Yankees and the All-Star Game
The American League voting results for the starters in next month's All-Star Game in Anaheim were released on Monday. Expect two -- maybe three -- Yankees to be in the starting lineup.
First base
Leader: Justin Morneau, Minnesota -- 973,563
Next: Mark Teixeira, Yankees -- 931,405
The skinny: Despite a less than spectacular start to the season, Teixeira is within striking distance of Morneau. And if Teixeira finally breaks out of his season-long slump, he could overtake Morneau.
Second base
Leader: Robinson Cano, Yankees -- 1,293,724
Next: Dustin Pedroia, Boston -- 725,081
The skinny: Cano (AL-leading .370 batting average, 12 homes runs, 45 RBI) deserves to be the starter and will be.
Shortstop
Leader: Derek Jeter, Yankees -- 1,554,781
Next: Elvis Andrus, Texas -- 695,957
The skinny: Jeter will join teammate Cano in the starting lineup.
Third base
Leader: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay -- 1,403,566
Next: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees -- 956,419
The skinny: A-Rod is having a decent season thus far (.288, 8 HR, 43 RBI). But Longoria has the better stats (.318, 11 HR, 46 RBI) and a big enough lead that he'll be starting.
Catcher
Leader: Joe Mauer, Minnesota -- 1,886,188
Next: Jorge Posada, Yankees -- 624,898
The skinny: Mauer has the starting catcher's spot in the All-Star Game locked up for years to come.
Designated hitter
Leader: Vladimir Guerrero, Texas -- 1,210,521
Next: Hideki Matsui, L.A. Angels -- 638,237
The skinny: Guerrero is very deserving of a starting spot in the All-Star Game -- .330, 13 HR, 49 RBI.
Outfield
Leaders: Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle -- 918,730; Nelson Cruz, Texas -- 809,902; Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay -- 806,202.
Next: Josh Hamilton, Texas -- 697,993
Yankees: Nick Swisher (fifth overall) -- 587,977; Curtis Granderson (seventh overall) -- 572,098; Brett Gardner (eighth overall) -- 556,456.
The skinny: Ichiro and Crawford have pretty solid numbers this season. Cruz has good numbers (.327, 10 HR, 34 RBI) but only 107 at-bats due to injuries and various stints on the disabled list. Alex Rios of the White Sox, Magglio Ordonez of the Tigers and Vernon Wells of the Blue Jays are also deserving of a starting spot.
