After two months of the season, there are already some clear and obvious choices for the 2012 All-Star Game. But there are also some not so obvious names, as well as intriguing names among as possible first-time All-Stars, too.
The fans will vote the starters in; managers will pick their favorites. So while the best players in baseball are supposed to be representing both leagues, due to the process, however, the best players often times don’t start or even make the team.
So free from any variables like that, here are my first-guess picks for the American League All-Star team. This includes the starting lineup, the bench and the pitching staff. To view my first-guess picks for the National League roster, click here. Tomorrow we will follow up with the 10 most intriguing possible All-Stars from my rosters.
Don’t agree? Leave a comment and tell me who you think should be on the 2012 All-Star Teams.
AL starting lineup
First base: Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox
This will be his sixth All-Star appearance and third consecutive nod. Despite missing games after getting hit in the face by a Jeff Samardzija fastball, Konerko leads all AL first basemen in OPS, and his clutch hitting has been instrumental in the White Sox’s first place start.
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I think both the Mets and Mariners should consider trading for Andre Ethier of the Dodgers who have Yasiel Puig & Joc Pederson tearing up AA
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