My All-Star Picks

All-Star balloting results will come tomorrow, amid much anticipation of the game's return to the Bronx after 32 years, and the fourth time in Yankee Stadium's illustrious tenure. This historic exhibition comes as another milestone in Yankee Stadium's last season and knowing the Yankees, it's going to be a major spectacle; an event to behold.

However, I look forward to the game with some trepidation. As always, the annual rite of fan balloting has again challenged my faith in Democracy as knuckledragging chowderheads from New England are so blinded by their Messianic devotion to the Red Sox that they've stuffed the ballot box, potentially costing more deserving players spots in the starting lineup.

Before I lay out my picks for the Junior and Senior circuits, I should explain my philosophy: I am a Yankee fan and recognize that these spots absolutely must consider past performance and first-half stats when casting votes. I also see value in sentimentality. We always forget that this is an exhibition, and even my remarks above show that yes, even I may take it too seriously.

From a purely PR standpoint, the game must serve as a platform to highlight the game's brand names, and exploit outreach potential to an international audience and the casual fan.

My argument is that picking the teams should be both an art and a science and should be fun most of all. Guys like Josh Hamilton should be no-brainers to make the team because of their breakout seasons and unquestionable statistical excellence over 80-some games. At the same time, I'd be hard pressed to argue against Papi and Manny making the team because of what they mean to baseball, even considering a little drop off in performance and injuries. Likewise, Jeter should always make the squad.

As the game will occur at Yankee Stadium, there should be a "Home-Team Advantage" when all else is equal. I'd begrudgingly agree to this if the game were at Fenway or Wrigley or Tropicana Field (alright, maybe not the Trop).

Also, if you want to see where my picks compares with "the experts," here's what ESPN thinks (link).



American League (Leaders in Parentheses)

C- Jorge Posada-Yankees (Mauer)
This is going to be the one position where I invoke the "Home-Team Advantage". In truth, Joe Mauer should get the knod over Posada, Varitek and Pudge. But if we're going to pick a guy to play catcher in the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, there's no comparison between Posada and Varitek.

1B- Justin Morneau- Twins (Youkilis)
As much as I'd love to include Giambi and his stache, I think his story's a little too tainted to thrust on the stage here. Morneau's an MVP and a terriffic hitter, and takes a little of the sting out of keeping Mauer from the starting lineup.

2B- Ian Kinsler- Texas (Pedroia)
Come on. Kinsler's the league leader in batting, has an OPS almost 100 points higher than Pedroia, has more home runs than Pedroia, steals more bases more efficiently than Pedroia. It's a shame Kinsler didn't get drafted by the Red Sox, he might actually make the team. Honorable Mention: Placido Polanco.

3B- Alex Rodriguez- Yankees (leader)

His recent interest in Kaballah be damned, A-Rod's the best regular season offensive player in the game today.

SS- Derek Jeter- Yankees (leader)

There's no question that Captain Clutch belongs in the starting lineup at the All-Star Game--this is just another opportunity for him to shine under the bright lights of The House that Ruth Built. I'd like to see him break .300 before he steps to the plate with the familiar sounds of Bob Sheppard; nonethless, he deserves the call.

OF- Josh Hamilton-Rangers (Leader)
Triple Crown contender brings a great story about his phoenix-like rise and an incredible God-given skillset to the game.

OF- Grady Sizemore- Indians (Ichiro)
I'm a huge Carl Crawford fan, and think that Tampa Bay deserves recognition for their impressive first half. That said, Sizemore's the league leader in HR, could be hitting for better average, but gets on base at a .370 clip and bears about a .900 OPS. I think Ichiro's a great choice for the international aspect, but the league HR leader has the potential to become a matinee idol for the next decade.

OF-Manny (Leader)
Manny's the best hitter of the generation. His numbers might not be there, but he deserves the knod under the past performance.

DH- Big Papi-Red Sox
Yeah, he's hurt and has played only half the season thus far. That said, his past performance certainly merits a spot. I can't argue that. Papi's also sitting out the game, so I would probably plug Milton Bradley in here.

SP- Cliff Lee-Indians (no vote)
Lee had a stratospheric start, and has come back to Earth some, but continues to lead the league in wins and ERA, and would be hard to argue against. I don't think I could even argue for Moose here, although he certainly deserves a spot on the squad, and should have about 14 wins at this point.

Others:
Mussina, Mariano

National League (Leaders in Parentheses)

C- Brian McCann-Braves (Soto-Cubs)

The always impressive Atlanta front office again proving their smarts, as Saltalamacchia has shuttled between the majors and AAA while McCann has thrived. Soto's having a nice season, but is certainly benefitting from Chicago-style voting.

1B- Lance Berkman- Astros (Leader)
Adrian Gonzales is having a heck of a season, too, but Berkman's nearly untouchable.

2B- Chase Utley-Phillies (Leader)
This is my toughest choice because, I don't think you go wrong with Uggla here. In fact, if Uggla "looked the part" (having a eternal five o'clock shadow, weighed 245 and chewed tobacco), he'd be a great choice for the DH role.

3B- Chipper Jones- Braves (Leader)

Deservedly so. Go get 'em Larry!

SS- Hanley Ramirez- Marlins

Notably, the Sawx traded Hanley as part of the Beckett trade. I think that's a great example of one that worked for both teams. Beckett's already an all-time post season performer and Hanley's becoming a perennial MVP candidate.

In a similar vein, I'm going to write about the Volquez-Hamilton trade this week.

OF- Ryan Braun- Brewers (Soriano)

The pride of "The U" is raking and deserves a slot on the squad. I'm a huge Soriano fan, and would love him to return to the Stadium, but Braun looks great.

OF- Junior Griffey- Reds (Leader)

Junior deserves the honorary nod here, it's just tough to believe that he's old enough to merit this treatment. He's a 13-time All-Star. That's amazing--where's the time gone?

OF- Fukudome- Cubs (Leader)
In the spirit of the game's international outreach and the Fukudo-mania that'd hit Chicagoland, I think you've got find a spot for the NL's Rookie of the Year front runner.

DH- Albert Pujols (no vote)

He's a marquis name and the face of baseball in a great town, he belongs in the game. I would also consider Uggla's bat for this slot, as well.

SP- Brandon Webb
I don't think you go wrong with Volquez or (SI coverboy) Lincecum here, either. Danny Haren's having a hell of the season as well.

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Regardless of who starts, I'd argue that a discussion of snubs actually serves as a good tool to drum up extra interest in the game.

Sunday night, after the last roster spot votes are announced, I'll chime in with my choices there, too.