As the mid-summer classic draws closer and the polls have closed for fans to cast their ballots, it’s time to look at the best players from the first half of the season. In this fantasy lineup, I chose players from both leagues to create my super team.First Baseman- A bona fide Triple Crown threat, as well as a steadying force for the injury riddled Chicago Cubs, Derrek Lee gets the nod at first base for this All-MLB all star team. Lee, who is batting .378 with 76 RBIs and 27 home runs, has single-handedly kept his team within six games of the wild card race while pitchers Mark Prior and Kerry Wood spent extended periods of time on the DL.
Second Baseman- It’s hard to ignore the numbers Alfonso Soriano is putting up this year in Arlington, but my vote goes to Baltimore Oriole Brian Roberts. This South Carolina stud is having a first half of epic proportions as he leads the American League with his .345 batting average that complements his 15 long balls and 49 runs batted in. When you pair this with his quick feet, 18 stolen bases, and heralded defensive play, you have an All-Star caliber player.
Shortstop- For me, shortstop is the easiest position to pick on the whole squad. Miguel Tejada has emerged from being an afterthought in the Alex Rodriguez-Nomar Garciaparra-Derek Jeter “Holy Trinity,” to being the best shortstop in baseball. Batting .329 with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs his play over the last two seasons has done the unthinkable — make Peter Angelos look half good.
Third Base- The man the called A-Rod is my unequivocal choice for All-MLB third baseman at the break. His 23 home runs, .317 batting average and 72 RBIs make him far and away the best offensive third baseman playing the game right now… not to mention the passion that he brings to Yankee Stadium night in and night out. Without Alex Rodriguez, I could easily see the Yankees as bottom dwellers in the AL East.
Catcher- The unquestioned leader and captain of the self proclaimed “Idiots,” Jason Varitek is my choice at the catcher position. His bat has produced 13 home runs, 36 RBIs, and a batting average of .301, and has been a huge help for his surging Sox team. However, Varitek’s magic can be seen behind the plate. Take Matt Clement for example. Here’s a guy who had a grand total of 9 wins last year with the Cubs, has already matched that total and is on pace for fewer walks and homeruns allowed. I don’t want to take away from Clement’s fantastic stuff this season, but you’ve got to give some credit to a catcher who really knows how to handle his pitchers.
Designated Hitter- “I love it when you call me Big Poppa”. The nickname is “Papi,” not Poppa, but David Ortiz sure is the “Notorious BIG” in the batter’s box. Hitting .314 with 24 doubles, 21 home runs, and 75 RBIs, Ortiz is absolutely raking. His pairing with fellow All-MLB all-star Manny Ramirez is the big reason why the Red Sox lead the American League East pennant race.
Outfield- Nicknamed “El Caballo”, which means horse in Spanish, Carlos Lee has the Brew Crew riding him hard. With 22 home runs and 76 RBIs, this Brewer could have Cheeseheads uttering the phrase “Playoff run?” in the near future.
Manny Ramirez got out of his offensive slump like gangbusters and solidified his spot on my All-MLB All-Star team. His 80 RBIs are leading the major leagues, and his 22 home runs are only 5 behind league leaders Andruw Jones and Derrek Lee. Besides, it would be a real travesty not to bring Manny along to accompany his partner in crime, David Ortiz.
Andruw Jones rounds out this star-studded outfield. We know him for his breathtaking glove work in centerfield. He won his seventh straight Gold Glove last season and has been picking it up at the plate and his 27 home runs lead the major leagues. If Atlanta’s pitching staff can get healthy, I would not want to run into Andruw Jones come playoff time.
Starting Pitcher- “He’s too old.” “He’s going to get injured.” “He doesn’t have the arm he used to.” Pedro Martinez was under the microscope when he made his way to New York to play under the lights of Shea Stadium. However, he proved his critics wrong. With 10 wins, 138 strikeouts and the second lowest total hits (85) allowed by a pitcher with 100+ innings pitched, Pedro has finally given Mets fans something to cheer about.
Reliever- Chad Cordero has been untouchable this season for the Washington Nationals. Cordero completed a perfect and amazing month of June in which he had an ERA of 0.00, walked only one batter unintentionally and tied the major league record for saves in one month with 15. Overall, Cordero has a 1.13 ERA with 31 saves and is on pace for 57 saves, which would tie the major league record set by Bobby Thigpen.
One reply on “The REAL All-Stars”
great job Just two mistakes in the final sentence:
“Overall, Cordero has a 1.13 ERA with 31 saves and is on pace for 62 saves which would break the major league record set by Bobby Thigpen.”
You need a comma before “which”.
Also, Cordero is on pace for 57.0618 saves. Washington has played 88 games. You cannot just double the stats at the All Star Break to determine the pace. That would only tie the record.
Please make those changes.