:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16224807/20130709_mjr_su5_182.0.jpg)
The debate about Yasiel Puig's candidacy to the 2013 All-Star game has taken over the headlines throughout baseball, and could be the hottest topic in sports. Most media members believe Puig deserves to participate in the mid-summer classic, and Matthew Leach of MLB.com agrees.
Regardless of anyone's stance on the situation, making Puig an All-Star has become the fans responsibility. Voting for the final spot lasts until 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. If the voting ended right now, Freddie Freeman would earn the spot over Puig, per MLB's twitter handle.
Despite being in second place, fans around Los Angeles continue to show support of Puig, per Michael Martinez of Fox Sports West. In addition, fellow Cuban countrymen and Hall Of Famer Tony Perez has spoken out on Puig's behalf, per Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
The talent of Puig cannot be questioned, yet the character of Puig is garnering criticism, per Dan Bickley of the USA Today. Dealing with the bright lights and the media expectations has been difficult for Puig, per Bill Plunket of the Orange County Register.
Diamondbacks pitcher Ian Kennedy said, "He (Yasiel Puig) plays with a lot of arrogance," per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.
Among the best rookies to date are Puig and Hyun-Jin Ryu, per Matt Eddy of BaseballAmerica.com. The statistics back it up, as Puig and Hanley Ramirez are the first teammates in 80-plus years to sport .400 or better batting averages with at least 100 at-bats, per Elias.