Colorado Rockies: A look at All-Star snubs throughout their history

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DENVER, CO – JUNE 19: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the New York Mets in the seventh inning of a game at Coors Field on June 19, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Throughout the history of the Colorado Rockies (and most MLB franchises, in general) they have had at least one player per season that could have conceivably been All Stars. This year was no exception.

Both the Rockies and their fans were not too happy that neither reliever Adam Ottavino nor Kyle Freeland were named All-Stars this season. You could even argue that Tyler Anderson could have been an All-Star as well.

For Ottavino, he ends the first half of the season with a 1.62 ERA in 41 games. His FIP is also excellent (2.13) as is his WHIP (0.925) and ERA+ (294). He’s allowing less than five hits per nine innings, less than four walks (which is much better than the 6.6 walks per nine innings that he had last year), and he is striking out nearly 14 batters per nine innings.

Freeland is 8-6 with a 3.11 ERA in 19 starts where he has averaged more than six innings a start. His ERA+ is 153, he has a FIP of 4.08, and an opponent batting average of .238.

Anderson is 6-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 20 starts. He’s averaging about 5 2/3 innings per start. He has a FIP of 4.13, a WHIP of 1.205, and his opponents are hitting .234 against him.

Ottavino not making the team has raised the most stink but it is something that is not an uncommon thing for the Rockies in their franchise history. Let’s look at some of the other instances where this has happened in Rockies history.

8 Aug 1993: Infielder Charlie Hayes of the Colorado Rockies stands on the field during a game against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

In the inaugural season of the franchise, the Rockies only had one All-Star for the game held at Baltimore’s Camden Yards, which was in the second year of existence. That was Andres Galarraga, who was hitting a staggering .391 at the break. The Rockies weren’t very good as they were 33-54 and on pace for a 101 loss season.

However, they had a few other players that could have been All-Stars. Outfielder Dante Bichette finished the first half with very strong numbers.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	81	76	330	301	52	93	26	2	10	52	8	6	21	56	.309	.352	.508	.860	.344

Another member of the 1993 team that was snubbed was third baseman Charlie Hayes. 1993 was the third baseman’s career year as he led the league with 45 doubles and had 25 home runs, 98 RBI, a .305/.355/.522 slash line, and an OPS+ of 118 in 157 games. He showed strong numbers in the first half as well.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	86	83	346	309	45	96	22	0	13	54	10	3	25	40	.311	.362	.508	.870	.316

Another potential All-Star could have been starter Armando Reynoso (15 starts, 7-4 record, 3.03 ERA, averaging nearly 7 1/3 innings per start) but he missed much of the month of April so it’s easier to see why the Rockies rookie starter was passed over.

8 May 1994: First baseman Andres Galarraga of the Colorado Rockies stands in the batters box during a game against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport /

In 1994, the Rockies also only had one All Star in Dante Bichette. If you look at his numbers, his trip to Pittsburgh for the All-Star Game that year was well deserved. However, Andres Galarraga was one of a few snubs on the Rockies that year. He posted first half numbers that were very similar to that of Bichette.

Bichette’s 1st Half of 1994
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	89	86	390	373	59	113	26	1	21	77	18	7	12	57	.303	.328	.547	.875	.310

Galarraga’s 1st Half of 1994
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	89	89	389	361	69	114	20	0	25	73	8	1	16	87	.316	.352	.579	.931	.350

Another snub was center fielder Mike Kingery. Kingery did not play at all in 1993 but the Rockies signed him in 1994 and he played very well in the first half. In particular, his slash line was very good.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	79	50	243	211	39	72	22	3	3	28	4	6	21	22	.341	.397	.517	.914	.361

However, as you can see by his games started, though, he only started 50 games. That is the primary reason why he was not an All-Star that season.

20 Jul 1997: Pitcher Darren Holmes of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Rockies won the game 9-5. /

For the first time in their short franchise history, in 1995, the Colorado Rockies would make the postseason by winning the National League Wild Card spot with a 77-67. They were 39-30, which was good enough for first place in the NL West. In fact, they were ahead of the Dodgers by 5 games.

However, they only sent two All-Stars to Arlington, Texas and the Ballpark in Arlington. They would get their first starter in the game, though, as Vinny Castilla started for the National League squad and batted eighth for Montreal Expos Felipe Alou (who was the NL manager because the Expos had the best record in baseball before the player’s strike, that began in August, wiped out the rest of the regular season, all of the postseason, spring training of 1995, and reduced the 1995 season to a 144 game schedule.

The Rockies other All-Star was Dante Bichette.

The Rockies could have had many more, though. One of them could have been reliever Steve Reed, who finished the 1995 season with a WAR north of 4.0. Here’s a look at his first half.

Steve Reed’s 1995 First Half
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	1	1	.500	2.31	32	0	9	3	35.0	27	11	9	5	8	1	40	1.000	10.3	5.00

Steve Reed’s 1995 First Half (Opponent’s Results)
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	32	141	131	11	27	2	0	5	8	40	5.00	.206	.257	.336	.593	.256

Another Rockie that could be an All-Star was another member of the Rockies bullpen. Darren Holmes (who is actually the Rockies bullpen coach now) had a very good first half of the season as well.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	5	0	1.000	2.65	31	14	6	34.0	27	10	10	2	13	1	29	1.176	7.7	2.23

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	31	139	120	10	27	2	2	2	13	29	2.23	.225	.296	.325	.621	.275

With Reed and Holmes not being regular closers, though, neither one of them were selected as All-Stars. Holmes finished the season with 14 saves but there were seven different Rockies who recorded a save that season, including the Rockies ace, Kevin Ritz, who also could have been an All-Star.

He started 28 games for the Rockies but also made three relief appearances, which included two saves (both were in the second half, though). Here’s a look at his first half stats.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	7	3	.700	3.50	14	14	82.1	70	34	32	7	29	0	59	1.202	6.4	2.03

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	14	343	305	34	70	11	7	29	59	2.03	.230	.302	.341	.643	.263	79	72

As you can see by the tOPS+, with it being lower than 100 (which is equivalent to his full season stats) in the first half, he faded in the second half, though. The sOPS+ is in relation to everyone else in the league.

The Rockies had even more snubs outside of pitching.

25 Jun 1995: First baseman Andres Galarraga of the Colorado Rockies throws the ball during a game against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Rockies won the game 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

Outside the realm of pitching, the Rockies had two other players that put up numbers that could have made them All-Stars. One of them was a frequent All-Star game snub: Andres Galarraga…and he put up pretty good numbers in the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	69	65	284	258	50	75	13	18	55	5	1	20	72	.291	.349	.558	.907	.335

He finished the season with 31 home runs and 106 RBI. Another snub was Rockies outfielder, Larry Walker. His snubbing was even more egregious, especially if you look at his slash line.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	60	59	264	235	49	75	16	1	20	50	4	1	20	31	.319	.386	.651	1.037	.296

At the end of the season, he came in 7th place in NL MVP voting. He finished with 36 home runs, 101 RBI, a .306 AVG, an OPS of .988, and an OPS+ of 131.

So, even though the 1995 Rockies only had two All-Stars, they realistically could have had up to seven.

8 Jul 1996: First baseman Andres Galarraga of the Colorado Rockies sits in the dugout during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Rockies won the game 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

In 1996, the Rockies improved on their All-Star number as they had three representatives for the team at the All Star game held at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium. They had Dante Bichette (who started in right field for manager Bobby Cox and the National League), Ellis Burks, and Eric Young.

As we mentioned on the previous slide, though, Andres Galarraga was a frequent snub for the All-Star Game and 1996 was no exception. Take a look at his first half numbers from 1996.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	83	82	360	321	55	88	20	22	75	6	23	91	.274	.333	.548	.882	.307	85	125

As you can see by the tOPS+, he did even better in the second half of the season (100 is his whole season). However, as shown by the sOPS+ (which is in comparison to everyone else in the league), he was still very good.

He finished the season with 47 home runs, 150 RBI (both of which led the NL), a .304 AVG, an OPS of .958, and a 127 OPS+.

Another snub was across the diamond from him: third baseman Vinny Castilla, who also posted pretty good first half numbers

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	85	83	362	338	46	103	24	17	56	20	48	.305	.345	.527	.872	.313	97	123

Castilla finished the season with 40 home runs, 113 RBI, a .304 AVG, and an OPS of .892. He would not garner a single vote for NL MVP.

26 Apr 1997: Third baseman Vinny Castilla of the Colorado Rockies stands in position during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rockies won the game 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

In 1997, the All-Star Game was held in Cleveland (where it will also be held next season). The Rockies had two representatives for the team in Cleveland: Larry Walker (who started in right field and faced Randy Johnson batting right handed and his helmet turned backwards) and the oft-snubbed first baseman Andres Galarraga.

The Rockies could of (and perhaps should have) had more All-Stars. One of which was Vinny Castilla, who was snubbed in 1996 as well.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	85	83	362	338	46	103	24	17	56	20	48	.305	.345	.527	.872	.313	97	123

He was the epitome of consistency in 1996 and 1997 as in both seasons, as you can see below.

Standard Batting
Year	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	TB
1996	28	160	673	629	97	191	34	40	113	35	88	.304	.343	.548	.892	112	345
1997	29	159	668	612	94	186	25	40	113	44	108	.304	.356	.547	.904	115	335

Another possible snub was Dante Bichette.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip
1st Half	80	79	338	317	45	95	15	12	64	16	49	.300	.329	.467	.796	.319

However, if you look at the rest of his slash line after his average, it is more understandable of why he was left of the team.

28 Jun 1998: Todd Helton #17 of the Colorado Rockies looks on during an interleague game against the Oakland Athletics at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Athletics 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport /

1998 was the year that the Rockies hosted the All-Star game at Coors Field. At the time, Coors was in it’s 4th season of play. For comparison now, it is the third oldest stadium in the National League, behind only Wrigley Field (1914) and Dodger Stadium (1962).

The Rockies had three players who were All-Stars in 1998, which included Larry Walker (who started in center field for Marlins manager Jim Leyland (who became the Rockies manager in 1999) and the NL), as well as Dante Bichette, and Vinny Castilla.

They still did have some a snub, though, in first baseman Todd Helton, who was in his rookie season.

Here’s a look at Helton’s first half of the 1998 season.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	82	68	302	271	39	74	16	13	45	27	32	.273	.342	.483	.826	.269	81	117

Helton put up a good first half of the season but really picked it up in the second half, as you can see by his tOPS+. Look at his monster numbers from the second half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
2nd Half	70	66	293	259	39	93	21	12	52	26	22	.359	.420	.579	.999	.354	120	163

He came in second in NL Rookie of the Year voting, only to Kerry Wood, the young pitching phenom who set the NL record for strikeouts in a game with 20 against the Houston Astros that May in a one-hit shutout.

7 Mar 1999: Infielder Todd Helton #17 of the Colorado Rockies swings at the ball during the Spring Training game against the San Francisco Giants at the Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Rockies 10-9. /

In 1999, the Rockies only had one All-Star representing them at Fenway Park in Boston and that was Larry Walker, who started in right field for Padres manager Bruce Bochy and the NL squad.

However, Todd Helton very well could have been an All-Star as well as he put up some stellar numbers in the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	86	340	300	58	89	20	16	56	35	45	.297	.376	.537	.913	.304	87	132

As you can see by the tOPS+, he put up even better numbers in the second half of the season.

Another Rockie that put up good numbers in the first half was Dante Bichette.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	82	360	331	56	92	21	18	70	24	57	.278	.322	.517	.839	.284	87	111

Even though he had a good first half of the season, as you can see again by tOPS+, his second half was even better.

Mike Myers, a member of the 2000 Colorado Rockies. Getty Images. /

With the turn of the century and millennium, the Rockies, under new manager Buddy Bell, were able to get three All-Stars to represent them at Atlanta’s Turner Field. However, all three were on National League manager Bobby Cox’s bench. They were Todd Helton, third baseman Jeff Cirillo, and outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds (the latter two were in their first seasons as Rockies).

They, again, did have more deserving candidates but, surprisingly, all were pitchers.

Lefty-one-out-guy (aka LOOGY) Mike Myers, in his first season in purple pinstripes, pitched very well in the first half of the season. However, it was in limited innings (21 2/3 innings in 37 games).

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	0	1	.000	0.83	37	13	1	21.2	9	2	2	1	10	1	19	0.877	7.9	1.90

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	37	82	71	2	9	3	1	1	10	19	.127	.244	.239	.483	.157	75	24

The other guy is also a lefty reliever. Gabe White was actually acquired by the Rockies after the season had started (April 7) from the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched very well out of the Rockies bullpen, though, as his ERA before the break was less than 2.00.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	BF	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	6	0	1.000	1.76	39	8	1	46.0	32	9	9	4	9	51	180	0.891	10.0	5.67

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	39	180	164	9	32	7	4	9	51	5.67	.195	.240	.311	.551	.248	92	39

As you probably know, though, relievers that aren’t closers have a very hard time getting to the All-Star game, as shown by Adam Ottavino this season.

5 Apr 2001: Jeff Cirillo #7 of the Colorado Rockies swings at the pitch during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Cardinals 11-2.Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr/Allsport /

Even though it was not a great year for the Rockies in 2001 (73-89), they did have three All-Stars, including Larry Walker, who was the DH for Mets manager Bobby Valentine and his NL squad, who were facing the AL at Seattle’s Safeco Field. The other two Rockies were Todd Helton and Mike Hampton, who had a good first half but an atrocious second half (7.46 ERA in 14 starts after the break).

The only other player that the Rockies had that perhaps, was All-Star worthy, was third baseman Jeff Cirillo. His slash line and sOPS+ are the stats in particular that show that he may have been snubbed.

Cirillo’s First Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	69	293	266	34	82	14	11	47	17	31	.308	.356	.492	.849	.311	102	121

2002

The 2002 Rockies started off their season with a 6-16 record and as a result, fired manager Buddy Bell and replaced him with hitting coach Clint Hurdle. Hurdle would go 67-73 with the Rockies finishing their second consecutive season with 73 wins.

However, in 2001, the Rockies only had one All-Star in first baseman Todd Helton, who started for D’backs manager Bob Brenly and the NL in Milwaukee’s Miller Park.

However, Helton’s teammate, Larry Walker was an obvious snub for the All-Star game. Just look at his stats for the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	77	317	274	62	96	19	20	67	35	37	.350	.429	.653	1.082	.345	110	187

And if you look at his month by month stats, June and July were great months for him…and it’s the months in which most of the voting happens and the decision making.

Months
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
April/March	21	79	71	12	19	3	5	15	7	14	.268	.342	.521	.863	.269	68	130
May	27	116	97	21	33	6	5	22	17	12	.340	.440	.577	1.017	.346	100	174
June	23	97	83	22	34	7	7	21	10	9	.410	.474	.771	1.245	.391	141	228
July	24	101	89	18	39	12	5	17	11	16	.438	.505	.742	1.247	.500	143	224

Another Rockie that could have been considered was Jose Jimenez (3.30 ERA, 24 saves) but with the way stats were viewed at the time (essentially, wins, losses, and ERA) and his record was 2-5, it’s part of the reason why he did not make it.

DENVER – JULY 9: Right fielder Larry Walker #33 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two-run double against the San Francisco Giants during the MLB game at Coors Field on July 9, 2003 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies won 11-7. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

In 2003, the Rockies had three All Stars representing them at, what was at the time called, Comiskey Park (later known as U.S. Cellular Field and now known as Guaranteed Rate Field), the home of the Chicago White Sox. Their reps were Todd Helton (shocker), pitcher Shawn Chacon, and outfielder Preston Wilson.

Even though the Rockies were not good, they surprisingly still could have had a few more All-Stars. In fact, it could be argued that the entire Rockies outfield that year should have been All-Stars. One of them was Larry Walker. He did not have as strong of a year as he did in 2002 but still pretty good.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	sOPS+
1st Half	89	360	292	61	86	17	7	9	54	62	52	.295	.428	.493	.921	.333	145

Another outfield snub was Jay Payton, who put up the best numbers he would have in his career.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	92	391	354	62	105	15	13	48	28	45	.297	.352	.472	.824	.310	92	117

Out of the bullpen, Brian Fuentes had numbers that were pretty good too.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	2	0	1.000	3.22	44	9	2	44.2	38	17	16	4	21	53	1.321	10.7	2.52

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	44	192	164	17	38	7	4	21	53	2.52	.232	.333	.372	.705	.312	107	88

DENVER – JUNE 18: Vinny Castilla #9 of the Colorado Rockies swings at the pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 18, 2004 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies won 5-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Todd Helton was, yet again, an All-Star in 2004 and this time, he was, like in 2002, the Rockies only representative. In something that you’ve probably noticed by now, a few more Rockies could posted numbers that could have made them an All-Star.

One of them in 2004 was Rockies third baseman, Vinny Castilla, who was in his second tenure with the team. His numbers looked like this entering the All-Star break.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	79	350	309	47	84	28	16	71	33	59	.272	.340	.531	.871	.283	102	126

Rockies outfielder Jeromy Burnitz also put up very good numbers in the first half of his first season in a Rockies uniform.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	81	337	303	49	87	20	18	57	30	73	.287	.356	.551	.907	.324	99	136

2005

In 2005, the game was held at Comerica Park in Detroit and the Rockies, yet again, only had one All-Star in Brian Fuentes. As a result, for the first time since 1999, Mr. Rockie Todd Helton did not represent the team at the All-Star game.

However, that doesn’t mean that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t have been. Here are his first half stats.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	85	368	302	44	87	24	10	39	61	56	.288	.414	.474	.888	.326	82	138

2006

The 2006 ASG was at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park and the Rockies had two representatives: Brian Fuentes and Matt Holliday. Again, Helton was the main snub on the Rockies. Here are the first half stats for him.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	73	325	260	51	77	19	10	43	56	33	.296	.425	.492	.917	.303	109	140

Another Rockie that posted really good numbers in the half of the season was Brad Hawpe.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	84	329	290	42	90	18	5	15	49	39	77	.310	.392	.562	.954	.379	112	147

Third baseman Garrett Atkins was another Rockie that posted really good numbers in the first half of the season.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	84	363	314	55	96	26	11	58	39	39	.306	.383	.494	.877	.315	83	128

DENVER – SEPTEMBER 20: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by Todd Helton #17 for his two-run home run to give the Rockies a 9-4 seventh inning lead at Coors Field on September 20, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 9-4 to complete a four game series sweep. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

The 2007 Rockies, as you probably know, made it all the way to the World Series. You probably also know that they did a lot of their damage in the second half of the season. As a result, they only had two All Stars in San Francisco for the All Star Game in Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes.

They really could have had four total. First off, Brad Hawpe was snubbed for the second consecutive year after he posted great numbers in the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	82	325	281	44	87	20	15	60	40	57	.310	.394	.555	.949	.340	105	152

Also, Todd Helton was also snubbed again.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	85	376	300	41	94	20	8	49	73	38	.313	.444	.473	.917	.335	98	148

Other guys like Jeff Francis, Garrett Atkins, Troy Tulowitzki, and Manny Corpas posted good overall seasons but particularly with the last three, they did much better in the second half of the season, like most of the team.

2008

The Rockies also had two All-Stars in 2008 in outfielder Matt Holliday and first-time All-Star starter Aaron Cook. However, one guy that you probably wouldn’t think of for being an All-Star and you probably forgot about in general is Taylor Buchholz.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	3	3	.500	1.83	40	14	1	44.1	27	14	9	3	11	35	0.857	7.1	3.18

Again in his case, though, he is hurt by the fact that he was not a closer.

2009

For the 2009 Rockies, they only had two All-Stars in starter Jason Marquis and outfielder Brad Hawpe, both of whom were first time All-Stars.

The Rockies had a lot of other snubs, though. One of them was Todd Helton. Here’s what his first half stats looked like.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	81	346	298	47	95	25	10	57	43	48	.319	.399	.517	.916	.347	102	144

In addition, Rockies closer Huston Street also had pretty good numbers.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	3	1	.750	2.75	42	34	22	39.1	29	13	12	10	43	0.992	9.8	4.30

There were some other guys like Troy Tulowitzki and Ubaldo Jimenez had good second half but not as good of a first half.

2010

The Rockies, again, had two All Stars in Ubaldo Jimenez and Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies were not that good in 2010 so there are not really many others that could have been All-Stars.

However, there was one player that really should have been on the team. That was Carlos Gonzalez. You can see it with his stats.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	77	347	325	56	102	12	17	60	16	76	.314	.346	.532	.878	.360	81	136

As you can see by his tOPS+, he did even better in the second half. He eventually came in third in the National League MVP voting and he also won a Silver Slugger Award and Gold Glove Award.

2011

The All Star Game was held in Phoenix in 2011 and the Rockies only had one All Star in shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who started for the NL squad.

The Rockies, yet again, did have other players that could have been All-Stars, though.

Perhaps the biggest snub was the oft-snubbed Todd Helton. These were his first half numbers.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	80	315	271	38	87	17	10	41	38	42	.321	.400	.494	.894	.344	110	152

Another snub was outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who put up these numbers in the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	sOPS+
1st Half	86	359	318	55	93	18	13	51	14	33	72	.292	.359	.491	.850	.336	138

Also, a member of the Rockies starting pitching staff put up good numbers in the first half in Jhoulys Chacin.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	18	478	422	44	85	18	15	50	101	2.02	.201	.287	.365	.652	.228	84	83

2012

The Rockies were not a good team at all in 2012, as they ended up going 64-98. As you may expect with a team that is that bad, they only had one All-Star in Carlos Gonzalez, who started as the NL’s DH.

His teammate in the outfield, center fielder Dexter Fowler, also had numbers that could have made him an All-Star.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	sOPS+
1st Half	81	292	250	45	75	11	9	11	36	7	37	73	.300	.389	.548	.937	.383	157

The only real possible guy who could have also been considered was Rafael Betancourt (2.84 ERA) but with only 15 saves, he wasn’t one of the league’s top closers.

2013

2013 was an interesting year for the Rockies and the All Star game. They ended up going 74-88 on the season, so it was not particularly good but they had three All-Stars…and all three were in the starting lineup (Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop, Carlos Gonzalez in left field, and Michael Cuddyer as DH).

The Rockies did have two players in their pitching corps that could have been named All-Stars.

The first one is starter Jhoulys Chacin, who after an injury plagued 2012 season, had a good 2013 season.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	BF	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	9	4	.692	3.50	18	18	113.0	106	46	44	3	36	68	465	1.257	5.4	1.89

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	18	465	422	46	106	23	3	36	68	1.89	.251	.309	.341	.650	.290	91	83

The other is lefty reliever Rex Brothers. Even though his tenure with the Rockies ended up being short lived and not great, the first half of the 2013 season was very successful for him.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	2	0	1.000	0.91	43	15	4	39.2	26	4	4	3	19	41	1.134	9.3	2.16

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BB	SO	SO/W	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	43	157	138	4	26	4	3	19	41	2.16	.188	.287	.283	.569	.245	85	61

TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 16: Justin Morneau #33 of the Colorado Rockies heads home after hitting a three-run homer in the third inning during the game four of Samurai Japan and MLB All Stars at Tokyo Dome on November 16, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images) /

In 2014, the Rockies had two All Stars that represented them at Target Field in Minneapolis in Charlie Blackmon (who got his first All Star nod) and Troy Tulowitzki (who started the game at shortstop).

Again, the Rockies had a few guys that were snubbed from the team. First off, first baseman Justin Morneau had a great start to his Rockies career with these numbers.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	89	359	335	38	105	20	13	60	16	38	.313	.345	.501	.847	.318	96	137

He didn’t make the All Star team in the US but, as you can see above, he went to Japan after the season was over and was a part of the “MLB All Stars” team.

Corey Dickerson, who was in his first full season at the major league level, was another guy who put up some good numbers in the first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	70	236	210	37	68	14	11	35	23	53	.324	.390	.576	.966	.385	109	171

The Rockies also had LaTroy Hawkins as a closer, and he pitched very well in the first half of the season.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	2	2	.500	2.45	35	31	17	33.0	27	12	9	9	14	1.091	3.8	1.56

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	35	135	125	12	27	8	2	.216	.267	.328	.595	.227	83	68

2015

The Rockies had three of their four infielders as All Stars in 2015, as Nolan Arenado, Troy Tulowitzki, and DJ LeMahieu all represented the Rockies in Cincinnati.

The Rockies probably should have had another All Star in Charlie Blackmon, as he also posted some great numbers in the first half of the season.

First or Second Half
Split	G	GS	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	sOPS+
1st Half	87	82	380	337	52	98	15	11	40	23	28	65	.291	.360	.463	.823	.330	132

2016

In 2016, the Rockies had two All Stars in Carlos Gonzalez, who started in left field, and Nolan Arenado.

The Rockies, per usual, had some players that were worthy of being an All Star.

One of them was Charlie Blackmon, who put up yet another good first half.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	sOPS+
1st Half	75	336	300	51	93	15	12	43	10	26	49	.310	.374	.493	.868	.336	134

Another Rockie that was snubbed was rookie shortstop Trevor Story who, had he been able to stay healthy, would have probably won the NL Rookie of the Year award.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	81	354	319	52	83	20	21	57	29	114	.260	.329	.545	.874	.335	93	132

His double play partner, DJ LeMahieu, was also snubbed after posting these numbers in the first half of the season.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	80	338	296	53	99	21	5	32	31	46	.334	.398	.490	.887	.379	95	140

2017

Last season, the Rockies started off the season red hot and, as a result, the Rockies had four All Stars, which is the most in their franchise history.

The name that you probably remember the most in being snubbed is Mark Reynolds, as he was one of the final five players on the NL Final Vote.

Here’s what his first half of the season looked like.

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	85	354	306	52	87	11	19	61	46	101	.284	.379	.513	.892	.364	113	138

Another guy that could have been an All Star was reliever Chris Rusin. Even though it may not seem like it now since he has struggled a lot in 2018, he was much better in the first half of 2017.

First or Second Half — Game-Level
Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GF	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	SO9	SO/W
1st Half	3	0	1.000	2.30	33	5	1	47.0	32	13	12	3	13	35	0.957	6.7	2.69

First or Second Half
Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	HR	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	BAbip	tOPS+	sOPS+
1st Half	33	181	166	13	32	4	3	.193	.254	.283	.537	.225	68	45

Final Thoughts

As you can see throughout our extensive look at the Rockies and their snubs, there’s at least one player every year that is looked over.

Whether or not that’s because Denver is not New York City, Boston, or LA, just an ignorance of how to quantify stats in relation to all the other parks (be it for a lack of stats/info 10+ years ago or now), or just other players being better in the NL that year, Kyle Freeland and Adam Ottavino being left off the All Star Game roster is an oversight.

Next: What worked for the Rockies in 2018 before the All Star break?

For me, personally, I think it’s a little of all of the above.

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