That's right! It's July 4th (incidentally, Happy Fourth, anyone who may be reading this) and it's about halfway through the Major League 2011 Baseball season, which means it's almost time for the annual Summer Classic All-Star Game.
Of course, before you can play the game, you have to have people to play in it.
Once MLB decided to let fans vote online, thereby allowing anyone the chance to vote, they opened the door for an unprecedented landslide of votes, making the number of ballots posted by this time look more like American Idol than American's second (or is it third?) most popular sport. Anyway, by selection time yesterday, Sunday, July 3, 32.5 million ballots were cast for the game to be played July 12 in Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, AZ, home of the Diamondbacks.
Up until last year, the American League All-Stars had won every All-Star Game (save the awkward '02 tie) since 1997. But after being beaten 3-1 last year on a bases-loaded Bryan McCann double, here's the crew that looks to get a new streak going, led by the defending American-League-champion Texas Rangers' manager, Ron Washington.
Starters
Catcher-Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
A first-time All-Star, Avila, 24, leads all American League catchers in RBIs (46) and batting average (.298). One of those rare left-handed hitter/right-handed throwers, Avila represents a Tigers team that stands just a half-game behind the Cleveland Indians for the AL Central lead.
2011 stats: .298, 67 H, 16 2B, 10 HR, 46 RBI
First Base-Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
For years, Gonzalez, 29, was the primary (read: "only") offensive threat for pitching-focused San Diego Padres teams, so many expected his numbers might soar joining an offensively-loaded club like the Red Sox. He hasn't disappointed. He's been hot all season despite the Sox' iffy start, leads the majors in RBIs (74) and beat out tough competition in the AL (DET's Miguel Cabrera, NYY's Mark Teixeira). This is his fourth All-Star selection.
2011 stats: .350, 119 H, 27 2B, 59 R, 16 HR, 74 RBI
Second Base-Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Coming off his first All-Star selection (2010)-and a season in which he came in third in the AL in MVP voting-Cano, 29, continues to put forth numbers that suggest he might be the best second baseman in the Major Leagues.
2011 stats: .294, 93 H, 19 2B, 5 3B, 14 HR, 54 RBI
Shortstop-Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Yes, like American Idol, voting for the All-Star Game is a popularity contest, and, yes, at 36, Jeter is a shadow of the player he once was, at least offensively. You won't find many who can criticize his achievements or his respectability as a player-especially with The Captain on the cusp of 3,000 hits (he's just 6 away)-but for the second straight year, the 11-time All-Star selection's numbers are in free fall.
2011 stats: .260, 68 H, 9 2B, 2 HR, 20 RBI
Third Base-Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Probably the most controversial and reviled sports superstar this side of LeBron, A-Rod, who will turn 36 this month, continues to produce, and, with noteworthy counterparts like Evan Longoria of the Rays battling injuries, makes for an easy fit, as this is his 14th selection.
2011 stats: .299, 86 H, 19 2B, 13 HR, 52 RBI
>>>Oh my goodness, it JUST hit me! For the first time since 2001, a certain Seattle Mariners outfielder named Ichiro Suzuki is NOT a starting All-Star for the American League! Who could have ousted that uber-talent from his midseason throne?
Right Field-Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
He's been moved to third base recently to help his team, and he's the subject of rumors of possible PED use after a sudden surge in home run-hitting ability, but he reigned in more votes (7-and-a-half-million of them, breaking the old record set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1994) than any other player, and he may just be the one who ousted Ichiro. He's no longer a secret; he's becoming historic. Oh, and he DOES lead the majors in home runs.
2011 stats: .331, 90 H, 14 2B, 66 R, 27 HR, 56 RBI
Center Field-Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers
His average could use some work, but this second-time All-Star selection is otherwise a five-tool player: a speedster with thump. Now 30, Granderson is third in the AL in home runs (22) and continues to terrify pitchers, even in the already intimidating Yankee lineup.
2011 stats: .273, 83 H, 11 2B, 7 3B, 22 HR, 58 RBI
Left Field-Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
He's a great comeback story. He once shocked the Yankee Stadium crowd (in 2008) with a power display unlike any other in Home Run Derby history. He's a five-tool player. He's injury prone. He's the defending AL MVP. He already missed time this year with an injury. He's an All-Star for the fourth-straight year...
2011 stats: .295, 56 H, 13 2B, 10 HR, 40 RBI
>>>I don't know why they're including Designated Hitters in the lineup when we're playing in a National League park this year. Seriously, no clue...
Designated Hitter-David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Who else would it be? Everyone (except opposing pitchers) love Big Papi, and his gregarious, fun-loving personality kept him afloat in the baseball world until his numbers rebounded from his tough struggles at the outset of the past two seasons. Well, forget about that: this 30-year-old and six-time All-Star is HITTING.
2011 stats: .301, 84 H, 20 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBI
Here are the American League substitutes:
Russell Martin, C, Yankees
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
Howard Kendrick, 3B, Angels
Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
Matt Joyce, OF, Rays
Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
Michael Young, DH, Rangers
And the American League pitchers:
Josh Beckett, right-handed, Red Sox
Gio Gonzalez, left-handed, Athletics
Felix Hernandez, right-handed, Mariners
David Price, left-handed, Rays
James Shields ("Complete Game James"), right-handed, Rays
Justin Verlander, right-handed, Tigers
Jered Weaver, right-handed, Angels
C.J. Wilson, left-handed, Rangers
Aaron Crow, right-handed, Royals
Brandon League, right-handed, Mariners
Chris Perez, right-handed, Indians
Mariano Rivera, right-handed, Yankees
Jose Valverde, right-handed, Tigers
As usual, the National League (I'll talk about their All-Stars tomorrow) faces a tall order in a lineup loaded with future Hall-of-Famers, perennial All-Stars, and superb talents.
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