By: Mike Wagenman
After three months of baseball and players making names for themselves, the American League and National League All-Star squads have finally been set. Just as is the case before every Mid-Summer Classic, there are certain players who were snubbed of an All-Star selection. But for 10 of those snubs, a new opportunity has arisen. The All-Star Final Vote Ballot presented by Sprint gives fans and fans alone the chance to name the final member of both the American and National League teams. Five worthy finalists from each league have been named, and now it is time for us, the fans, to again make ourselves heard. The Final Vote is one of the hardest choices to make as far as the All-Star teams are concerned because all of the Final Vote participants are so statistically similar. Here is a thorough breakdown of all 10 Final Vote players, so you the fans have an easier time voting.
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Alex Gordon, LF Kansas City Royals: .298 AVG | 10 HR | 46 RBI | .367 OBP
It's about time Gordon has been considered for a spot on the All-Star team. The one time Baseball America Top Prospect has had a rough start to his career, hitting only .256 in his first four years. However, the third basemen turned outfielder has finally come into his own and has played as many had expected him to when he first donned a Royals uniform back in 2007. As a near .300 hitter this year, Gordon has shown the ability to hit for average, and glimpses of a power stroke. His 98 hits are good for 7th in the AL, and his 24 doubles tie him for 3rd. He has also legged out four triples, just three behind league leader Curtis Granderson (7).
Adam Jones: CF Baltimore Orioles: .283 AVG | 13 HR | 46 RBI | .325 OBP
After a bit of a down year in 2010, the 2009 AL All-Star is back to his strong hitting ways in 2011. However, with every major statistic lower than or equal to Alex Gordon's (aside from three more home runs and just one more stolen base), Jones may have a tough time earning enough votes to make the AL team. He is a great defensive outfielder with speed, and that may provide a bit of incentive for voters who are fans of World Series contending teams, looking for the right mix of players to earn home field advantage in the World Series.
Paul Konerko: 1B Chicago White Sox: .319 AVG | 21 HR | 62 RBI | .390 OBP
Konerko is possibly the biggest All-Star snub in the majors this season. With nearly a .320 batting average, over 20 home runs, and over 60 runs batted in before the break, Konerko seemed like a sure lock to make the squad. However, fans overlooked the always consistent Chicago first baseman. He ranks 8th in the AL in hits (97), and 4th in home runs, RBI, batting average, and slugging percentage. That impressive resume looks not only All-Star worthy, but maybe MVP race worthy if the White Sox can hang around in the AL Central race.
Victor Martinez: DH Detroit Tigers: .328 AVG | 6 HR | 46 RBI | .375 OBP
Martinez has settled in nicely in his new home of Detroit. He has only struck out 27 times this year, and his .328 batting average ranks third in the AL, one point behind second place. The versatile Martinez DH as well as play 1B and C. Although the power numbers are not there, Martinez works counts and does the little things that do not show up in the box score.
Ben Zobrist: 2B Tampa Bay Rays: .256 AVG | 9 HR | 40 RBI | .342 OBP
Another versatile player, Ben Zobrist who can play all over the diamond, finds himself on the final ballot again. However, with his stats being, for the most part, the lowest of the five finalists, Zobrist does not seem to have much of a chance of earning the final spot. One thing that Zobrist has going for him, besides his versatility, is his 27 doubles, one behind the American League leader, Adrian Gonzalez.
WINNER: Paul Konerko – With Konerko leading nearly every major stat category, he is the clear favorite to earn a well deserved final spot on the AL All-Star team.
2nd – Alex Gordon
3rd – Victor Martinez
4th – Adam Jones
5th – Ben Zobrist
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Andre Ethier: RF Los Angeles Dodgers: .317 AVG | 7 HR | 41 RBI | .385 OBP
Ethier sported a 30-game hitting streak earlier this season, and has always been a great hitter for average. His 23 doubles rank just one behind NL leaders Carlos Beltran, Chris Young, and Hunter Pence (tied with 24). Furthermore, his 99 hits leave him at 5th in the National League. With a solid stat line, and a plus defensive glove in the outfield, Ethier could see some love from the voters.
Todd Helton: 1B Colorado Rockies: .319 AVG | 9 HR | 39 RBI | .392 OBP
The ageless wonder and always consistent Todd Helton makes another run at the All-Star team. The 5-time All-Star is putting up stellar numbers yet again in 2011, including the National League's 6th highest batting average, and 8th best on base percentage. He may not have the gaudy power numbers of other All- Stars, but Helton's stat line speaks for itself.
Ian Kennedy: RHP Arizona Diamondbacks: 8-3 | 3.38 ERA | 103 K | 1.14 WHIP
Kennedy is a bit of a curveball on the NL Ballot (gotta love baseball puns) as the only pitcher. His 122.1 innings pitched ranks 5th in the NL, and he has only given up 107 hits. He has a complete game shutout this season, and has the 12th best WHIP in the NL. A once highly considered pitching prospect for the Yankees, many thought this success would come sooner. Nevertheless, Kennedy is a strong candidate for an extra arm in the NL 'pen.
Michael Morse: 1B Washington Nationals: .299 AVG | 15 HR | 46 RBI | .349 OBP
Morse is one of the big boppers in the middle of a surprisingly successful Nationals lineup. He can hit the ball a long way, recording a few blasts that landed over 450 feet away. His stats are very good, but may not be flashy enough to earn more votes than his other competitors. However, if NL fans want a power bat off the bench to pinch hit in a key spot, look no further than Michael Morse.
Shane Victorino: CF Philadelphia Phillies: .303 AVG | 9 HR | 34 RBI | .376 OBP
The Phlyin' Hawaiian is at it again in the City of Brotherly Love. Victorino is familiar with the Final Vote Ballot, as he won in back in 2009 and became an All-Star. Like the other NL participants, Victorino does not boast gaudy numbers, just very consistent and very productive numbers like always. He has 13 stolen bases so far this year, and his 9 triples rank 2nd in the NL, behind Superman Jose Reyes.
WINNER: Todd Helton – Although it would be nice to pick Ian Kennedy, his numbers just do not rank high enough among the league leaders, and although an 8-3 record looks good, wins and loss stats for pitchers have become less important. And although Phillies fans usually make their voices heard louder than anyone in these votes (hoping to send Victorino), Helton deserves one last shot at being an All-Star. He is defying age and hitting .319, keeping the Rockies lineup stable. His numbers are good enough, and just a tad better than his competitors.
2nd – Andre Ethier
3rd – Ian Kennedy
4th – Michael Morse
5th – Shane Victorino
REMINDER: VOTE ON MLB.COM OR ON ANY MLB TEAM SITE! VOTING ENDS 3 PM THURSDAY!
My winners, Todd Helton (left) and Paul Konerko back in their Minor League Days
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