BBall's AL All Stars
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by user Timothy Moreland(Bball3345)
Those players selected to represent their league in the All-Star game should meet two criteria, 1) They should be having a great first half, and 2) They should be one of the most talented players based on past performance. So, a player such as Jose Lopez, who is having a great season at 2B, will be downgraded based on the second criteria. On the other hand, a player with a great track record like Richie Sexson will be hurt by his slow start.
Catcher
Joe Mauer...This was an easy selection, because Mauer is the most complete catcher in the bigs. Offensively, he has blown all other catchers out of the ballpark, leading the leaugue with a .386 average. His OBP and SLG marks stand at an impressive .448 and .538, respectively. On defense, 13 of 32 basestealers have been thrown out. While only 23-years-old, Mauer had one of the top seasons for a catcher last year and has topped prospect lists for years. This season, Mauer is on his way to one of the greatest showings by a catcher in history.
Honorable Mentions: Ramon Hernandez, Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, Victor Martinez
First Base
Travis Hafner...Oddly, Hafner does not play 1B, but he is listed there on the All-Star ballot so he is the way to go. The Indians' slugger has set the pace offensively for the league with a .316/.461/.646 line. Jason Giambi is the closest to Hafner on offense, but his value has been hurt by actually playing in the field. 2004 and 2005 were solid campaigns for Hafner, but 2006 looks to be his best yet. Cleveland fans will enjoy watching him play for the remainder of his contract.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Giambi, Mark Teixeira, David Ortiz, Paul Konerko
Second Base
Mark Loretta... Second base lacks a true superstar with a track record. Jose Lopez has arguably had the best first half; however, he has no previous record to indicate he will be the best when it is all said and done. Mark Grudzielanek ranks among the top this year, but his record is a long one of mediocrity. Robinson Cano has a slightly better track record than Lopez and has been about equal to Loretta in play this year. Still, I had to hand the starting spot to Loretta, because he has had tremendous campaigns in his career(2003 and 2004). In 2006, Loretta has played strong defense and posted a solid .347 OBP.
Honorable Mentions: Jose Lopez, Robinson Cano, Mark Grudzielanek
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez...This was a no-brainer based on the two criteria I set forth earlier. Who has been the best player in the AL almost every year since 1996? Who won the AL MVP last season? Who has had the best season so far in 2006, offensively and defensively, at third base? The answer to all these questions is A-Rod. While he has made more errors than usual this year(11 this year, only 12 last year), he ranks 2nd in assists and 3rd in double plays amongst AL thirdbasemen. Like always, he ranks as one of the best offensive players at third with a .395 OBP and .502 SLG.
Honorable Mentions: Troy Glaus, Eric Chavez, Mike Lowell
Shortstop
Miguel Tejada... This one matches up two long-time greats with Tejada and Derek Jeter. Both are off to tremendous starts with the bat; however, one should feel more comfortable with Tejada in the field. Tejada's power has reached a new level this year with a career high .555 SLG and a shot at 40 HRs.
Honorable Mentions: Derek Jeter, Mike Young
Outfield
Grady Sizemore/Manny Ramirez/Ichiro Suzuki... After a breakthrough year in 2005, Sizemore is building on it strongly in 2006. Sizemore has improved his OPS from .832 to this year's .921, not to mention Gold-Glove caliber defense. Manny may be an adventure in the field, but he can hit. His 1.109 OPS ranks in the top 5 in the AL. In my humble opinion, Ichiro is in the middle of his finest offensive year to date. His .414 OBP would tie his career-high and his .462 SLG would be his best. Also, Ichiro has already stolen 20 bases in only 22 attempts. As long as Ichiro has his legs, he will be one of the best players in the league.
Honorable Mentions: Nick Swisher, Vernon Wells, Vladimir Guerrero, Jermaine Dye
Just for fun, here is my starting rotation and closer, even though we aren't allowed to vote on them.***Originally, I had Verlander and Papelbon, but after it was pointed out to me that I had accidentally not followed my criteria, I switched in Schilling and Nathan.
SP Mike Mussina
SP Roy Halladay
CL Joe Nathan
Date
Mon 06/12/06, 7:28 am EST
