In Major League Baseball (as with all other major sports) the fans get to vote on who starts in the Annual All-Star game. However, in MLB the fans vote actually matters because of the asinine policy to have the winner of the game decide home field advantage in the World Series (how about this Bud Selig; the league that wins the season series in interleague play gets home field advantage. If their happens to be a tie, it is decided by run differential...Problem solved). Considering the importance of the starters to the outcome of the game, and the importance of the game itself, please read the following so that you can vote wisely:
American League
1ST BASE - Kevin Youkillis, Boston Red Sox
That actually pained me to write, however Youk is leading AL first baseman in OBP and SLG, and also provides a solid glove. He can also play 3rd, and is the glue to the AL East leading Red Sox lineup.
Next in line...Justin Morneau, Mark Teixeira
Actual Leader in votes - Youkillis
2ND BASE - Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
This one really isn't all that close. Hill gets no love because he plays in Toronto, however he's at or near the top in most offensive stats, and is also a solid glove.
Next in line...Ben Zobrist
Actual Leader in votes - Near dead heat between Ian Kinsler and Dustin Pedroia (Attn: Kinsler has had a sub par year and is a butcher in the field. Pedroia is a singles hitter that hasn't exactly done wonders as a table setter).
3RD BASE - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria is the main power source behind the most potent offense in baseball. While he has been sub par in the field, he's still on the cusp of being one of the best players in the game. His stats took a bit of a dip due to an early injury
Next in line...Michael Young, Brandon Inge
Actual Leader in votes - Longoria
SHORTSTOP - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Remember when the AL used to be stacked with incredible short stops? Well, not the case anymore. Jeter pretty much gets this by default, however he does lead AL SS in OBP, SLG and SB (amongst Qualified Leaders). Shockingly, he's having a great season in the field and is at the stop in Zone Rating.
Next in line...Jason Bartlett, Alexei Ramirez
Actual Leader in votes - Jeter
CATCHER - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Outside of Mauer the catching situation in the AL is pretty awful as well (which will probably land Varitek in the mid summer classic again). This one is Mauer by as wide a margin as you can imagine.
Next in line...who cares
Actual Leader in votes - Mauer
OUTFIELD - Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners; Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays; Torii Hunter, Anaheim Angels
Not only would you have the best possible defensive outfield (Ichiro in right, Crawford left, Hunter center), but these three have been offensive monsters. Ichiro leads AL outfielders with a .368BA, Crawford already has 40 steals, and Hunter been outstanding at the plate and in the field.
Next in line...Adam Lind, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye
Actual Leaders in votes - Bay, Ichiro and Josh Hamilton (seriously?!?!? Josh Hamilton?)
STARTING PITCHER - Zack Grienke, Kansas City Royals
This one is as clear cut as Mauer's selection at catcher. No questions asked.
Rest of the staff...Roy Halladay, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Joe Nathan, Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon, George Sherrill, David Aardsma, Frank Francisco, Justin Verlander, Josh Beckett
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