One Man's All-Star Ballot

The All-Star Game is now less than a month away. The Midsummer Classic will be held at San Francisco's AT&T Park on Tuesday, July 10. Once again, the winning league will clinch home-field advantage for its' league representative in the World Series. Why they can't get home-field advantage to the team with the best record instead, I'll never know, but that's another story for another time. Anyway, with the All-Star Game comes the chance to vote for the starters of the All-Star Game. With that in mind, here's who I feel would be the best representatives for the All-Star Game.

(Note: Stats are of Sunday, June 10th)

American League

First Base: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox:

With no designated hitter this, Ortiz is only eligible at the first base position, despite the fact he's only played two games there all year. Nevertheless, Ortiz is once again putting together a monster season, hitting .333, with a .444 On-Base Percentage (OBP), and a .599 Slugging Percentage (SLG). Ortiz is also second in the A.L. in doubles with 24, and is third in walks with 43. Yes, he's hasn't actually played much first base, but Ortiz has produced at a high-enough level to deserve the start for the American League. Interestingly enough, the Red Sox might send two first basemen to the All-Star Game, as Kevin Youkilis, the actual starter at first base, has also had a great season thus far.

Second Base: B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Devil Rays:

The Devil Rays may finally have an All-Star Game starter in Upton, the number one overall pick in the 2002 draft. Upton has put together a great season so far, hitting .320, with a .396 OBP and a .545 SLG. Upton could be baseball's next 30/30 man, as he has nine home runs and thirteen stolen bases thus far. Upton needs to improve his defense, but his bat is enough to get my vote.

Shortstop: Orlando Cabrera, Los Angels Angels of Anaheim: