Yesterday we unveiled the American League All-GRIT team. As promised, today we’re turning our attention to the vastly superior National League.

C: Jason Kendall, Milwaukee Brewers (9.01)

At this rate, Jason Kendall might need a new mantle. The veteran catcher is making a habit of racking up GRIT hardware. The winner of a 2008 GRITTY and second only to Ron Hunt in career GRIT3, Jason continued his assault on the record books with a very impressive first half. Leveraging a gaudy .047 OMS (OBP Minus SLG), Kendall’s body has made more contact with the baseball than his bat. Were it not for five intentional walks, Kendall would have no doubt made a run at the league lead in GRIT3 at the halfway point. As it stands, he’ll have to settle for second place to David Eckstein and a starting nod in the Grit-Summer Classic.

Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers (7.05)

1B: Nick Johnson, Washington Nationals (7.47)

In the biggest landslide in Grit Summer Classic history, Nick Johnson lapped the field on the way to earning the start at first base for the Senior Circuit. Johnson’s GRIT3 of 7.23 was fourth highest in the Majors. With a median GRIT3 score of -6.83 among starting first basemen, Johnson’s 7.23 was head and shoulders above his nearest competitor. This, despite the fact that he’s posted a decidedly non-gritty OPS+ of 123. Take the Majors’ 12th highest DIRT score and combine it with an above average DTRM; what do you have? You have proof that even semi-talented players can overcome their talent to post some grittastic numbers. Well done, Nick. In a close matchup, Kotchman gets the backup slot over the Mets’ Daniel Murphy because the Braves don’t have a viable player at any other position.

Casey Kotchman, Atlanta Braves (1.59)

2B: David Eckstein, San Diego Padres (12.52)

In perhaps the biggest non-surprise of the year, Lil Davey ran away from the rest of the pack to grab the start at second base. First in the Majors in DIRT; 27th in DTRM3; 14th in OMS among players with 200 PA.Aside from playing baseball, there’s probably nothing at which Eckstein isn’t good. Schumaker continues the tradition of differently-abled Cardinal middle infielders, narrowly edging out the Mets’ Luis Castillo (3.90).

Skip Schumaker, St. Louis Cardinals (4.03

3B: Andy LaRoche, Pittsburgh Pirates (7.39)

Andy LaRoche has amassed a surprisingly gritty first half for the Pirates with a GRIT3 of 7.39. Oddly enough, his teammate and older brother, Adam, posted a -7.94. Andy’s GRIT3 is high thanks to his willingness to get dirty. While we here at NTSHCO appreciate his impressive 4.34 DIRT score, the Pirates’ equipment manager may be less than thankful.

Emilio Bonifacio, Florida Marlins (5.85), Geoff Blum, Houston Astros (3.12)

SS: Alex Cora, New York Mets (4.25)

Since ariving in the majors in 1998, Alex has continued the Cora family tradition of being a defensively-gifted, offensively-incapable middle infielder. Cora’s also put up his numbers despite a torn ligament in his right thumb. Flushing9 points out Cora’s grittiness and recalls his epic 18-pitch at bat off Matt Clement in 2004. Let’s be clear: home runs aren’t gritty. They are cheap ways of scoring easy runs. That said, if you must hit a home run, an 18-pitch at bat is probably the grittiest way to do it.

Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers (4.90); Ryan Theriot, Chicago Cubs (4.15); Augie Ojeda, Arizona Diamondbacks (3.76)

LF: Nyjer Morgan, Pittsburgh Pirates (7.88)

Morgan, along with LaRoche, formed the MLB’s grittiest pairing of teammates during the first half. With an OMS of -.005, Morgan, like Span, is pretty good at getting on base but not much further. For taking the long way home, Nyjer Morgan grabs the nod over longtime grit-star, Juan Pierre. It appears Washington GM Mike Rizzo wants to maintain the grittiness of the Nationals outfield. Rizzo recently traded his 2008 GRITTY winner Lastings Milledge in a multiplayer trade that netted Morgan. Look for Morgan to partner with new teammates Nick Johnson and Austin Kearns to form a human grit pyramid in DC.

Juan Pierre, Los Angeles Dodgers (4.69)

CF: Willy Taveras, Cincinnati Reds (5.58)

Willy Taveras hits singles and is pretty fast. He also plays centerfield. Obviously, in the mind of Dusty Baker, this makes him the only choice for the leadoff role in the Reds’ lineup. Of Taveras’ 286 ABs, 252 have occurred in the leadoff spot. This has given Willy a great opportunity to put his outstanding .585 OPS and -.009 OMS to best possible use. And put it to use he has; at the break, Willy Taveras’ Win Probability Added (WPA) of -2.14 is second only to Chris Young for worst in the majors.

Dexter Fowler, Colorado Rockies (1.36)

RF: Austin Kearns, Washington Nationals (3.35)

Austin Kearns holds down right field for the NL in the inaugural Grit-Summer Classic. Prior to his trade to the Nationals, Kearns was dependable for a slugging percentage on the high side of .450. Since coming to Washington, his inner gritster has been able to flourish. A recipient of a 2008 GRITTY Honorable Mention, Kearns’ GRIT3 scores have remained high even after the Nats moved from spacious RFK Stadium to the much more hitter-friendly Nationals Park.

Milton Bradley, Chicago Cubs (2.86)

P: Jamie Moyer, Philadelphia Phillies (.69)

Jamie Moyer is gritty. He’s 46 years old and gets by throwing an 81mph fastball. His arm is held together by hot dog casings and old wads of Bazooka Joe. He eats sunflower seeds and craps sunflower seed shells. He once shot a man in Reno because he wasn’t adhering to gun safety best practices. Oh, and what’s more? He’s leading the NL’s pitchers in GRIT3. Check out his line: .048/.276/.048. You’re probably asking yourself, “is that even possible?” And now, you’re probably chastising yourself after realizing the error of your ways. Anything is possible. It’s Jamie Freakin’ Moyer.