For the first time, Operation Sports has selected its own 2013 MLB All-Star squad, but we decided to do things differently. This team isn’t selected by the fans, players, or even OS staff members. Instead, it uses the equally subjective measure of player performance--both in real life and simulated by our favorite MLB games.

To find this team, the first half of the season was simulated in both MLB 13: The Show (using OS Full Minor Rosters) and Out of the Park Baseball 14. Then, the virtually selected All-Star teams were cross-checked with the actual teams which took the field earlier this week.

If a player makes two or more of the teams (The Show, OOTP, MLB), they’ve earned a roster spot on the OS MLB All-Star Team for 2013.

Players who made all three are listed with an asterisk. If a player made two of the teams, they are noted in parentheses.

Pitchers:
Grant Balfour, A’s (MLB, Show)
Rafael Betancourt, Rockies (Show, OOTP)
Madison Bumgarner, Giants (MLB, OOTP)
Aroldis Chapman, Reds (MLB, OOTP)
Yu Darvish, Rangers (MLB, Show)
R.A. Dickey, Blue Jays (OOTP, Show)
Jason Grilli, Pirates (MLB, Show)
Greg Holland, Royals (MLB, OOTP)
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (MLB, Show)
Craig Kimbrel, Braves*
Matt Moore, Rays (MLB, Show)
Mariano Rivera, Yankees (MLB, OOTP)
Sergio Romo, Giants (MLB, OOTP)
Chris Sale, White Sox (MLB, OOTP)
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (MLB, OOTP)
Jordan Zimmerman, Nationals (MLB, OOTP)

Catchers:
Joe Mauer, Twins*
Yadier Molina, Cardinals*
Brian McCann, Braves (MLB, OOTP)

Infielders:
Billy Butler, Royals (Show, OOTP)
Robinson Cano, Yankees*
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians (Show, OOTP)
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers*
Prince Fielder, Tigers (MLB, Show)
Albert Pujols, Angels (Show, OOTP)
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies (Show, OOTP)
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies*
Joey Votto, Reds (MLB, Show)
David Wright, Mets (MLB, Show)

Outfielders:
Carlos Beltran, Cardinals (MLB, OOTP)
Dominic Brown, Phillies (MLB, OOTP)
Bryce Harper, Nationals*
Adam Jones, Orioles*
Matt Kemp, Dodgers (Show, OOTP)
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates (MLB, OOTP)
Mike Trout, Angels*
Yoenis Cespedes, A’s, (Show, OOTP)

OS All-Star Notes:

• It’s pretty easy to put together a starting line-up using the players who made all three teams. The only positions in question are starting pitcher and first base. Pitcher is a toss-up, but first base could be manned by Mauer (who also was on all three lists):

C: Molina
1B: Mauer
2B: Cano
3B: M. Cabrera
SS: Tulowitzki
OF: Harper
OF: Jones
OF: Trout

• Betancourt, A. Cabrera, Pujols, Butler, Kemp, Rollins, and Cespedes all made this team without making the actual MLB squad. Of course, injuries vary as much as performance when it comes to simulations.
   
• When it comes to accurately predicting the real All-Star Team, Out of the Park 14 had twelve correct picks to MLB 13: The Show’s eight. However, The Show’s team also represented every team, where OOTP seems to ignore that (marketing-driven) rule.
   
• Neither MLB starting pitcher (Scherzer, Harvey) made the OS Team.
   
• Speaking of representation, there are no Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, Marlins, Brewers, Padres, or Mariners on this list. The Cardinals have the most players, with three.

This method is hardly scientific, and each simulation will produce different results. That said, what are your thoughts on the actual and simulated All-Star teams rosters?