Sports Update
AL All-Stars
by Stephen Smith
American League
Catcher- Jason Varitek,
Red Sox. (.310, 13 HR, 33 RBI) The Red Sox captain
leads all catchers in home runs, average, and OPS.
Longtime backup to Pudge, it’s his finally his
time to shine as an all star starter.
First Base- Mark Teixeria,
Rangers. (.288, 20 HR, 60 RBI) The third year player
from Georgia Tech has backed up a solid 38 HR, 112
RBI season with a great first half this year. Finally
getting the recognition as many of the elite AL 1st
baseman have moved on.
Second Base- Brian
Roberts, Orioles. (.365, 14 HR, 44 RBI) Pleasant surprise
this season. Combined for nine home runs in his first
two full seasons. At 5’10” a speedy top
of the order hitter with great power. Underrated defensive
player as well.
Shortstop- Miguel Tejada, Orioles. (.319,
19 HR, 60 RBI) Best shortstop in the game today. Great
defensive player, even better at the plate. The former
MVP just puts up amazing numbers each year, this season
is no different.
Third Base- Alex Rodriguez,
Yankees. (.329, 20 HR, 66 RBI) Rebounded nicely after
meltdown last year in the ALCS. Along with Jeter and
Sheffield, the glue that holds one of the most potent
lineups in the history of baseball.
Left Field- Manny Ramirez,
Red Sox. (.276, 19 HR, 68 RBI) After getting off to
a slow start for his standards, the 2004 World Series
MVP has been on a tear over the last month. One of
the major reasons the Red Sox have moved into first
place in the AL East.
Center Field- Johnny
Damon, Red Sox. (.339, 3 HR, 44 RBI) Boston’s
leadoff hitter gets everything going for the “idiots.”
Clutch player who drives in a boatload of runs for
a leadoff man.
Right Field- Vladimir
Guerrero, Angels. (.348, 13 HR, 42 RBI) Has put up
amazing numbers, even with a stint on the DL earlier
this season. There is no way to get this guy out,
if he can get a bat on it, it can leave the yard.
Designated Hitter-
David Ortiz, Red Sox. (.304, 19 HR, 66 RBI) Great
pickup for the Sox a couple of seasons ago. Has evolved
into one of the premier left handed power threats
in the game. Tremendous power the other way, up against
and over the monster in left at Fenway.
Starting
Pitcher- Mark Buehrle, White Sox. (10-1,
2.42 ERA, 79 K) Beats out teammate John Garland for
all star starter. One of three great starters in Chicago
who have led the White Sox to the best record in baseball
thus far.
Closer- Dustin Hermanson,
White Sox. (0-2, 1.48 ERA, 18 saves, 5 holds) Reliever
who has done it all for the White Sox thus far. Has
closed games, been the set up man as well. Whatever
role he has been put in, he has succeeded.
List of Reserves
C- Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers (.299, 7 HR, 35 RBI)
1B- Shea Hillenbrand, Blue Jays (.303, 8 HR, 37 RBI)
2B- Alfonso Soriano, Rangers (.277, 19 HR, 49 RBI)
SS- Michael Young, Rangers (.328, 11 HR, 39 RBI)
SS- Derek Jeter, Yankees (.304, 10 HR, 35 RBI)
3B- Melvin Mora, Orioles (.300, 14 HR, 46 RBI)
OF- Garret Anderson, Angels (.306, 9 HR, 58 RBI)
OF- Brandon Inge, Tigers (.299, 7 HR, 35 RBI)
OF- Carl Crawford, Devil Rays (.275, 7 HR, 44 RBI)
OF- Gary Sheffield, Yankees (.300, 15 HR, 55 RBI)
OF- Emil Brown, Royals (.297, 8 HR, 35 RBI)
P- John Garland, White Sox (12-3, 3.25 ERA, 53 K)
P- Freddie Garcia, White Sox (7-3, 3.58 ERA, 69 K)
P- Roy Halladay, Blue Jays (11-2, 2.40 ERA, 98 K)
P- Bartolo Colon, Angels (10-4, 3.02 ERA, 82 K)
P- Matt Clement, Yankees (9-1, 3.33 ERA, 82 K)
P- Johan Santana, Twins (7-4, 3.78 ERA, 131 K)
P- Bob Wickman, Indians (0-2, 2.70 ERA, 21 saves)
P- Joe Nathan, Twins (1-3, 3.90 ERA, 20 saves)
P- Eddie Guardado, Mariners (1-1, 1.67 ERA, 19 saves)
P- Houston Street, A’s (2-1, 1.54 ERA, 4 saves,
38 K in 36 innings)
Note: Stats as of June 30, 2005.
Based on the criteria MLB uses, with each team having
at least one representative.
Please support our site by signing up for
a free profile. We would really appreciate it and
it doesn't cost you anything... Plus you can meet
the man or women of your dreams
