KG's 2008 MLB All-Star Ballot

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: MLB all-star balloting starts way too early! Mine was submitted tonight a good 25 seconds before the deadline as to ensure I could make the most educated decision. Below is my ideal 2008 all-star team.

American League

1B: Justin Morneau, Twins -- An ex-MVP who is doing it all this season. In the top three in AVG, RBI, HR, Runs, and OPS among first baseman, he is one half of the dynamic duo keeping the faith alive in Minnesota. Not to mention his first class defense; he has only committed two errors en route to a tie for the best fielding percentage.
2B: Ian Kinsler, Rangers -- Who? The question should be, "Who is the only player in the AL in the top ten in AVG, RBI's, Runs, Steals, and OPS?" That would be one Ian Kinsler. Throw in home runs and he is miles above second basemen in every catagory. Hiding in the shadow of Josh Hamilton, Kinsler is having a well-rounded, breakout year. Sure, his defense is bad (15 errors, worst fielding % among regular 2B), but I'll allow one defensively-challenged player on my ballot. This pick may be the easiest vote I cast this year -- a no-brainer in my book.
SS: Michael Young, Rangers -- This might be the second easiest pick on my ballot. The field of AL short stops isn't particularly strong. Young leads the pack in just about every offensive catagory, as well as fielding percentage.
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees -- I found myself searching far and wide for a more unique pick, trying my hardest to overlook him...but I couldn't. A-Rod -- even though he has missed almost 20 games -- is putting up the best numbers once again. Also, the best defensive tenents of the hot corner aren't having notable seasons offensively. Here are his ranks against the other AL third basemen: AVG (1st), HR (1st), RBI (5th), Runs (2nd), Steals (2nd), and OPS (1st). Can't hardly argue with that.
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers -- Replaces Rick Ankiel as the newest Hallmark story of the MLB. The guy leaves baseball for four years, battles drug problems, gets clean, and returns to lead the league in home runs and RBI's. Whether or not he can maintain this production through the entire season remains to be seen, but at the halfway point his name is certainly in the MVP arena.
OF: Carlos Quentin, White Sox -- He's the engine that makes the Sox offense go. Yet another candidate for "Most Surprising Player of the Year", Quentin's power game has led Chicago to the top of the division. First in home runs, third in RBI's, and fifth in OPS. Despite a batting average lower than I usually vote for in an outfielder (.284), I deemed him worthy of a write-in vote.
OF: Grady Sizemore, Indians -- Not having the best year average-wise, but his power numbers are up as he leads the majors in home runs, tied with the two men chosen above. In addition, he's on pace to set a career high in stolen bases. If you haven't seen him on Web Gems, you aren't watching enough -- his defense is spectacular.
C: Joe Mauer, Twins -- Like Young, Mauer is the most sensible pick due to his performance above the remainder of the field at his position. The other half of the Twins' powerful 1-2 punch; see Morneau.

National League

1B: Lance Berkman, Astros -- I (reluctantly) pushed my bias aside. Berkman is one of my most disliked players, mainly because of what he has done to my Cardinals the past few years. However, he barely edges out Prince Albert. I had planned on voting for Pujols because he doesn't sit amid a cushy lineup that includes the likes of Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, and Hunter Pence. Guys like Ankiel and Ludwick get big numbers because Pujols is pitched around, which is not the case with Berkman. (Look at what happened to Ludwick's numbers when Pujols went out with injury.) Regardless, I reward players for what they've accomplished this season and Lance has surpassed Albert in damn near every catagory.
2B: Chase Utley, Phillies -- Looks like the "U's" have it. Ultey or Uggla? Uggla or Utley? This was the toughest choice of the night. They're tied for the MLB lead of 23 HR. The only second baseman Uggla trails in RBI's and runs is Utley. Utley is batting nine points higher than Uggla. Sorry, Dan, gotta take a back seat. Too bad they couldn't leave one at 2B and stick the other at SS...
SS: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins -- ...which brings us to Han-Ram. (Yes, I just made that nickname up.) The field of short stops hasn't been very impressive in either league, but Ramirez stands above in most offensive areas. On the flip side, he leads the NL short stops in errors. I hate endorsing defensive liabilities, but I have little choice.
3B: Chipper Jones, Braves -- Chipper's best impersonation of Teddy Ballgame alone grants him a spot on this roster. Throw in 16 home runs, 46 RBI's, and 36 years of age and you've got a bonafide veteran all-star. Who wants to take the over on the season o/u of .400?
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers -- Forget Prince Fielder. Braun is the real MVP of that team from the land of sky blue waters. Like Quentin, his batting average could use improvement, but he's hit the second most home runs and RBI's of all NL outfielders. He has played 80 games and not committed a single error. His clutch hitting is an intangible that boosts him into The Classic.
OF: Carlos Lee, Astros -- They're like Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy McElroy -- if Berkman's the steak, Lee's the sizzle. Berkman gets on base and Lee brings him home. If only they could get more consistant, Houston might currently be in the dog fight for the NL Central.
OF: Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs -- This pick is not as statistically supported as the rest, but Fukudome has made a better adjustment to the U.S. bigs than I thought he would. He is hitting for average, scoring a lot of runs, and patrolling the outfield like a veteran (one error in 77 games). Besides, the Cubs need at least one starter to represent their success to date.
C: Yadier Molina, Cardinals -- This is where I make up for the defensive lacking of a couple of my previous votes. Yadi cracks the top ten in AVG, HR, RBI, and runs, but it's his arm, not his bat, that earn him a selection. Although he has committed more errors than usual so far this season, since 2005 he has picked off more base runners and caught a higher percentage of base stealers than any catcher in the game. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of a young St. Louis team, providing an exceptional knowledge of his pitching staff that has allowed them to exceed expectations. Besides, much like the Cubs, the Cardinals have played well enough to warrant a starter.