MLB released an update Monday afternoon of the AL balloting for the All-Star Game (polling closes Thursday).
These choices are no-brainers: Robinson Cano (2B, NYY), Vladimir Guerrero (DH, TEX), Josh Hamilton (OF, TEX) and Derek Jeter (SS, NYY).
But there is some controversy at the other positions:
1B Justin Morneau, MIN (.346/15 HR/49 RBI)
Morneau is a fine choice, though Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (.332/20/64) is leading two triple-crown categories and should at least be second instead of Yankee Mark Teixeira (.229/13/48).
3B Evan Longoria, TB (.297/12/52)
Where are you Red Sox fans? Adrian Beltre should be here with a robust .340/12/52.
C Joe Mauer, MIN (.304/3/33)
You make this pick all-day every day despite Mauer’s lighter power. Boston’s Victor Martinez, though, should be getting more love with .289/9/38 and more games behind the dish than at first.
OF Ichiro Suzuki, SEA (.333/3/22); OF Carl Crawford, TB (.306/7/38)
Clearly Suzuki (21 SB/.391 OBP) and Crawford (26 SB/.372 OBP) are here for their speed. Can’t argue with the picks, but Toronto’s Vernon Wells (.285/19/47) and Texas’ Nelson Cruz (.323/10/39) should be pulling down more votes.
