Every week, we ask a selected group of our baseball writers — local and national — to rank the teams from first to worst. Here are the collective results.The baseball calendar has moved through “Silly Small Sample Size Season” through “Too Early To Really Know.” We’ve passed now through “Memorial Day-Not Too Early to Know” and are now firmly in “Early All-Star Talk,” with “Trade Deadline,” “Pennant Race” and “October” still yet to come. (Ironically, the real All-Star Game lands during “Trade Deadline” — you can thank the Roman Empire for that one.)This week, we’ve done our best to make the case for one deserving All-Star per team. In some cases, that means eschewing the obvious and spotlighting a lesser-known player who deserves a bit of shine. In other cases (looking at you, Royals), it was a matter of realizing that anyone but the obvious guy wouldn’t be a good-faith argument. On to the rosters!All stats through Monday morning unless noted.1. Atlanta Braves (Average ranking: 1.5 )Record: 45-21
Last Power Ranking: 2
The case for: UT Mauricio DubónThe Braves are loaded with All-Star Game shoo-ins. Matt Olson should be the NL starter at first base, and Drake Baldwin deserves a spot if he’s healthy — probably as the starting catcher. Michael Harris II could be a reserve outfielder, both Chris Sale and Bryce Elder are in the mix for the pitching staff, and don’t sleep on Raisel Iglesias in the bullpen. But, we’ll make the case for Dubón, who’s filled gaps at shortstop, left field and center field, and despite moving around, ranks top-10 in the majors in Outs Above Average while also putting up above-average offensive numbers. Probably won’t be voted in as a starter or a reserve, but he could be an interesting injury replacement. You just know those Philadelphia fans are going to want to see as many Braves players as possible! — Chad Jennings2. Los Angeles Dodgers (1.7)Record: 42-24
