If baseball chose a most valuable player for the first half of the season, Joey Votto would definitely be on the list of potential winners for the National League. Despite that, his name wasn’t found on the list of 2010 National League All-Stars. Instead, he’s on the short list for the final vote this week and fans can select him to the final spot on the NL roster, but he’s up against some strong competition.

Votto declined to comment on his snubbing before Sunday’s game, looking visibly upset. He was then ejected in the first inning of his team’s game against the Cubs after striking out. After the game, he told the media that his was disappointed in the decision. All in all, it wasn’t a good day for the Canadian first baseman. Votto’s teammates Brandon Phillips, Arthur Rhodes and Scott Rolen will all be making the trip next week. If Votto will be joining them, he’ll need the help of his fans nationwide.

Votto is with the NL leaders in many offensive categories. He’s second in home runs with 19, fourth in RBIs at 57, and second in on-base percentage with .414. It was also noted that if he doesn’t make the NL All-Star Team, he’ll be the first NL player since 1952 to rank in the top five of each of the offensive Triple Crown categories and not receive the honor. Certainly he deserves to go to Los Angeles.

First base was a powerhouse position this year. The fans selected Albert Pujols as a starter. Votto’s position didn’t make the decision any easier for the NL skipper Charlie Manuel, who chose his first baseman Ryan Howard over Votto. Adrian Gonzalez was another backup one-bagger. If Votto makes it in as the final man, it will still only be a shame that the fans and the players and coaches couldn’t get it right the first time. If he doesn’t make the All-Star Game at all, it will be a disservice to the game itself.