I, as a Yankee fan, made an arguement about Ortiz not being a bad fielder. Do I think he deserves to be on the All Star team? Sure, starting at first? Nope. I also think Varitek should definitely NOT be the starter for the AL team either or on the team at all this year, nor should Pudge have gotten the starting nod. This is not because I am a Yankees fan. This is due to Minnesota being snubbed at both positions this year. The numbers speak for themselves:
For the catchers:
Pudge: .301, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 38 Runs, 128 Total Bases
Varitek: .245, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 32 Runs, 93 Total Bases
Posada: .288, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 32 Runs, 110 Total Bases
JOE MAUER: .391, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 45 Runs, 148 Total Bases
I\'m happy to see that Mauer made the team over Varitek and Posada, but he should definitely be the starter. The kid is a stud and will be the best catcher in the league for many years to come, sorry Jason, Pudge, Jorge, your time is over.
For 1B (including Ortiz\'s numbers):
Ortiz: .273, 26 HR, 75 RBI, 58 Runs, 175 Total Bases
Konerko: .311, 20 HR, 63 RBI, 51 Runs, 168 Total Bases
Thome: .288, 27 HR, 68 RBI, 63 Runs, 166 Total Bases
JUSTIN MORNEAU: .298, 22 HR, 71 RBI, 45 Runs, 165 Total Bases
Thome and Ortiz are pretty much both DHs. Konerko\'s #\'s are normal for him. Morneau, who didn\'t even get a roster spot, deserves to be there. He\'s only 25, his numbers are right up there with those three who made it at 1B, and are better than the other high profile 1B in the AL (Giambi). Ortiz wins the fans vote, sure, but I\'d give the kid the start, seeing as if the game is tied or close in the later innings we all know Ortiz is the best clutch hitter in the game, and the All Star game is a game to be played to win these days.
Seeing as I am talking highly of the young guys in the twin cities, don\'t get me started on Liriano not making it. . .