The best players in baseball will descend on Kansas City in just a few weeks. Plenty of outrage and arguments are sure to take place regarding who should and should not be playing in the mid-summer classic. Let me end the discussion.
American League
1B - CWS - PAUL KONERKO
Prince Fielder makes a strong case, but with the way Chicago has played, and Konerko's remarkable average, he falls short.
2B - NYY - ROBINSON CANO
We all knew it would be tough for anyone to knock Robbie out of this spot, and probably will be for years. The Yankees threw Cano into the clean-up spot, and despite not being 100% comfortable there, he's settled in and continued to be a great all-around hitter. Jason Kipnis and Ian Kinsler have to understand.
SS - NYY - DEREK JETER
I never thought I would do this again. The 37-year-old has lived up the single digit uniform number expectations in the Bronx, and is putting on one last show. For as much as I love watching Asdrubal Cabrera and Elvis Andrus play, Jeter deserves the nod.
3B - DET - MIGUEL CABRERA
He still one of the best players in the game, and he has the RBI to prove it. Mark Trumbo has been fantastic, especially during Pujols' slump, but bounces all over the field. Beltre, Lawrie and A-Rod are have good season, but on par with the top two.
C - MIN - JOE MAUER
I know A.J. Pierzynski has some better power numbers, but he comes in second. Mauer is stuck in one of the worst line-ups in the A.L., and yet is still able to score as many runs and drive in only slightly less.
DH - BOS - DAVID ORTIZ
Yes, Adam Dunn is crushing baseballs in Chicago, but I can't put a guy hitting .230 in the starting line-up. Papi just has better numbers than everyone else.
OF - TEX - JOSH HAMILTON
Is an explanation needed?
OF - BAL - ADAM JONES
How long have we been waiting for this Adam Jones to show up? He got his money. He's keeping his average above .300 and the Orioles winning percentage above .500.
OF - NYY - CURTIS GRANDERSON
Even though that average makes me hesitate, his power numbers and run scored put him above Nelson Cruz.
