Fan voting, the requirement that every team gets a representative and the fact that some positions are stacked and some are weak always ensures that the 32 best players in each league aren’t the same ones that end up on their respective All-Star rosters. If it were up to me, the following players would be representing the Junior and Senior circuits at this year’s Midsummer Classic, to be held July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
SEE RELATED:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Starters
Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins
First Base: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
Second Base: Aaron Hill, Blue Jays
Third Base: Evan Longoria, Rays
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Outfield: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
Outfield: Carl Crawford, Rays
Outfield: Torii Hunter, Angels
Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Royals
Reserve Positional Players
Victor Martinez, C/1B, Indians
A.J. Pierzynski, C, White Sox
Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Red Sox
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
Chone Figgins, 3B, Angels
Ben Zobrist, SS/OF, Rays
Jason Bay, OF, Red Sox
Adam Lind, OF, Blue Jays
Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
Reserve Pitchers
Roy Halladay, SP, Blue Jays
Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
Edwin Jackson, SP, Tigers
Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
Kevin Millwood, SP, Rangers
Joe Nathan, RP, Twins
David Aardsma, RP, Mariners
Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Red Sox
Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
Andrew Bailey, RP, Athletics
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Starters
Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves
First Base: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Second Base: Chase Utley, Phillies
Third Base: David Wright, Mets
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Outfield: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Outfield: Raul Ibanez, Phillies
Outfield: Brad Hawpe, Rockies
Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, Giants
Reserve Positional Players
Bengie Molina, C, Giants
Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals
Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres
Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Pirates
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
Pablo Sandoval, 1B/3B, Giants
Miguel Tejada, SS, Astros
Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
Reserve Pitchers
Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
Matt Cain, SP, Giants
Chad Billingsley, SP, Dodgers
Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
Johan Santana, SP, Mets
Ted Lilly, SP, Cubs
Heath Bell, RP, Padres
Jonathan Broxton, RP, Dodgers
Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Mets
Huston Street, RP, Rockies
Ryan Franklin, RP, Cardinals
Francisco Cordero, RP, Reds
Jay LeBlanc is an assistant news editor at The Washington Times. He can be reached at jleblanc@washingtontimes.com.
