My All-Star Ballot
-Dexter Sports
8:18 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Heres a look at my all-star ballot. The NL looks stacked compared to the AL. Feel Free to post your ballots as well in the comments! Some choices were tough and others weren't. Well, here is my beautiful ballot, enjoy.
American League:
1B: Kevin Youkilis Boston Red Sox-
Not a tough choice considering his competition at first. Nobody really even compares to his numbers.
2B: Ian Kinsler Texas Rangers-
The second base position in the AL was tough because nobody really sticks out. Ian Kinsler was the best play offenively all around, even with Placido Polanco is hitting .348 in May.
3B: Joe Crede Chicago White Sox-
Anyone with 28 RBIs and 8 HRs after nearly ran out of town for youngster Josh Fields deserves a vote. It is hard to imagine that Crede nearly lost his spot as a starter. Crede barely edged out the Two Alexs of the AL (Gordon and Rodriguez) on my ballot.
SS: Edgar Renteria Detroit Tigers-
The shortstop position in the AL might be the hardest to vote for simply because all of those eligible just have horrid numbers. When it was all said and done, only Derek Jeter and Edgar Renteria deserved it. I went with Renteria because his home run production is higher.
C: Victor Martinez Cleveland Indians-
Again, nobody really stuck out at catcher in the Al. Martinez is hitting the ball pretty well, but what is most impressive to me is his ability to throw out base runners. He leads the American League in that category.
OF: Joey Hamilton Texas Rangers-
Joey Hamilton has been a great success story and ultimately is the best hitter in the AL so far. His production is unmatchable and simply he deserves a starting spot for the American League.
OF: Manny Ramirez Boston Red Sox-
Manny is Manny and no one can deny him a spot on the starting squad. He is still producing, and his defense has improved (high five anyone?). How cool would it be to see the latest to the 500 club (if he gets there before the break) make the start in rival New York.
OF: Magglio Ordonez Detroit Tigers-
Maggs has turned it up as of late and is putting up a similar campaign to that of his 2nd place MVP run a year ago. He is an all around hitter that could be the big reason the Tigers get back in the playoff hunt.
DH: David Ortiz Boston Red Sox-
He has ten homers and the best numbers of any of the designated hitters on the ballot. Plus, he is fun to watch and possibly the best clutch hitter of our time, why not give him a vote?
Write In: Carlos Quentin OF Chicago White Sox-
It is hard to believe that this player was not on the ballot. Quentin, who came to the White Sox from the Diamondbacks has been a pleasant surprise. His 12 dingers and 38 RBIs have been a big reason why the White Sox have seen time first place in the AL Central.
National League:
1B: Lance Berkman Houston Astros-
Duh? Though Albert Pujols and Derrick Lee have played very well, Lance Berkman has been the most productive player in baseball. There is no reason that he shouldn't start in Yankee Stadium during the mid summer classic.
2B: Chase Utley Philadelphia Phillies-
Again, another duh at this point. Utley has been murdering national league pitching all year. With Ryan Howard struggling and Jimmy Rollins hurt Utley put his team on his back. It was a tough decision though, between him and former rule 5 pick Dan Uggla, who has tore the cover off the ball as of late.
3B: Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves-
Do I even need to mention his production numbers are second in the league and that his bat has resurrected since Andruw Jones went the Los Angeles. I believe a lot of it has to do with the addition of Mark Kotsay and the protection of Mark Teixeira. Chipper has 12 homers and 34 RBIs
SS: Hanley Ramirez Florida Marlins-
Ramirez is arguably the best all around player in the National League. His 13 stolen bases, 9 homers and 23 RBIs testify that he deserves this vote. It seems that Hanley has developed faster than fellow speedster Jose Reyes. Any other Shortstop might be a waste of a vote.
C: Geovany Soto Chicago Cubs-
This was the toughest position to choose because of the near identical play of Brian McCann and Soto. Nobody expected this production from Soto, who has 9 homers and 34 RBIs. Soto has also been a big part of the pitching success in Chicago. The Cubs rank 7th in the league, sporting a 3.73 team ERA.
OF: Nate McLouth Pittsburgh Pirates-
McLouth has been unstoppable for the Pirates so far this season. Hitting lead off, McLouth has been able to put up 12 Homers and 26 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Imagine what he could do in the middle of the order. Slowly turning into one of the best five tool players of the game, I had to give him my vote. Plus, He is from my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan.
OF: Ryan Braun Milwaukee Brewers-
Braun has just been sick in the month of May and has silenced critics (such as me) who thought that he would go through the sophomore slump. Braun has 13 dingers and 37 RBIs and is slowly pulling the Brewers back into contention.
OF: Ryan Ludwick St. Louis Cardinals-
Wait what? Ryan who? I know I know, I felt the same way as I selected his name with my mouse, but hear me out. Ludwick has 12 homers and is hitting .336. .336! I don't know how he caught on with the Cardinals, but he deserves a vote no matter what. I really hope this kid makes it. Ok, so he is 30 years old, but he is playing at a level he never has before.
Write In: Matt Kemp Los Angeles Dodgers-
The NL didn't have anyone that really stuck out as a must have, but Kemp has some solid numbers. He is hitting .323 with 3 homers and 28 RBIs. He has also swiped 9 bags, and though all of the other three Outfielders on the Dodgers roster were on the ballot, Kemp was not. I could of also went with Jayson Werth.
8:18 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Heres a look at my all-star ballot. The NL looks stacked compared to the AL. Feel Free to post your ballots as well in the comments! Some choices were tough and others weren't. Well, here is my beautiful ballot, enjoy.
American League:
1B: Kevin Youkilis Boston Red Sox-
Not a tough choice considering his competition at first. Nobody really even compares to his numbers.
2B: Ian Kinsler Texas Rangers-
The second base position in the AL was tough because nobody really sticks out. Ian Kinsler was the best play offenively all around, even with Placido Polanco is hitting .348 in May.
3B: Joe Crede Chicago White Sox-
Anyone with 28 RBIs and 8 HRs after nearly ran out of town for youngster Josh Fields deserves a vote. It is hard to imagine that Crede nearly lost his spot as a starter. Crede barely edged out the Two Alexs of the AL (Gordon and Rodriguez) on my ballot.
SS: Edgar Renteria Detroit Tigers-
The shortstop position in the AL might be the hardest to vote for simply because all of those eligible just have horrid numbers. When it was all said and done, only Derek Jeter and Edgar Renteria deserved it. I went with Renteria because his home run production is higher.
C: Victor Martinez Cleveland Indians-
Again, nobody really stuck out at catcher in the Al. Martinez is hitting the ball pretty well, but what is most impressive to me is his ability to throw out base runners. He leads the American League in that category.
OF: Joey Hamilton Texas Rangers-
Joey Hamilton has been a great success story and ultimately is the best hitter in the AL so far. His production is unmatchable and simply he deserves a starting spot for the American League.
OF: Manny Ramirez Boston Red Sox-
Manny is Manny and no one can deny him a spot on the starting squad. He is still producing, and his defense has improved (high five anyone?). How cool would it be to see the latest to the 500 club (if he gets there before the break) make the start in rival New York.
OF: Magglio Ordonez Detroit Tigers-
Maggs has turned it up as of late and is putting up a similar campaign to that of his 2nd place MVP run a year ago. He is an all around hitter that could be the big reason the Tigers get back in the playoff hunt.
DH: David Ortiz Boston Red Sox-
He has ten homers and the best numbers of any of the designated hitters on the ballot. Plus, he is fun to watch and possibly the best clutch hitter of our time, why not give him a vote?
Write In: Carlos Quentin OF Chicago White Sox-
It is hard to believe that this player was not on the ballot. Quentin, who came to the White Sox from the Diamondbacks has been a pleasant surprise. His 12 dingers and 38 RBIs have been a big reason why the White Sox have seen time first place in the AL Central.
National League:
1B: Lance Berkman Houston Astros-
Duh? Though Albert Pujols and Derrick Lee have played very well, Lance Berkman has been the most productive player in baseball. There is no reason that he shouldn't start in Yankee Stadium during the mid summer classic.
2B: Chase Utley Philadelphia Phillies-
Again, another duh at this point. Utley has been murdering national league pitching all year. With Ryan Howard struggling and Jimmy Rollins hurt Utley put his team on his back. It was a tough decision though, between him and former rule 5 pick Dan Uggla, who has tore the cover off the ball as of late.
3B: Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves-
Do I even need to mention his production numbers are second in the league and that his bat has resurrected since Andruw Jones went the Los Angeles. I believe a lot of it has to do with the addition of Mark Kotsay and the protection of Mark Teixeira. Chipper has 12 homers and 34 RBIs
SS: Hanley Ramirez Florida Marlins-
Ramirez is arguably the best all around player in the National League. His 13 stolen bases, 9 homers and 23 RBIs testify that he deserves this vote. It seems that Hanley has developed faster than fellow speedster Jose Reyes. Any other Shortstop might be a waste of a vote.
C: Geovany Soto Chicago Cubs-
This was the toughest position to choose because of the near identical play of Brian McCann and Soto. Nobody expected this production from Soto, who has 9 homers and 34 RBIs. Soto has also been a big part of the pitching success in Chicago. The Cubs rank 7th in the league, sporting a 3.73 team ERA.
OF: Nate McLouth Pittsburgh Pirates-
McLouth has been unstoppable for the Pirates so far this season. Hitting lead off, McLouth has been able to put up 12 Homers and 26 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Imagine what he could do in the middle of the order. Slowly turning into one of the best five tool players of the game, I had to give him my vote. Plus, He is from my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan.
OF: Ryan Braun Milwaukee Brewers-
Braun has just been sick in the month of May and has silenced critics (such as me) who thought that he would go through the sophomore slump. Braun has 13 dingers and 37 RBIs and is slowly pulling the Brewers back into contention.
OF: Ryan Ludwick St. Louis Cardinals-
Wait what? Ryan who? I know I know, I felt the same way as I selected his name with my mouse, but hear me out. Ludwick has 12 homers and is hitting .336. .336! I don't know how he caught on with the Cardinals, but he deserves a vote no matter what. I really hope this kid makes it. Ok, so he is 30 years old, but he is playing at a level he never has before.
Write In: Matt Kemp Los Angeles Dodgers-
The NL didn't have anyone that really stuck out as a must have, but Kemp has some solid numbers. He is hitting .323 with 3 homers and 28 RBIs. He has also swiped 9 bags, and though all of the other three Outfielders on the Dodgers roster were on the ballot, Kemp was not. I could of also went with Jayson Werth.
