My AL All-Star hitters, with some commentary. I stick to the MLB rules. Starters are in italics.
Catcher
Mauer (MIN) -- The second easiest call of all the all-star selections (behind Hanley at SS for the NL). A threat on offense and defense.
Pierzynski (CHW) -- An important offensive contributor to the White Sox, who are heating up now, but were cold as ice in the first two months. A.J. saved them a few times.
First Base
Youkilis (BOS) -- Detest watching him hit, with that wiggling ass. But I think he has been the best first baseman in the league at the plate this year, and he's good on defense too. Compare Jason Giambi!
Morneau (MIN) -- Minnesota is a surprise team, but their two all-stars are no surprise. I think Morneau has been better at the plate than Giambi, and is definitely better defensively.
Guillen (DET) -- The lone Detroit representative. Steals Giambi's spot on my roster.
Second Base
Kinsler (TEX) -- VORP has him as the best offensive player in the AL right now. Not surprising since he is leading the league in BA, has power, and steals bases.
Roberts (BAL) -- For a bad team, the Orioles have some good players. Roberts is a perennial all-star. Unless you are naming the real all-star team. He's on the list for the 33rd group, but because of Dye's presence on the list, you can't choose Roberts.
Shortstop
Young (TEX) -- Probably the weakest of all the All-Star positions. There's no one at SS in the AL having an unbelievable season. Still Young is having a good season, and unlike prior years, he is not a defensive disaster.
Jeter (NYY) -- A defensive disaster.
Third Base
Rodriguez (NYY) -- Pencil him in for the next five years.
Longoria (TBR) -- Apparently only good enough for the 33rd man ballot, I think he's good enough to be named outright. In addition to being a good hitter, he is incredible defensively. Falls short of Dye, though.
Outfielders
Bradley (TEX) -- Despite the personality problems, the guy is having a monster year. The talent has never been in question. Hit him 3rd instead of Hamilton and Bradley would be leading the league in RBI.
Markakis (BAL) -- This one surprised me, because Baltimore is not on my radar screen. He is having as good a season as anyone else on the list. Not even close to making the actual team.
Dye (CHW) -- Carrying the White Sox in a big way. There's no way Carlos Quentin should have the spot ahead of him. Quentin got off to a hot start but has cooled completely. Dye got off to a modest start and has been raking for a month. If you are voting for the 33rd man, Dye is the most deserving (Longoria is second). A player having this kind of season cannot be left off the team. Don't forget he's one of the best defensive outfielders in the majors.
Hamilton (TEX) -- Having a great season. The RBI totals are gaudy. Of course, Dye and Bradley would have totals like that if Kinsler and Michael Young hit immediately before them. He's a popular pick because of what he's overcome. That's great, but he still needs the numbers. He has them for the team, but not for the starting spot. DH him.
Drew (BOS) -- Big Papi's hurt? I didn't notice. J.D. finally is showing the talent he has always had, and he has been injury free.
Sizemore (CLE) -- The only Cleveland all-star. Has all the tools. Wasting away on this year's Indians team.
Upton (TBR) -- Like Longoria, I think he is overlooked because he plays for Tampa. He has something else in common with Longoria, and that is the superior defense that adds to his value.
Ramirez (BOS) -- Pedroia has actually contributed more overall to Boston's season, but Ramirez has been big time clutch, and he is a truly great player. I chose him over Dustin.
Suzuki (SEA) -- Not having an Ichiro year, but edges out Carlos Quentin and David DeJesus.
