Position Players: Allen Craig, Cardinals; John Mayberry Jr., Phillies; and Justin Ruggiano, Rays.

Pitchers: Alexi Ogando, Rangers; Fernando Salas, Cardinals; Antonio Bastardo, Phillies; Blake Wood, Royals; Mark Melancon, Astros; Rich Thompson, Angels; Henry Rodriguez, Nationals; Ernesto Frieri, Padres; Frank Herrmann, Indians; and Daniel Schlereth, Tigers.

The Phillies' Vance Worley had a shiny first-half ERA of 2.57, but the underlying numbers (6.6 strikeouts, 3.9 walks per nine innings) and playing time (seven starts, two relief appearances) don't put him in quite the same territory of our rookie all-stars.

A second-team rookie rotation would include the Yankees' Ivan Nova, the Angels' Tyler Chatwood, the Mets' Dillon Gee, Worley and the Rockies' Juan Nicasio.

In a world without Danny Espinosa, Darwin Barney would have vied for rookie keystone honors with Justin Turner. I probably would've went with Turner because he's hit for more power and gotten on base more frequently, but Barney has a case because he's a stronger defensive player and better hitter for average.

Barney has played four games (three starts) at shortstop for the Cubs this season, so we can't in good conscience lump him in with real shortstops.

I like Dillon Gee, personally, and how couldn't I? He's a 21st-round pick without a pitch that grades higher than 45, yet he's given the Mets a 3.33 ERA through 22 career appearances. That's valuable.

However, I don't think he's been better than any of the five starters who made the rookie team, not when one factors in league and home park context. Gee's ERA at home this season: 2.89 in nine games. On the road: 4.71 in eight games.

Indians righty Vinnie Pestano has a compelling case—12.1 strikeouts and 3.3 walks per nine innings. But when many players are bunched together, as with this year's rookie relievers, I tend to give the nod to those who have logged more playing time.

Pestano had 30 innings in the first half. Luebke: 44. Kimbrel: 41. Walden: 36.

Among Royals relievers, Aaron Crow was strongly considered, but he had a worse strikeout-to-walk ratio than Kimbrel, Walden and Luebke in the first half. Crow also benefited from a super-low average on balls in play (.237) and strand rate (93 percent). It doesn't help that he's 0-for-3 in saves.

Because of elevated walk rates, Tim Collins (6.8 per nine innings) and Louis Coleman (4.8) were not seriously considered. Blake Wood is not rookie eligible. But none of this detracts from the Royals' player-development success this season.

Yes, Antonio Bastardo would have made the team had he retained his rookie eligibility this season. He had more than 45 days of service coming into the year, however, and is not eligible for the NL rookie of the year award.