Picking the MLB All-Star Starters

With the July 4th holiday on us it is time to pick the starters for the upcoming MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix. Unfortunately it will still determine home field advantage for the World Series. Alas, to the participants:

National League

Catcher
This choice is as easy as any on our slate as Brian McCann (.311/14/47/3.1 WAR) leads all NL catchers in the three triple crown categories.

First Base
As usual multiple solid candidates exist at first base this season. I'll take Prince Fielder (.298/21/69/3.6 WAR) over Joey Votto (.315/11/50/3.5 WAR), Gaby Sanchez (.293/13/45/2.5 WAR) and the injured Albert Pujols (.279/17/45/2.4 WAR).

Second Base
Second Base in the NL is a three way race between Brandon Phillips (.300/8/45/3.0 WAR), the Nationals' Danny Espinosa (.235/15/48/2.9 WAR), and my pick Rickie Weeks (.280/14/33/3.4 WAR). Weeks's combination of power and average benefit him in this race.

Shortstop
It is a weak year at shortstop in the National League this season and so the pick is an easy one with Jose Reyes (.352/3/32/5.3 WAR/30 SBs) getting the nod over Troy Tulowitzki (.271/16/55/3.4 WAR). Reyes is having one of the better seasons in recent memory from a shortstop with little power.

Third Base
It has been rough year for third basemen in the National League as well. There is no obvious or flawless candidate and so my pick falls to Aramis Ramirez (.295/11/42/1.7 WAR) mostly because of his consistency and RBI total.

Outfield
Picking the outfield is a tough assignment as there are as many as eight that should receive serious consideration. Matt Kemp (.330/22/64/4.5 WAR/22 SBs) is an easy choice and I will also take Ryan Braun (.321/16/61/4.0 WAR/19 SBs) and Andrew McCutcheon (.280/11/41/4.1 WAR/15 SBs). Shane Victorino (.296/9/33/4.1 WAR) and Lance Berkman (.296/20/58/2.5 WAR) are the two next strongest candidates.

Pitcher
The choice for starting pitcher is a two-horse race that is full of conflicting statistical information. I give the nod to the fresh-faced Jair Jurrjens (11-3/1.89/2.2 WAR), who leads the league in wins and ERA, over grizzled veteran and WAR-leader Roy Halladay (10-3/2.40/4.5 WAR).

American League


Catcher
The choice behind the plate in the American League is as easy as the one in the senior circuit. Alabama-product Alex Avila (.299/10/46/2.6 WAR) is having a breakout year in Detroit and should be the choice to head to Arizona.

First Base
The offensive numbers are strong at first base across the board in the American League this season. Mark Teixeira (.244/25/65/2.8 WAR) is hurt by his low average and home ballpark. Phoenix-native Paul Konerko (.318/21/62/2.3 WAR) is having a career year and was close to securing my pick but ultimately it was impossible to go against the total value of Adrian Gonzalez (.349/16/73/4.3 WAR). In his first year with the Red Sox he is putting up staggering numbers. Miguel Cabrera (.331/17/56/3.6 WAR) also deserves serious consideration.

Second Base

Both Howie Kendrick (.307/8/26/3.7 WAR) and Ben Zobrist (.263/9/40/4.0 WAR) are viable candidates in this spot but thanks the his RBI total I will give my vote to Robinson Cano (.292/14/52/2.4 WAR).

Shortstop
The American League boasts a fairly deep and even field at shortstop this season. To me Asdrubal Cabrera (.295/14/49/3.2 WAR) gets the nod mostly thanks to his defense, be that right or wrong. Jhonny Peralta (.312/13/47/3.1 WAR), Alexei Ramirez (.281/8/38/3.0 WAR), and Elvis Andrus (.282/3/30/2.5 WAR/24 SBs) all could be in Phoenix as reserves.

Third Base

Alex Rodriguez (.301/13/52/4.0 WAR) has no real competition this year and should be the starter at the hot corner.

Outfield
The American League outfield is a much smaller race than its National League counterpart with three clear-cut candidates. Jose Bautista (.330/25/54/5.5 WAR) is the easiest choice followed closely by Curtis Granderson (.275/21/56/4.3 WAR/14 SBs) and Jacoby Ellsbury (.300/9/40/3.5 WAR/25 SBs).

Designated Hitter
The only choice at the DH spot for this season is David Ortiz (.304/17/48/2.4 WAR).

Pitcher
Jered Weaver (9-4/1.97/4.0 WAR), CC Sabathia (11-4/3.05/3.9 WAR), and Justin Verlander (11-3/2.32/3.6 WAR) all are having great seasons so far but Verlander's dominant streak throughout June sets him apart from the others to earn the start on the mound.

The 2011 MLB All-Star Game will be July 12th at Chase Field in Phoenix.