Yasiel Puig's phoenix-like rise deserves All-Star slot

It is early days but Yasiel Puig is already very popular. Mike Stobe / Getty Images

It did not take long.

Two weeks into Yasiel Puig Mania, the debate began: should the 22-year-old Cuban be selected to the National League All-Star team?

The argument turns on the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder's overnight stardom and productivity versus the short time he will have to build a significant track record, leading up to the July 16 game baseball prefers to call "the Midsummer Classic".

The baseball world has been smitten with Puig's statistics in his 18-game career - .435 batting average, six home runs, 12 runs batted in. Yet, even his own teammates have expressed doubts about him deserving a spot.

The four-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez acknowledged that Puig's start has been remarkable, but the Dodgers first baseman was in the "too soon" crowd.

"If you look up at scoreboard at the All-Star game and he's got 15-20 (runs batted in), it's going to look a bit off," Gonzalez told the Los Angeles Times.

Others counter that Puig's instant celebrity qualifies him for a game billed as a showcase of the players fans want to see.

Lost in the debate is the fact the All-Star Game has tangible significance. The winner of the game pitting the National League versus the American League gains home-field advantage for its champion in the World Series, in October.

Yes, an All-Star selection is an honour and the spot should be earned. But if Puig's presence will give his league a better chance to win, give the "newbie" a uniform.

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