2012 MLB All-Star Game: American League (Most Deserving) Roster

The roster I am proposing for this article is not a prediction of what I think the final American League All-Star squad will look like.  History has shown that fan voting and other hidden agendas tend to slightly skew the final roster from what it truly should resemble.

Instead, this will focus on who truly deserves to go to the 2012 MLB All-Star game as of right now. (Stats used are from May 14, 2012.)

Why right now?

We are almost halfway to the halfway point of the season, that's why.

All selection rules will apply (i.e., one player from every team, designated hitter rule, etc.).

First Base: Paul Konerko, Chicago White sox

Paul Konerko is having the best season from a group of stacked 1Bs.  It should earn him his sixth All-Star berth.

His stat line is .333 BA, .418 OBP, 16 R, 6 HR and 19 RBI.

Second Base: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red sox

The Laser Show has been his typical gritty and explosive self this season.  He should earn his fourth All-Star selection.

His stat line is .319 BA, 381 OBP, 25 R, 5 HR and 18 RBI.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

Mr. November made the All-Star team last year when he should not have.  This year he not only deserves to make the team for the thirteenth time but deserves to start.

His stat line is .372 BA, .418 OBP, 24 R, 5 HR and 15 RBI.

Third Base: Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Adrian Beltre's solid season should earn him his third All-Star selection.  Just do not rub his head to congratulate him.

His stat line is .310 BA, .339 OBP, 19 R, 6 HR and 22 RBI.

Catcher: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters is finally starting to show the talent that everyone expected from him on a consistent basis.  This would be his second All-Star selection.

His stat line is .274 BA, .356 OBP, 21 R, 8 HR and 20 RBI.

Left Field: Josh Willingham, Minnesota Twins

Josh Willingham's production has both literally and figuratively come out of left field this year.  His numbers should make him a first-time All-Star.

His stat line is .295 BA, .413 OBP, 17 R, 7 HR and 20 RBI.

Center Field: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

Unless you have been living in a cave, there is no need for an explanation here.

Right Field: Josh Reddick, Oakland Athletics

Apparently you need to be named Josh to be an All-Star outfielder in the American League.

His stat line is .290 BA, .338 OBP, 23 R, 8 HR and 19 RBI.

Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Boston Red sox

Big Papi is churning out another big season despite his age.  This would mark his eighth All-Star selection.

His stat line is .348 BA, .412 OBP, 24 R, 7 HR and 25 RBI.

Starting Pitcher: Jake Peavy, Chicago White sox

Jake Peavy is on pace to have his best season since his days with the San Diego Padres.  In fact, at his current pace, Peavy would surpass even his best season with the Padres.  This would be his third All-Star selection.

His stat line is 4-1 W-L, 1.89 ERA, .8 WHIP and 44 K.

Backup Infielders

1B Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox

2B Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians

SS Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians

3B Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals

3B Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Backup Outfielders

LF Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays

CF Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers

CF Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

RF Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

Backup Catcher and Designated Hitter

C Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

DH Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays

Remaining Starting Pitchers

Jason Hammel, Baltimore Orioles

Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Jason Vargas, Seattle Mariners

Relief Pitchers

Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals

Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Ryan Cook, Oakland Athletics

Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers

Summary

The Orioles and Rangers are tied with four selections apiece.  I am giving the edge to the Orioles because they have been down for so long.  This was expected from the two-time defending pennant winners, the Rangers.

The Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners all had three selections apiece.

The Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim all had two selections apiece.

The only team with a lone representative was the New York Yankees.  I guess $196 million does not buy what it used to these days.

Let me know if you feel there were any omissions, or if you think I nailed it.

For a look back at this point last season, here are my 2011 American League MLB All-Star picks: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/700475-2011-mlb-all-star-game-american-league-most-deserving-roster

Here are my National League selections for this year; http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1182435-2012-mlb-all-star-game-national-league-most-deserving-roster