Predicting the A.L. All-Stars

By Chad Hollingsworth
Love of Sports Correspondent

The baseball season is nearing its midway point, and the “Midsummer Classic” is approaching fast.

There isn’t a better time to forecast the American League players who will again attempt to wrestle the World Series homefield advantage from the National League.

However, a quick explanation of the categories in this preview is in order.

The “Popular Choice” factors in a player’s exposure, their skill, and in some cases, the fans’ willingness to vote them into past All-Star Games even if the player is injured or unproductive.

“Who Should Win” is the player who, statistically speaking, would be most deserving of playing his respective position for the first few innings.

A “Deserves Consideration” mention is basically a tip-of-the-cap to the players who might (or might not) get the recognition as a reserve for the squad.

AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STARS

First Base

Popular Choice: Kevin Youkilis – It’s very possible voters will get this choice right.

Who Should Win: Youkilis – His offensive numbers speak for themselves, and no one is better than him defensively at the moment.

Deserves Consideration: Miguel Cabrera – He’s kind of a question mark since he plays first base now, but he’s only listed as a third baseman on the ballot; offensive numbers are a bit down but still, he’s Miguel Cabrera… Justin Morneau – The former MVP has the numbers to be elected, but Youkilis is having a better season and gets more television time… Casey Kotchman – One of the more productive hitters on a first place team, Kotchman could definitely make the roster as a reserve.

Second Base

Popular Choice: Dustin Pedroia – He gets the most exposure and has good enough numbers that make him worthy of an All-Star nod.

Who Should Win: Ian Kinsler – While Pedroia’s worthy of starting, Kinsler’s scoring more often and, as of now, has a bit more pop in his bat. He also steals more bases than Pedroia.

Deserves Consideration: Brian Roberts – If his average was higher (and he had a guy like Josh Hamilton hitting behind him), he’d overtake Kinsler as the starter… Placido Polanco – A slow start hurt him, but he’s steadily climbed back up to numbers similar to the second basemen all mentioned here.

Shortstop

Popular Choice: Derek Jeter – With the game taking place at Yankee Stadium this year, it’s hard to see Jeter not being on the field as a starter.

Who Should Win: Michael Young – Young has the best overall numbers of all AL shortstops, but he isn’t outdistancing Jeter (or the other shortstops) by too much. While Young likely should be starting, Jeter’s got nostalgia and exposure going for him.

Deserves Consideration: Bobby Crosby – See what avoiding the DL can do for your All-Star chances, Mr. Crosby?… Edgar Renteria – If Renteria had a bit more power, he’d likely be the starter. However, his numbers as of now won’t help his chances at all.

Third Base

Popular Choice: Alex Rodriguez – (see Jeter, Derek)

Who Should Win: Rodriguez – Sure, he spent a few weeks on the DL with a quad injury. However, his numbers are still very good and there isn’t a standout among AL third basemen who could rightfully lay claim to replacing him.

Deserves Consideration: Miguel Cabrera – Currently on the third baseman ballot, he’ll probably make the All-Star Game as a reserve; it’s just a matter of whether or not he’s backing up A-Rod or Youkilis… Alex Gordon – Very solid numbers from the sophomore in Kansas City. Could likely be a future starter in this game… Adrian Beltre – His power numbers have been pretty good, considering he plays in Safeco Field. With a higher average, he might’ve given A-Rod a run for the money.

Catcher

Who Will Win: Joe Mauer – Former batting champ who’s well known to the voters.

Who Should Win: Mauer – Hits for average and gets on base. Has no home runs (yet), but is still having a great season regardless.

Deserves Consideration: Mike Napoli – If it wasn’t for a platoon with Jeff Mathis, Napoli might have the numbers to start over Mauer. In terms of power, he leads all catchers in home runs, but isn’t even close to Mauer’s average… A.J. Pierzynski/Jason Varitek – These two vets have had good seasons respectively and both deserve All-Star consideration. However, Varitek’s slight edge in power numbers might factor in a potential decision between the two backstops.

Outfielders

Popular Votes: Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero and Magglio Ordonez – All three of these guys have been fan favorites in previous years and will probably carry it over to this year as well.

Who Should Win: Josh Hamilton, Carlos Quentin and Ordonez – Hamilton’s arguably the MVP of the American League as of now. Ordonez has maintained the average and power he showed last year. Quentin finally got his chance with the White Sox and is making the most of it. He’s among the league leaders in home runs and RBI and has an average close to .300. The fact that voters have to write him in will definitely hurt his chances, though.

Deserves Consideration: Jacoby Ellsbury – He’s having a solid season and would be beneficial for pinch running/defense late in the game… Carl Crawford/B.J. Upton – At least one of these two Rays (if not both) have to be on this team whether they’re a starter or a reserve… Grady Sizemore – Sizemore’s slight dip in numbers are still decent enough to get him on the team… Rangers Outfielders NOT Named Josh Hamilton – Hamilton should be starting, but David Murphy and Milton Bradley have had solid seasons as well and definitely merit consideration.

Designated Hitter

Popular Vote: David Ortiz – Arguably one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball.

Who Should Win: Ortiz – Has rebounded from a very slow start and leads all designated hitter candidates on the ballot in home runs.

Deserves Consideration: Hideki Matsui – He’s hitting over .300 and has respectable home run and RBI totals… Garret Anderson – He’s stayed healthy and is putting up his standard consistent numbers for the Angels… Milton Bradley He’d have to be a Write-In, and I’m not entirely sure how this could work. He’s DH’ed several games for the Rangers this year, yet he’s on the ballot as an outfielder. His numbers are better than anyone listed under the DH category, so is it possible for the fans to write-in someone like him, who’s clearly spent time as the position? If so, this option is a possibility. However, I don’t think enough voters would do it to supplant either Big Papi or Matsui as the potential starter.

Pitchers

And as for the pitchers, look for Cliff Lee to be named the AL starter with guys such as Shaun Marcum, Roy Halladay, Mariano Rivera and Jonathan Papelbon undoubtedly appearing on the roster as well.

Stay tuned for some love for the NL All-Stars soon.