when a pitcher gives up less than three runs for a whole month, he’s doing something right.

Relief Pitcher: Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees

A simple one here, Chapman had the most saves this month and was perfect in save opportunities. He gave up five hits and one home run, which lead to the only run he gave up all May. That easy.