AL ALL-STAR STARTERS

"When I grow up I am going to start the All-Star Game every season, even if I don't deserve it... same thing goes with winning the Gold Glove." 
-Mr. Resentment doing a Jeter voice.

AMERICAN LEAGUE  ALL STAR TEAM STARTERS.  

By David Herrmann

The All-Star rosters were announced Sunday, though a few surprises most notably the reigning MVP Ryan Braun is not starting, despite putting up numbers on par with his MVP season last year. The All-Star voting tends to come down to a popularity contest more than pure talent or who is more deserving of a nod. Why else would Bryce Harper be considered for a spot over the retiring and most deserving, Chipper Jones. In that case I say vote Chipper and vote away. Chipper Jones like Cal Ripken Jr. should start in his final ASG game. It would be a great nod and send off to arguably one of the greatest players of the last two decades.

I tend to view the ASG as nothing more than an exhibition game of today’s greatest players. However, that rarely happens. With the stakes at an all time high is it time to put aside the fan voting for more traditional ways of selecting the team from the one most important part of the game, stats? 

AL starters:

C – Mike Napoli was selected as the starting catcher. MIKE NAPOLI? Really? Mike Napoli is a talented player but is prone to major streaks. Who is most deserving of the nod? To be honest, Joe Mauer should have been considered. He is having an amazing year with a AL leading .324 BA for a “strictly” catching position.  I would say a reserve should have been AJ Pierzysnki, after all he is 6^th among MLB catchers in batting average, first in home runs.

1B – Paul Konerko should be the starting first baseman. He once again is putting up solid numbers with an AL leading .335 BA, 14HRs and OPS of .962. Prince Fielder simply is having a typical Fielder season but Konerko deserves the nod.

2B – Robinson Cano.  I think the fans got this one right. Cano is the best second baseman in the game. He needs to start. 

3B – Mark Trumbo is currently leading third basemen in the AL in home runs, 3^rd in BA, first in OPS. Why isn’t he starting?

SS – Derek Jeter’s rein of starting the ASG should be coming to an end. However, the most popular player in the game does say something. If it was my choice Asdrubal Cabrera would be my starting SS, hands down. Asdrubal is essentially keeping the Cleveland Indians a float. His offense and excellent defense have saved many of games for this team and deserves the nod.

OF – This is a game where the long ball rules. People want to see the long ball. Therefore the starting 3 in my opinion are the starting 3 that should be playing.

DH – David Ortiz is the best choice for this as he has found himself with one of the best OPS in the game. Ortiz hits for average and power a rarity at the DH position. Though I think Billy Butler should have been considered since well the game is played in KC.

Below you will find the rosters of who I think most notably deserves a spot on the ASG rosters.

MY STARTERS. 

C – Joe Mauer

1B – Paul Konerko

2B – Robinson Cano

3B – Mark Trumbo

SS – Asrubal Cabrera

OF – Josh Hamilton

OF – Curtis Granderson

OF – Jose Bautista

DH – David Ortiz

SP –Justin Verlander

Most notable players who didn’t make AL roster: Josh Willingham – Josh has put together a stellar season. Playing in cavernous Target Field, Josh has provided excellent pop and defense for a Twins squad looking for some power in the outfield. Josh Reddick – Josh is having one of those seasons that at the end of the year you will ask why Boston traded him? Josh’s career is taking off in Oakland and nobody is watching.