And, the AL All-Stars Are ... (2nd Edition)

Here is the second edition of my condemnation of All-Star voters (for the first AL click here). It's in a different format, but I think this is more efficient. Enjoy!

First Base
Actual: Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
Should Be: Kevin Youkilis. Sorry, I can't argue too much with this pick. He's 1st in 2B and R, 2nd in BA and SLG and RBI, and 3rd in OBP among AL first basemen. Justin Morneau has been impressive as well, but he only beats Youk in HR and RBI.

Second Base
Actual: Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
Should Be: Ian Kinsler (TEX). This is not even close. Kinsler is 1st in BA, SLG, HR, RBI, H and R, and 2nd in OBP, SB (0 CS), 2B and 3B among AL second sackers. Pedroia is 2nd in R and 3rd in RBI, which is impressive but not to the extent of Kinsler's 1st's. Actually, Brian Roberts is the second-best choice.

Third Base
Actual: Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
Should Be: Joe Crede (CHW) for now. A-Rod really isn't a terrible choice, and after the next month, he may be the best choice. The thing is Crede is having a revival of sorts and has done a nice job. His .295/.364/.565 line with his 14 HR and 41 RBI scream for votes. His HR and RBI totals went down in April but are rebounding now, and his BA and OBP were better in May.

Shortstop
Actual: Derek Jeter (NYY)
Should Be: Michael Young (TEX). He's winning in RBI, BA, OBP, SLG, and R and is 2nd in 2B and HR among AL shortstops. Jeter, again, isn't terrible, but his BA, OBP, and SLG aren't to where Young's are.

Catcher
Actual: Jason Varitek (BOS)
Should Be: Joe Mauer (MIN). The power numbers aren't there that you would want (2 HR), but everything else is there. Varitek, even with his "leadership", can't get past his stats.

Designated Hitter
Actual: David Ortiz (BOS)
Should Be: David Ortiz barely. He and Matsui are close and yet polar opposites. Ortiz has the power and run producing numbers, but Matsui has the BA and OBP that Ortiz is failing to get. Matsui will probably end up garnering more votes due to the fact that he's still healthy.

Outfielders
Actual: Manny Ramirez (BOS), Josh Hamilton (TEX), Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
Should Be: Manny Ramirez, Josh Hamilton, and Carlos Quentin (CWS). These are the top 3 in HR and RBI, which makes me look shallow, but honestly, all of them have high BA, OBP, and SLG as well. Really, this choice isn't that tough. Milton Bradley is close but no cigar. He should at least be an alternate. Ichiro and Jacoby Ellsbury have good BA, OBP (for Ellsbury), and SB numbers, so they can be close decisions as well, but Ramirez, Hamilton, and Quentin are all similar in R to Ichiro and Ellsbury. That's why I give the edge to the three I did.

* Disclaimer: I have given the edge to a few Rangers, and before everyone yells about the Ameriquest Advantage, let everyone understand that Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park aren't exactly pitcher's parks either. Not to mention the large, obsessive fan bases.