I figured with the all-star game coming up we could go over a run down of each position and who might be deserving of the all-star selection. We will break down 1st, 2nd, 3rd, SS, OF and Catcher as those are the positions that are voted on by the fans. Today we look at 3B.
Just like last time, let us first take a look at the current voting totals. Again these numbers are current as of the latest article released by MLB.com on June 28th 2010.
| 3rd Base | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RANK | PLAYER NAME | AL TEAM | TOTAL VOTES |
| 1. | Evan Longoria | Rays | 3,118,600 |
| 2. | Alex Rodriguez | Yankees | 1,921,325 |
| 3. | Michael Young | Rangers | 1,230,264 |
| 4. | Adrian Beltre | Red Sox | 805,300 |
| 5. | Brandon Inge | Tigers | 673,273 |
Now let's take a closer look at each of these players starting at the bottom and working our way back up to number one. All Stats are before games on the 29th of June took place
5. Brandon Inge. Trying to build off his all-star season last year, Inge has dropped a bit off the map today. He is striking out a ton already racking up 63Ks in 73games and only walking just under less then half of that. His power isn't the same as it was last year and with his middle of the road average he has only driven in 29 RBI. Currently bringing up the read in the 3B leaderboards and it doesn't look like he has a chance to move up or be selected.
4. Adrian Beltre. Free agent aquisition of the Red Sox in the off season and he has performed well enough. He is hitting for a great average with good power. The only knock against him is he isn't walking much but when you are hitting at a 340 clip that can be forgiven. All around a decent season but should it be considered an all-star season?
3. MIchael Young, The former Blue Jay prospect that has manned shortstop for many years shifted over to third base to accommodate Elvis Andrus rise to the majors. At third Young is putting together a solid season and it is very hard to argue his inclusion in the leaderboards at this position. What really hurts him is that there are two real superstars ahead of him. Should Young be getting more votes? Or is he right where you would expect?
2. Alex Rodriguez, The 12 time all-star is looking to get back into the all-star since missing it last year due to injury that kept him out of the running in the first half. He still finished strongly but the time off really held him back. This year while he did miss a couple games with injury he has still played mostly all games. The problem this year is his slow start. Across the board his numbers are not any better then Beltre or Young, and on that basis alone its hard to get behind Rodriguez as a candidate. You have to think he is as high as he is because of his Yankee status.
1. Evan Longoria. The two time all-star is well out and ahead in the voting and is just about a sure of a lock as anyone going at this point. He is hitting well, walking at a decent clip and hitting for power. Throw in good fielding and you have a heck of an all-around player. However my question would be does he deserve to be this far out in first place? Or do any of the other players deserve to be closer.
To me, Longoria, Young and Beltre are the favorites here. As much as A-Rod is a star he is having a sub-par season and the other three and simply performing better then him at this point. I think its a tough one to argue and Longoria could very easily be the person to go to the all-star game as the starter and no one would blink an eye. But I think in reality it should be closer then the voting makes it appear to be.
What do you think? Sound off below!
Today's Title is from Hot Fuzz.