Double G Sports American League All-Star Picks

The staff at Double G Sports was polled in order to come up with our MLB All-Star picks. Each member was asked to choose their starter at each position, including the starting pitcher.

In our American League votes, three players appeared on every single ballot;  New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista, and Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson.

Here are your Double G Sports 2011 American League All-Star Picks (stats as of June23, 2011):

Catcher

Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers:  (.300, 9 HR, 41 RBI)

The catching position is thin in the American League, partly due to injuries to players like Joe Mauer and slow starts by Carlos Santana and Matt Weiters. Avila has handled the Tigers talented pitching staff very well and been somewhat surprisingly productive with the bat. His 41 RBI’s is easily the most amongst AL catchers and he is right behind the leaders with nine homers.  Others receiving votes:  Russell Martin, Victor Martinez, Matt Weiters.

First Base

Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox:  (.359, 15 HR, 69 RBI)

After a slow start, Gonzalez has turned out to be everything the Red Sox thought. He is an absolute threat both offensively and defensively. Gonzalez is an RBI machine, leading all of baseball with 69 runs batted in. He also leads the majors in batting average. Gonzalez’s numbers should continue to go up to impressive heights the more comfortable he gets at Fenway Park.  Others receiving votes:  Miguel Cabrera.

Second Base

Cano has earned the starting 2nd Base role for the AL

Robinson Cano, New York Yankees: 

(.299, 14 HR, 48 RBI)

Robinson Cano continues to be one of the best at his position, not only in the American League but in all of baseball. Cano has batted fifth in a start studded Yankees lineup most of the year, while sometimes hitting cleanup when Alex Rodriguez is out. Cano has been solid defensively and offensively. After a slow start, Cano has picked up his game and is on his way to the levels many expect. His 14 homers are five more than any other AL second baseman.  Others receiving votes:  Howie Kendrick.

Third Base

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees:  (.296, 13 HR, 45 RBI)

A-Rod has been some what quiet this season, but still producing. He has dealt with some injuries and soreness lately but continues to stay in the lineup. He has gone through some slumps but his .296 average shows he is still having success. Expect his numbers to continue on the upward path as he hits in the middle of the Yankees lineup. Third base is a thin position in the AL.  Others receiving votes:  None.

Shortstop

Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians:  (.296, 12 HR, 43 RBI)

There are a few shortstops that can be in the discussion for the start here, Jhonny Peralta, Elvis Andrus, and Yunel Escobar. Cabrera however had a red hot start to the season which is a big reason for his gawdy numbers for a SS. The Indians as a team were red hot early on and have been the surprise of baseball so far. Despite the teams dip of late, Cabrera continues to produce.  Others receiving votes:  Jhonny Peralta, Derek Jeter.

Outfield

Narrowing down a starting outfield is usually a tough assignment. This year however, the American League starters were pretty obvious from the start. Jose Bautista and Curtis Granderson were locks, so it came down to the final starting spot.

Jose Bautista will bring his tremendous power to the All-Star game.

Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays: 

(.325, 22 HR, 47 RBI)

The league leader in home runs was a shoe in for a starting spot in the AL outfield. Bautista is a threat to go deep every time he steps in the batters box. Not only is he a starter, but you can most likely expect him to appear in the Home Run Derby. He sports a slugging percentage of .654. The impressive part is his ability to hit for a high average while maintaining his power.

Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees: (.278, 21 HR, 54 RBI)

The Grandy man has seen an offensive explosion this season. He seems to pound anything thrown in the strike zone. His 21 homers trails only Bautista. Who knows where the Yankees would be without Granderson right now. He has been a constant force all season. He has 11 doubles and six triples to go along with his home run numbers. The six triples ties him for the AL lead. To add to his case, Granderson has improved greatly against left handed pitchers.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox: (.310, 8 HR, 38 RBI)

There were a few players in consideration for the third outfielder role, but Ellsbury took it for us. He has been a spark in the Boston lineup regardless of where he bats. Ellsbury has stolen 24 bases this season. While he is yet to get a triple, the outfielder already has 22 doubles. When Ellsbury goes, Boston goes. That’s why he gets the starting nod.

Others receiving votes: Ichiro Suzuki, Matt Joyce

Designated Hitter

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox: (.313, 17 HR, 48 RBI)

So much for Ortiz losing a bit. The designated hitter is back to hid old form, power, power, and more power. Ortiz is providing the pop Boston fans are accustomed to from him in the middle of the order. Big Papi is once again the big power threat every time he enters the batters box. Honorable Mention: Victor Martinez, Vladimir Guerrero

Starting Pitcher

Verlander should be the American League starting pitcher in the All-Star game.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers:

(9-3, 2.54 ERA)

Sure, C.J. Wilson, Josh Beckett, Jered Weaver, James Shields, and Dan Haren deserve some consideration for the starting spot on the American League mound, but is Verlander who gets the nod from us. This guy has been absolutely dominant, holdong opponents to a .232 batting average against, while striking out an AL leading 110 batters. Verlander has pitched a league leading 120.2 innings, including four complete games and two shutouts. He has given up just 77 hits so far this season. Every time on the mound, Verlander grabs your attention.

Others receiving votes: Josh Beckett, Jered Weaver

To see our National League All-Star picks, click here.