2006 MLB All-Stars: Who Should Really Play in Pittsburgh
It is a problem that sparks a debate each and every year: should the fans be allowed to vote for the All-Stars? Most advocates answer yes, because it is the ultimate way for the fans to get involved. Shockingly enough though, there is such a thing as an abuse of power as the fans have made that evident throughout recent years. They, as a whole, continue to vote players based on personal preference rather than achievement on the field. By allowing us (and I do say us, because I am a fan and I feel like I have to be lumped in with the people who vote irresponsibly) to continue to vote, the country will never get to see new players on the rise and we shall forever be subject to seeing six Yankees start on the field. I would have no problem with that if they all deserved it but please, Johnny Damon is not having an All-Star season compared to players such as Jonny Gomes, Vernon Wells, or even Grady Sizemore.
Due to my displeasure with the system created to establish the All-Star teams, rather than listing who I think will be the probable All-Stars, I will list who I think SHOULD be the starting players at their respective positions, starting with the American League.
Catcher
Ramon Hernandez, Orioles – He leads catchers in RBI (by quite a few) and home runs. Plus, his average is right over. 300 and that’s always a good thing for a catcher.
First Base
Paul Konerko, White Sox – The fact that he leads AL first basemen in home runs probably is the best reason to pick him, and he isn’t too shabby defensively.
Second Base
Jose Lopez, Mariners – He’s got almost double the amount of RBI as compared to the next guy in line, Tadahito Iguchi. His average isn’t as high as Iguchi’s or say, Luis Castillo’s, but it’s high enough to keep him as a starter.
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees – It came down to him or Troy Glaus, and the two have strikingly similar numbers so far this season. I had to choose A-Rod then because of his batting average, which is somewhere around 30 points higher than Glaus’.
Shortstop
Miguel Tejada, Orioles – This one was easy. He leads all shortstops in home runs and RBI. He also leads all American League shortstops in runs scored. His average isn’t the highest, but again he is in second place in the American League in that category (and hitting well over .300 is nothing to disregard in any case).
Outfield
Nick Swisher, Athletics – He’s having an excellent sophomore season, as he is tied for the lead among AL outfielders in home runs. An early criticism was that he couldn’t hit for a high average, but he is doing a good job of that right now, making him worthy of a starting spot.
Vernon Wells, Blue Jays – He’s tied for third in the AL in home runs among outfielders, but he is second in RBI and is hitting well over .300.
Vladimir Guerrero – He’s having another solid season, as he is tied with Vernon Wells in home runs and leads all AL outfielders in RBI.
National League
Catcher
Michael Barrett, Cubs – There aren’t many catchers in the NL right now that are posting great numbers, but Barrett is posting the best of what there is. He’s showing some power and is a leader on a team that desperately needs one right now. That should account for something.
First Base
Albert Pujols, Cardinals – He may have just gone on the DL, but prior to that he was having another MVP-worthy season. There was talk of him breaking the home run record and pursuing a possible Triple Crown. Nonetheless, he should be healthy by the All-Star game and he will still be worthy of the starting spot.
Second Base
Chase Utley, Phillies – He leads NL second basemen in runs scored and RBI. He’s also hitting well above .300, which makes him the best pick at second base.
Third Base
Miguel Cabrera, Marlins – He’s hitting at an insanely high average for being on such a terrible team (this would of course be an insanely high average on any team; he leads the league in batting average). His numbers are solid in every category, which makes him a better choice at third over David Wright, a close second.
Shortstop
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins – I chose him over Jose Reyes because Ramirez has hit for a better average (over .300), has scored more runs, and has stolen plenty of bases. He has been a great surprise this season and he deserves to be rewarded.
Outfield
Alfonso Soriano, Nationals – With Pujols on the DL, Soriano is now the leading candidate in the NL MVP race. He is second in home runs to Pujols, and is more than solid in every category. He could easily be a 30/30 lock by the All-Star break and has a good chance to be 40/40.
Jason Bay, Pirates – No longer a secret, Bay homered in seven straight games earlier this season. He’s starting to become very hot, which will only further showcase his superiority in nearly every category.
Andruw Jones, Braves – He leads all NL outfielders in RBI and is again hitting with good power. His average is decent, as are the rest of his numbers, but he is certainly deserving of a starting spot on the NL roster.
