As a member of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, specifically the mysterious and sometimes misunderstood Miscellaneous Chapter, one of my obligations is posting an All Star Ballot for all to see.
Without further ado, or fanfare, I give you this year’s 2011 American League All Stars.
1st Base- As a lifetime Yankee fan it kills me to vote for a Red Sox player but Adrian Gonzalez is having a really good year. Paul Konerko is a distant 2nd. Mark Teixeira should really learn to hit to the opposite field.
2nd Base- As of this writing only 2 AL 2nd basemen on the ballot are hitting over .275. That surprises me. Robinson Cano is my selection, even though he’s not at last years level, he still beats out Howie Kendrick.
Shortstop- More offense here than at 2nd base. Asdrubal Cabrera edges out Jhonny Peralta. Derek Jeter doesn’t even crack the top 5.
3rd Base- Even though his home runs are down, Alex Rodriquez is still having a nice season. He’s a better hitter than Adrian Beltre, and Kevin Youkilis is a Red Sox.
Catcher- Alex Avila is the only guy hitting for average and power. AL catching is pretty week this season.
Outfield- Jose Batista is an easy choice, Curtis Granderson gets the Yankee bias vote, and Carlos Quentin gets the anti-Red Sox vote. There is a lot of mediocrity in the outfield in the AL this season.
DH- Wow, David Ortiz is having a really good year. I can’t believe I have 2 Red Sox on my All Star team.
Starting Pitcher- I’m picking Jered Weaver, edging out Justin Verlander.
Reliever- Mariano Rivera is still the man.
