I know a lot of you don't especially care, but here are my picks for the All-Star game 2002. Try not to criticize my AL choices, since I'm an NL watcher and don't see a lot of AL games. I just went by stats for the AL.
American League
1B) Carlos Peña - OAK: This kid seems like he's having a big year. I know Giambi is good, but this kid's got more RBI and stolen bases.
2B) Alfonso Soriano - NYY: Soriano's having a career year so far, despite the strikeouts. Hands down the best numbers.
3B) Shea Hillenbrand - BOS: The guy is hitting some insane BA and has a lot of RBIs.
SS) I submitted two ballots to MLB for this, since I think Nomar and Jeter are both excellent players, but overall numbers point to Nomar Garciaparra - BOS.
C) Sandy Alomar - CWS: I've been following those White Sox and Sandy's having a hell of a year.
OF1) Manny Ramirez - BOS: No contest here.
OF2) Torii Hunter - MIN: This kid's hitting big, and has some impressive numbers. Another exorbitant BA.
OF3) Kenny Lofton - CWS: Dear lord, even Rickey's gonna have trouble stealing more bases than this guy!
National League
1B) Eric Karros - LA: He's baaaaaack! Look out, folks.
2B) Jose Vidro - MON: Watching these Expos play this year, it's like they're a different team. Vidro is playing much better under Frank Robinson.
3B) Scott Rolen - PHI: He's got a hell of a swing, and he's fast, too.
SS) Rafael Furcal - ATL: The Braves may not be doing well, but Furcal's still the best NL shortstop.
C) Mike Piazza - NYM: Do we need an explanation?
OF1) Barry Bonds - SF: Again, no explanation needed.
OF2) J.D. Drew - STL: Hitting better than Sosa and far less prone to the strikeout. He's also not afraid to snag a base.
OF3) Vladimir Guerrero - MON: Best player in the NL. Hands down. This kid's got it all, homers, ribbies, stolen bases, batting average, and one hell of an arm.
I'm sure I'll get some flak about choosing Nomar over Jeter, but I'm not going by past performances here. I'm going by how said person is doing this year, which is what you're supposed to do. Nomar's got better numbers this year so far. If that changes, I can always send another ballot in.
Calliander - Keepin' it fresh for '02, YOU SUCKAS!