The teams are set.
And after years of fans getting booed by "smart" fans for selecting undeserving players to the starting lineup, fans did pretty well this year.
For the most part, at least.
NATIONAL LEAGUE STARTERS
Derrek Lee finally beat out Albert Pujols, although they are both having monster seasons and some argue that the second half of last season should count — which favors Pujols.
Jeff Kent was the best second baseman by far. Clint Barmes was the best shortstop, but his injury took him out of the running, leaving it wide open, and whether Cesar Izturis, David Eckstein or another (I thought Omar Vizquel made a compelling case) was voted, it would have been a good decision.
While Scott Rolen was injured, all of the other third baseman had equally strong numbers (Aramis Ramirez, Troy Glaus, David Wright, Joe Randa and Morgan Ensberg each had a good case). But Rolen, who missed 33 games with a shoulder injury, got the benefit of the doubt, plus they recognized him from the previous three All Star games. Probably another person was more deserving this year — Ensberg was my personal choice — but I also voted a few times for Ramirez (better average) and Glaus (favorite team). Ramirez, to his credit, was voted in as a reserve, but Ensberg did not make the team, despite his 22 homers.
The starting outfield does not include either the top two position leader in batting average (Miguel Cabrera, Moises Alou), top four in RBI (Carlos Lee, Pat Burrell, Andruw Jones, Cabrera) or home runs (Jones, Lee, Adam Dunn, Cliff Floyd). But Bobby Abreu deserves the spot, as does Jim Edmonds, if not for his spectacular fielding. But Carlos Beltran, who has really slumped, got it for name recognition. He was not voted into the Midsummer Classic last year, primarily for switching leagues (but he did make the team as a reserve). Abreu, Cabrera and Lee are my picks for outfield, although Jose Guillen deserved consideration as well.
Piazza got the catcher spot — surprise — but he probably deserved it at least this time around. He has more homers and RBI than any other catcher, but Paul Lo Duca, who leads NL catchers in average — made it this year. My sentimental pick was Yady Molina because he's thrown out 65 percent (20 of 31) of attempted basestealers this year, a much better average than the man who's most known for doing it all his career, Pudge Rodriguez.
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Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
Teixiera is the real deal.