ALL-STAR(POWER) VOTING

As you know, voting for the 2009 All-Star game is already under way. Like last year, the Brewers fans have come out in full force. I’m not going to simply whine about the method of selecting players, even though it is extremely faulty. I just want to share my opinion on the players I deem deserving. While Albert Pujols is playing in the NL, no other 1st basemen really stands a chance. He is the best player in baseball hands down. However, fans are showing no love for the 2nd best 1st basemen in the NL, Adrian Gonzalez. Joey Votto is an extremely talented player and should garner some votes, as should James Loney for his clutch hitting and outstanding defense. Prince Fielder is great, as is Ryan Howard, but no 1st basemen is close to the level of Albert Pujols. Chase Utley is the perennial favorite at 2nd, but I think that Orlando Hudson deserves to start, as he plays as good defense as Utley and hits for a higher average. ODogg doesn’t hit for much power but he is extremely clutch and a professional hitter. Hanley Ramirez is the obvious choice at SS, although Miguel Tejada has been playing out of his mind all year. At 3rd Base, David Wright is great, although his power numbers haven’t come around yet. Ryan Zimmerman is definitely underrated, as is Casey Blake. Blake is batting 305 with 9 homers and 34 RBI’s, great numbers, FROM THE 8TH SPOT IN THE LINEUP, while playing solid defense. I am truly sick of seeing Alfonso Soriano in the outfield at the All-Star game. Not to knock him as a player, but he is far too inconsistent and has horrible plate discipline and is a sub-par defensive player with a strong arm. Beltran, Braun, Pence, Kemp, Pierre, Dunn, Ibanez are all more deserving than he is. Catcher is somewhat of a toss-up. McCann is the cream of the crop. Martin has been average, Yadier should get consideration for defense and being on the host Cardinals, Molina is underrated, Carlos Ruiz is underrated, Jason Kendall is overrated. Santana should start the game, with Billingsley, Haren, Lincecum, Gallardo, Wandy, Josh Johnson, Peavy, Cain, Lowe, and Wolf all deserving of a spot as well. Bullpen should consist of KRod, Broxton, Bell, Troncoso, Franklin. I’m sure I have left out plenty of deserving players, but that is just my two cents.