Ross Parcel
June 22, 2012
Mr. Fantasy Freak
AL Team's "Best Bet" for the All Star Game
American League East
Boston:
David Ortiz, DH: Ortiz has been the most productive designated hitter this season. It's funny how a few years ago everyone in Boston was calling for his neck. But Boston's big bopper has aged well and continued to put up great stats. His 18 home runs are tied for 8th in the Majors. And his .313 average ranks 6th in the AL. American League manager Ron Washington is going to want as many big bats as he can get in his lineup, and I wouldn't be shocked if Ortiz is in the starting lineup in Kansas City.
Baltimore:
Adam Jones, OF: I have become a huge fan of the young star centerfielder over the last few years. Do you think Seattle would like a mulligan on the Erik Bedard trade? Jones is the real deal an is only going to get better. His .302 average is consistent with his abilities, and his 18 home runs is second among AL centerfielders (Curtis Granderson, 21). Jones also is an elite defender with a cannon for an arm. He should get used to these All Star Games.
June 22, 2012
Mr. Fantasy Freak
AL Team's "Best Bet" for the All Star Game
American League East
Boston:
David Ortiz, DH: Ortiz has been the most productive designated hitter this season. It's funny how a few years ago everyone in Boston was calling for his neck. But Boston's big bopper has aged well and continued to put up great stats. His 18 home runs are tied for 8th in the Majors. And his .313 average ranks 6th in the AL. American League manager Ron Washington is going to want as many big bats as he can get in his lineup, and I wouldn't be shocked if Ortiz is in the starting lineup in Kansas City.
Baltimore:
Adam Jones, OF: I have become a huge fan of the young star centerfielder over the last few years. Do you think Seattle would like a mulligan on the Erik Bedard trade? Jones is the real deal an is only going to get better. His .302 average is consistent with his abilities, and his 18 home runs is second among AL centerfielders (Curtis Granderson, 21). Jones also is an elite defender with a cannon for an arm. He should get used to these All Star Games.
New York: Derek Jeter, SS: There are a lot of deserving players on this roster, but as much as I would have rather picked CC Sabathia, there are ton of good pitchers this year for the AL. So i landed on Jeter. His 90 hits are the most by any shortstop in baseball. Anyone that thinks Derek Jeter is a power hitter is ignorant, so his 7 home runs didn't come into factor. His range is still above average and he is still a "son" to all Yankees fans. Maybe next year, A-Rod? Toronto: Jose Bautista, OF: I like Edwin Encarnacion here more, but with other designated hitters like Billy Butler (the All Star Game is in Kansas City), I just don't see him fitting in. Bautista is still a huge power threat, and is recovering well from a power outage to open the season. His arm will also play nice in Kaufman Stadium. He already has 22 home runs, and I just can't think of a more deserving Blue Jay. |  Joey Bats is on pace for 52 Home Runs this year |
Tampa Bay:
Fernano Rodney, RP: All of these talented lefties made my mouth water, but in the end, I have to go with the hard-throwing righty Fernando Rodney. He is so lights out with his sparkling 1.10 ERA, and is pitch efficient as well (5 BB in 32.2 IP). Ron Wshington will have no problem finding electric stuff in the back of the bullpen with this year's crop.
American League Central
Cleveland:
Jason Kipnis, 2B: Kipnis is the only player keeping Chris Perez off this list. He'll be there too, though. Quietly Kipnis has put up some amazing stats. His 11 home runs and 41 RBI's are good, but his 17 stolen bases are what sets him apart. He is argueably the most deserving second bagger in the game. But in a small market, I don't expect him to start. He'll get considerable playing time, however.
Kansas City:
Mike Moustakas, 3B: What a difference a year makes! Moustakas only hit 5 home runs last year, and ended up with 30 RBI's. This year he has already surpassed both amounts. Going into Friday, Moose has 10 home runs and 33 RBI's, and his defense is excellent. Could this be the first year in a long time that more than one Royal makes the All Star Game? It's in KC, folks. It wouldn't surprise me.
Fernano Rodney, RP: All of these talented lefties made my mouth water, but in the end, I have to go with the hard-throwing righty Fernando Rodney. He is so lights out with his sparkling 1.10 ERA, and is pitch efficient as well (5 BB in 32.2 IP). Ron Wshington will have no problem finding electric stuff in the back of the bullpen with this year's crop.
American League Central
Cleveland:
Jason Kipnis, 2B: Kipnis is the only player keeping Chris Perez off this list. He'll be there too, though. Quietly Kipnis has put up some amazing stats. His 11 home runs and 41 RBI's are good, but his 17 stolen bases are what sets him apart. He is argueably the most deserving second bagger in the game. But in a small market, I don't expect him to start. He'll get considerable playing time, however.
Kansas City:
Mike Moustakas, 3B: What a difference a year makes! Moustakas only hit 5 home runs last year, and ended up with 30 RBI's. This year he has already surpassed both amounts. Going into Friday, Moose has 10 home runs and 33 RBI's, and his defense is excellent. Could this be the first year in a long time that more than one Royal makes the All Star Game? It's in KC, folks. It wouldn't surprise me.
Chicago: Paul Konerko, 1B: Sorry Southsiders, I just don't see Chris Sale getting the nod. He might make the club, but won't start the game. Konerko has been one of the most consistent hitters in the game for years. His .354 average backs me up. Konerko is another aging star finding the fountain of youth. Detroit: Miguel Cabrera, 3B: Even though Justin Verlander and Austin Jackson have put up solid compaigns, I have to go with the big guy here. His 55 RBI's are 2nd in the game to Josh Hamilton. I think Cabrera will get the nod to start. Especially if he keeps hitting for extra bases. He is one of the msot potent bats of his time. |  Konerko's .354 batting average leads the American League |
Minnesota:
Josh Willingham, OF: If not for Josh Hamilton, the OTHER Josh might be the starter in left. The power has been about right, with 14 home runs and 19 doubles. His 46 RBI's lead the club as well. What a pick up for the Twins. I like his .279 average as well. Known for an all or nothing hitter for most of his career, Willingham is really starting to be a well-rounded player.
American League West
Anaheim:
Mark Trumbo, 3B: I know I'm loading up on third baseman here, but there are many talented ones in the AL. I also know I'll catch slack for not having Mike Trout here. Let him grow up, people. He's only 20. He's going to be in quite a few All Star Games down the road. Trumbo has really put up a solid season so far; his first season at third base. The .324 average is very impressive with how last year went. It looks as if he will continue to hit in the .300's every year, along with all the home runs. I know I'm snbbing Jared Weaver and C.J. Wilson here, but I think they'll get in anyway.
Oakland:
Brandon McCarthy, SP: This guy is so talented, and now that he is finally healthy, he has shown his potential. His 2.54 ERA is solid as an anchor for this pitching staff. The A's have quite a few talented players and I think they're getting closer to contending. Until then, enjoy McCarthy's right arm.
Texas:
Josh Hamilton, OF: This was easier than you might have thought. Hamilton is definitely the best player in the game, and if it weren't for all the injuries, he might be on his way to Cooperstown someday. Josh really took off this season. He already has 22 home runs and 62 RBI's. His average is slowly coming back down to earth at a now-human .331. He is the top vote getter so far, and there is no doubt he'll be the starter come July 10.
Seattle:
Michael Saunders: The Mariners are down this year. There really isn't a player who stands out from all of the rest. I picked Saunders because he seems to be the most well-rounded talent this season. I like his 26 extra base hits and his 10 stolen bases. He is still a young ball player and will only get better. Saunders will be the Mariners representative.
Josh Willingham, OF: If not for Josh Hamilton, the OTHER Josh might be the starter in left. The power has been about right, with 14 home runs and 19 doubles. His 46 RBI's lead the club as well. What a pick up for the Twins. I like his .279 average as well. Known for an all or nothing hitter for most of his career, Willingham is really starting to be a well-rounded player.
American League West
Anaheim:
Mark Trumbo, 3B: I know I'm loading up on third baseman here, but there are many talented ones in the AL. I also know I'll catch slack for not having Mike Trout here. Let him grow up, people. He's only 20. He's going to be in quite a few All Star Games down the road. Trumbo has really put up a solid season so far; his first season at third base. The .324 average is very impressive with how last year went. It looks as if he will continue to hit in the .300's every year, along with all the home runs. I know I'm snbbing Jared Weaver and C.J. Wilson here, but I think they'll get in anyway.
Oakland:
Brandon McCarthy, SP: This guy is so talented, and now that he is finally healthy, he has shown his potential. His 2.54 ERA is solid as an anchor for this pitching staff. The A's have quite a few talented players and I think they're getting closer to contending. Until then, enjoy McCarthy's right arm.
Texas:
Josh Hamilton, OF: This was easier than you might have thought. Hamilton is definitely the best player in the game, and if it weren't for all the injuries, he might be on his way to Cooperstown someday. Josh really took off this season. He already has 22 home runs and 62 RBI's. His average is slowly coming back down to earth at a now-human .331. He is the top vote getter so far, and there is no doubt he'll be the starter come July 10.
Seattle:
Michael Saunders: The Mariners are down this year. There really isn't a player who stands out from all of the rest. I picked Saunders because he seems to be the most well-rounded talent this season. I like his 26 extra base hits and his 10 stolen bases. He is still a young ball player and will only get better. Saunders will be the Mariners representative.
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