I've, over the years, kind of lost interest in the All-Star game, because, with the fan vote it isn't so much an All-Star team it's become an All-Popular team, filled with too many Red Sox and Yankees. But I find it a fun exercise to pick out the players that I think should be on the All-Star team. When picking, I'm not so interested in the pitchers with the most wins, because wins are not just caused by the pitcher, the offense has some to do with it. And with batters I'm not as worried about RBI because again RBI aren't totally dependent on the player that gets them.
So the All-Star team is 33 members strong this year (too many but we'll use that number too). I know they used 13 pitchers on teams but I think 11 pitchers are plenty for one game. So I'll go with 22 batters and 11 pitchers, and we'll make sure to take at least one from each AL team. First listed at each position would be the starter.
We start after the Jump.
Catchers:
The catchers in the AL are a pretty weak group, but they really need 3. Martinez has split time at catcher and first base but is clearly the second best choice. Napoli just beats out Jorge Posada for the 3rd spot.
First Base:
Branyan just beats out Miguel Cabrera. Youk's numbers are dropping like a stone but he still deserves a spot. Nice to have a Canadian in the starting lineup.
Second Base:
Zobrist has played more games in the outfield than at 2B but listing him at 2B makes more sense. I like Hill's batting average better than Kinsler's so I'm giving him the starting spot.
Shortstop:
Bartlett has clearly been the best of the short stops this year, but Jeter is having his best season in years. We all know Scoot is great.
Third Base:
It isn't homerism that gives Rolen a place on my team, he is terrific.
Left Field:
I put Lind in with the LFers since there wasn't a DH category and he is clearly the best. Damon just beats out Jason Bay.
Center Fielders:
Jones is deserving but in part gets it because I need an Oriole.
Right Fielders:
Choo's numbers were a surprise to me, anyone that gets on at the .406 pace should make the team.
Starting Pitchers:
I needed a Tiger and a White Sox so Edwin Jackson and Mark Buehrle fill needs as well as having great seasons. Doc or Greinke could be picked as starter, but I have three Jay starters already.
Bailey gets a spot because I needed a Oakland A. I picked more starters than relievers because I feel starters are more valuable than relievers and with the few innings relievers throw by the middle of the year it is hard to say which ones are most deserving.
Anyway, for what it is worth, that's the list.