Odds and Sods Stars
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by user Tyduffy
(Note: These are "stars" not "all-stars." The editorial staff at Odds and Sods wan't nothing whatsoever to do with the Bud Selig and Fox inspired commercial monstrosity that now insults the integrity of the World Series.)
Catcher: Jorge Posada, NYY
The position of catcher for the American League is a difficult one to fill. Mr. Intangibles (Jason Varitek), Mr. Franchise (Joe Mauer), and Mr. Feel Good but Don't Ask Me About Steroids (Ivan Rodriguez) all present compelling candidates but the choice has to be Jorge Posada. He outstrips the numebrs of the other candidates by a country mile (.339 9HR 44RBI .954 OPS). He has also been a pillar of stability in a Yankee Lineup that has been at best inconsistent this season. The others have been good, but Posada has so far had a great 2007.
1st Base: David Ortiz, BOS
Yeah, he isn't an every day first baseman, but so what? He has been in a power slump, but his numbers (.325 13HR 48RBI 1.024 OPS) are through the roof nonetheless. Apologies to his teammate Kevin Youkilis and 2006 MVP Justin Morneau, but Big Papi has to be the choice here.
2nd Base: Dustin Pedroia, BOS
Pedroia had an abysmal April, but the Sox' faith paid off as he has been on a tear ever since. He has hit .391 with an OPS of 1.013 since May 3rd. Even after stinking up April, his OPS of .847 clearly distinguishes him from Polanco's .779. His stellar defense up the middle as well has been a key to the Red Sox pitching success. Tigers' fans will howl Placido Polanco, but the rookie Pedroia is just plain better.
Shortstop: Carlos Guillen, DET
Derek Jeter will get the votes and the publicity. His batting average is .20 higher. But Guillen is no slouch at .325 and his power numbers leave "the Captain" in the dust. He is limited defensively, but so is Jeter. He has quietly been the Tigers' best player since he has come to the club, and the impetus for their turn around. If Guillen played on the Yankees, he would be a shoo-in over Jeter.
3rd Base: Alex Rodriguez, NYY
A-Rod has been circling the base on the field (as well as off) this season. Despite a pedestrian May, his numbers (.332 28HR 77RBIs 1.131 OPS) would be a great season for most, and we aren't even halfway through the season yet. He is having his best year since his time in Texas, and, in what may or may not be unrelated, the Yankees are playing just as badly as those teams. He will say all the right things about being motivated to win in New York, but one suspects that this being a potential contract year might have something to do with his impressive form.
Outfield: Magglio Ordonez, DET
This is an easy decision. He leads the league in Batting Average at .377. He has proven to be no slouch in the other departments as well (13HR 68 RBI 1.089 OPS). The Tigers look like they will be playing October again this season, and Ordonez is one of the primary reasons why. No-brainer.
Outfield: Vladimir Guerrero
Pencil his name in every season. He has had another stellar year (.331 14HR 69RBI .996 OPS). He has single handedly carried the Angels' offense the last few seasons. Imagine what would happen if they actually got him some protection in the lineup.
Outfield: Ichiro Suzuki
He's hitting .362 and on pace for another 200+ hit season. He's equally as stellar in the outfield. Another no-brainer.
Starting Pitcher: Dan Haren
Josh Beckett gets the hype and publicity in Beantown and his 11-1 record is certainly impressive, but at 9-2 Dan Haren is only a hair (and a bit of run support behind him). His 1.91 ERA is more than a run better than Beckett. He has a .194 BAA and has only given up 82 hits in 177 2/3 innings. He has been absolutely filthy, and deserves the nod.
