2012 MLB All-Star Game: Projected American League Starting Lineup: With the 2012 MLB All-Star game less than a month away, fans are feverishly voting for their favorite players and players from their favorite teams. Unfortunately, this system doesn’t always lead to the players having the best seasons earning a starting spot. Taking the fan vote out of the equation, here is a look at what the American League starting lineup might look like if the roster spots were determined only by statistics.
2012 MLB All-Star Game: Projected American League Starting Lineup
First Baseman: Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
The highly-touted prospect has finally realized his potential. Encarnacion is on a career pace, and his 21 home runs and 51 RBIs are the most by any American League first baseman. His .286 average is respectable, as well, and he ranks second at the position in OPS.
Second Baseman: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
He is by far the best offensive second baseman in the AL. Cano leads all players in home runs, on base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, and he is the only player at the position hitting over .300. Cano also ranks second in among AL second basemen in runs scored and doubles.
Shortstop: Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers
Andrus improved plate discipline has made him an All-Star level player. He leads all American League shortstops in runs scored, walks, steals and OPS. He also ranks third at the position in batting average and second in doubles and hits.
Third Baseman: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
The steady slugger is producing big numbers once again. Cabrera leads all AL third baseman in hits, doubles and RBIs. He is also second in home runs and third in runs scored and batting average. Plain and simple, Cabrera is drives in runs as well as anyone.
Outfielder: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
He has actually cooled off a bit, and he still leads the majors with 66 RBIs and ranks second with 23 home runs. Hamilton’s 1.031 OPS is the best among AL outfielders, and his .318 batting average ranks second at the position. He is a frontrunner for the MVP and a definite All-Star.
Outfielder: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
His batting average may be terrible, but the slugger is once again leading the majors in home runs. Bautista also ranks third in the AL in RBIs, and he leads all outfielders in runs scored. His outstanding power numbers overshadow his poor average.
Outfielder: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
The rookie has been nothing short of spectacular since being called up. He leads the American League with a .338 batting average and 21 steals, and he has been an ideal leadoff man for the Angels. By the way, he has played in just 51 games this year after beginning the year in the minors.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
For an injury-plagued Boston team, Ortiz has been carrying the load offensively. He ranks in the top 10 in the AL in home runs, RBIs and doubles, and he ranks second in OPS and runs scored. Ortiz is a professional hitter and still one of the best in the business.
Catcher: A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox
Known for his loud mouth, Pierzynski has let his bat do the talking in 2012. He leads all American League catchers in home runs, slugging percentage and RBIs, and he is second at the position in batting average and OPS.
Starting Pitcher: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
He hasn’t been putting up MVP numbers like he did last season, but Verlander does rank in the top four in the AL in ERA, WHIP and batting average against. More importantly, he is an absolute workhorse. He leads the AL in strikeouts and leads the majors in innings pitched and complete games.
Get extra FREE MLB Picks and Tips daily from expert handicappers and tipsters on NSAwins.com’s MLB Baseball Tips and Predictions page.
| NEED EXPERT PICKS and BETTING TIPS from Top Vegas MLB Handicappers and Tipsters? Check out NSAwins.com’s World Champion Handicapper Sonny LaFouchi(aka “The LEGEND”) as he releases expert MLB predictions to beat the vegas odds and make his clients thousands of dollars in CASH with WINNERS daily during the 2012 MLB Season. Packages start as little as $29.95 daily! Don’t miss out, as the LEGEND has been the #1 ranked overall MLB Handicapper in Las Vegas the past 5 years! |
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2012 MLB All Star Game Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN JustBET Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get an EXCLUSIVE “100% BONUS” upto $2500 FREE added to your JustBET Player Account Funds. |