All right boys and girls. It’s the post you’ve all been waiting for. It’s my annual MLB All-Star Ballot post where I reveal to you, my intrepid readers, who you should vote for in this year’s All-Star Game. With only 8 days left to vote, it’s time to get the word out here. (It’ll be a travesty if Alfonso Soriano starts over Matt Holliday. Vote, people.) So here’s my ballot, starting with the AL:
1B – Justin Morneau, Twins. It’s a shame that Kevin Youkilis (aka, the Greek god of walks) can’t be on the ballot, but they have to put Big Papi somewhere. Morneau may be the most nondescript reigning MVP in recent memory. Then again, would we really remember nondescript reigning MVP’s? But I digress. Morneau rakes and he’s an actual first baseman, unlike Ortiz. He deserves to start.
2B – B.J. Upton, Devil Rays. Upton has been touted as an uber-prospect for years and he’s finally delivering on the hype. Upton’s blend of speed and power make him my choice over a pretty lackluster crowd of keystoners in the AL.
SS – Orlando Cabrera, Angels. There are actually three deserving candidates here, in my opinion: Cabrera, Derek Jeter and Carlos Guillen. You could certainly make a case for Guillen, but look at Jeter & Cabrera’s numbers: they’re nearly identical. Until you look at their fielding stats: Jeter’s 11 errors are nearly three times Cabrera’s number of miscues (four). I figure D Jete has enough accolades. I’m going with the lesser known player here.
3B – Alex Rodriguez, Yankees. Case closed.
C – Victor Martinez, Indians. Forget Ivan Rodriguez, the current leader at this position. This should really be a two-horse race. Either Martinez or Posada should be starting. Both guys have fielded their positions well and they’re both scorching the ball. Flip a coin. Just don’t let Ivan win. (Note: there’s only one Pudge and his last name was Fisk.)
OF – Magglio Ordonez, Tigers; Vlad Guerrero, Angels; Torii Hunter, Twins. The current leaders are Ichiro, Vlad and Manny and I doubt we’ll be able to do anything to change that. And I don’t have a problem with Ichiro or Vlad. (I have to confess that I have something of a man crush on the Impaler. I once bid a league record $70 to acquire him in my fantasy league.) But if Magglio Ordonez isn’t honored for the MVP numbers he’s putting up, it’d be a shame. I guess if he dropped more fly balls and held up a sign saying “That’s just Maggy being Maggy”, then he’d be starting. Ridiculous.
And now for my NL picks:
1B – Prince Fielder, Brewers. You’ll notice a complete lack of St. Louis Cardinals on my ballot. I’m all business when it comes to this process. No homer picks. And as much as I’d love to see my son’s favorite player, Albert Poopholes, starting at first base for the National League, in my heart of hearts, I can’t vote for him. Not with the season Cecil’s kid is having. I really hope Prince gets the start. He deserves it.
2B – Chase Utley, Phillies. After Utley, the NL pack is pretty weak here, kinda like the AL. Personally, I’d like to see the Braves Kelly Johnson earn a back-up spot on the team. I love the way that kid plays.
SS – J.J. Hardy, Brewers. The NL East is like the SEC of MLB shortstops. Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins and Hanley Ramirez are three of the most exciting players in the majors right now, and Edgar Renteria is enjoying a nice renaissance season in Hot’Lanta. But nobody expected J.J. Hardy to explode onto the scene like this. He’s leading NL shortstops in homers and his .280 average is certainly respectable. I hope he makes the team; he deserves to start.
3B – Miguel Cabrera, Marlins. Again, this one comes down to the NL East, with Cabrera and David Wright duking it out. Wright has come on as of late, but Cabrera has had the better season of the two.
C – Russell Martin, Dodgers. Martin had a great first two months of the season, but he’s really faded lately. Still, his numbers are better than any other NL catcher. I hope Bengie Molina makes the club as a backup.
OF – Matt Holliday, Rockies; Adam Dunn, Reds; Ken Griffey, Reds. The AL’s superior talent is probably most noticeable here in the outfield. I don’t know if any of these guys start in the Junior Circuit. But they’re the best the NL has to offer. Holliday is not just the product of Coors Field; he’s a legit stud. Dunn always hits for power, but his average is finally respectable again. I could’ve gone with a couple of guys with the final spot, but chose Griffey. After being all-world for the first decade of his career, injuries have really taken their toll on the Kid. It was supposed to be Griffey, not Bonds, breaking Aaron’s record. The least he deserves is to be honored for the great half-season he’s had. Stay healthy, Kid.
Click here to cast your own ballot, even if they are homer picks! And watch the MLB All-Star Game on July 10th.
already & not yet 