2013 MLB All-Star Game Picks and Predictions: Who Should Start for the American League?: Believe it or not, the 2013 MLB All-Star Game is just a couple of weeks away, and while the actual starting lineup for the game will be set by the fans, those picks usually based on popularity rather than production. Heck, there have been years when players that have been hurt all year have been named starters simply because of they have been household names for years. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the players that should be starting in the 2013 MLB All-Star Game for the American League if the picks were based purely on performance this season.
Starting Pitcher: Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers
While he doesn’t lead the league in ERA or WHIP, Darvish’s 2.95 and 1.00 marks in those categories are still excellent. Meanwhile, he does lead the AL with .191 batting average against, and his 143 strikeouts are the most in all of baseball. Plain and simple, there isn’t another pitcher in the American League that has overpowered hitters on a more consistent basis.
Catcher: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
With just eight home runs and 26 RBIs, Mauer’s days as a power hitter are clearly behind him. However, he still has one of the steadiest bats in the game, and his .337 batting average is .64 points better than any other catcher in the AL. Mauer also leads all catchers in runs scored, hits, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS.
First Baseman: Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
Davis has always had plenty of pop in his bat, but he has exploded into one of the best hitters in baseball in 2013. With a .330 average, 28 homers and 73 RBIs, he currently ranks in the top three in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories. In fact, his 28 bombs are six more than any other player in baseball. Davis is making an MVP push and has been the best first baseman in the AL by a wide margin.
Second Baseman: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
The second base spot was definitely one of the tougher calls, and Robinson Cano and the surging Jason Kipnis wouldn’t be bad picks either. That being said, Pedroia gets the nod. He currently leads all AL second basemen in runs, hits and on-base percentage, and he ranks second with 45 RBIs and a .318 batting average. Throw in his 11 steals, and Pedroia’s all-around production earns him the spot.
Third Baseman: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Where shall we start? Cabrera leads the majors in hits, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage and OPS and ranks second in runs scored, home runs and slugging percentage. The defending AL MVP and Triple Crown winner is making another run at both awards again this season, and he would be an All-Star at any position.
Shortstop: J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles
Detroit’s Jhonny Peralta can make a strong argument, but Hardy’s power numbers give him the edge. His 15 homers are eight more than any other AL shortstop, and his 45 RBIs are 11 more. Granted, his .264 batting average isn’t great, but it’s still good enough to rank fifth among qualified leaders at his position.
Outfielder: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
The Angels may be a mess, but Trout is having another impressive season. He currently leads all American League outfielders in runs, hits, doubles, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. He is ranks third at the position with 51 RBIs, and with 13 homers and 19 steals, he continues to display an impressive combination of power and speed. This kid is incredible.
Outfielder: Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
Jones is producing quality numbers across the board, and he currently owns a .297 average to go along with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs. Overall, he ranks second among AL outfielders in runs, doubles and RBIs and ranks in the top five in OPS and slugging percentage. Jones’ nine steals in 10 attempts aren’t bad either.
Outfielder: Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
His .267 average and 75 strikeouts aren’t great, but Cruz has been doing exactly what a power hitter is supposed to for the Rangers this season. He currently leads all American League outfielders with 20 homers and 57 RBIs, and he ranks second in slugger percentage and OPS. Speaking of his batting average, Cruz’s jumps to .424 when he bats with two outs and runners in scoring position.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Despite missing the first two weeks of the season, Ortiz still ranks in the top 10 in the majors with 57 RBIs. He also ranks fourth in baseball with a 1.025 OPS. Overall, Ortiz is hitting .319 with 16 home runs and has actually walked as many times as he has struck out. The guy has been one of the best hitters in baseball and easily the best DH.
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