The MLB Non-Stars: Overlooked Players Sparkling on the Diamond

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

American League Position Players

SS - Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: The man I call "Drubby" missed some time due to an injury, but at the time he went out, he was the best hitter the Indians had outside of Victor Martinez. Cabrera elevated himself from light-hitting defensive wiz, to a top of the order shortstop.

LF - Bobby Abreu, Angels: Among Major League outfielders, Bobby Abreu is sixth in runs batted in. I don't think anyone would have batted an eye if you said, "Bobby Abreu was snubbed from the All-Star team." His performance is worthy of it, at least.

1B - Paul Konerko, White Sox: While he still hit 22 home runs last year and 31 the year before that, Paul Konerko wasn't the same hitter. This year, he's two RBI away from matching his total from 2008 and his average is way up back into the .300 range.

RF - Jermaine Dye, White Sox: Back to back with White Sox with one of the more under appreciated outfielders in the game. He's got a good arm, he's always a reliable power hitter, and he's very coveted as far as contenders go. So I guess that last one makes him pretty appreciated. The unawareness of how good he is doesn't, though.

DH - Russell Branyan, Mariners: Russ Branyan's 22 home runs is third among all first baseman in the game right now. I won't lie, I laughed at Seattle when they signed him this offseason. But then again, I figured when the Indians had their hands on him for no more than a day a few years ago and then shipped him off, he was pretty much done.

C - Mike Napoli, Angels: The average for Angel’s catcher Mike Napoli has steadily gone up each year. He's got his walks at a better rate, he's got a good on-base percentage and he's still displaying that power that makes him lethal at times. Take note of him now.

3B - Brandon Inge, Tigers: There is a bit of a reason I didn't put him on my All-Star team. He being a perfect fit for the Non-Stars wasn't the main reason, but it's a good excuse. If Inge wasn't a Tiger, he'd be my favorite player.

CF - Adam Jones, Orioles: He made the real All-Star team, but I picked his teammate, Nick Markakis, in favor of Jones on my own All-Star roster. Jones does a little bit of everything and really is looking like a fantastic return on the Erik Bedard deal.

2B - Alberto Callaspo, Royals: Callaspo was traded to the Royals in 2007 for pitcher Billy Buckner. He's been hanging around the club as a bit of a minor leaguer and a fill-in, but this year with the injury to Alex Gordon, forcing Mark Teahen to third, Callaspo has shined. He's fifth among AL second baseman in hits.

Bench - C Kurt Suzuki, SS Elvis Andrus, OF Ben Zobrist: I've made it a point to have a catcher on the bench for this team, for some odd reason. But Suzuki deserves it as being one of the constants for a disappointing Oakland team.

Elvis Andrus has stepped up into the shortstop role as a dependable bat with a way above average glove. The Rangers were willing to sacrifice some offense to bring Andrus along, but he's been more than you could ask for in addition to being a defensive highlight reel.

Ben Zobrist is the exact copy of Brandon Inge. He too made the real team, but was sort of left off mine, because I believe he really is more of a Non-Star than an All-Star. Zobrist has been a bit of a godsend for the Rays this year with their injuries.

American League Pitchers

SP - Kevin Millwood, Rangers: The addition of Mike Maddux to the coaching staff has given Millwood a better conditioning routine for the Texas season. Millwood has taken that and run with it, to become one of the more successful pitchers the Rangers have had in awhile.

SP - Cliff Lee, Indians: Last year he was an All-World player, not just an All-Star. This year he doesn't have the wins because of horrible run-support, but he is pitching just as well minus a few blemishes that really spiked his ERA. He's the same old Cliff Lee, if you ask me.

SP - Mark Buehrle, White Sox: While I snubbed him off my All-Star roster, Buerhle is just the pitcher to represent my Non-Star team. He's one of those pitchers out there who could and probably would, play the field if he had the talent to.

SP - James Shields, Rays: Not as bad as Cliff Lee, but he is in the same boat as far as run support goes. He's been good this year; you just haven't heard about it because he doesn't have the wins and the Rays haven't been at the front of their division like they were in 2008.

SP - Brad Bergensen, Orioles: So I left Justin Verlander off my All-Star roster, but I fully believe he's an All-Star. We all know about him and his strikeouts though. So let's give love to the one starter in the Baltimore rotation that has held ground. Brad Bergensen is a big unknown, but since starting for the O's in late April, he's been steady.

Long Relief - Dallas Braden, Athletics: I gave my long relief job to Dallas Braden because of Brian Tallet's recent struggles. Braden ranks sixth in the AL in ERA among qualified players. No one noticed that? You now know.

Middle Relief - Michael Wuertz, Athletics and Matt Thornton, White Sox: You might be saying, what makes Michael Wuertz and Matt Thornton qualified over other middle and late relief pitchers?

Wuertz, for one, is first in innings among players who have at least ten holds in the AL. He's won five game and only blown one lead and has a stellar WHIP of 1.01. Thornton, meanwhile, is one of the best, if not the best lefty the AL has to offer right now. Left-handed hitters have just a .127 average against him in 55 at-bats.

Set-Up - J.P. Howell, Rays and Andrew Bailey, Athletics: I've got some depth in my two set-up men in Howell and Bailey. You want a couple of guys that are very similar? You got them in Howell and Bailey. The bonus part is that they come from both sides of the mound.

Howell is the left-hander, while Bailey is the right-hander with length, good control, and the ability to close and set-up from both sides.

Closer - Frank Francisco, Rangers: He's missed some time due to injury, but Francisco given the lead away just two times this year. My favorite part is Francisco's 0.94 WHIP and his low hit and walk totals.

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