Midsummer Classic 2008: First Base

Contributor Written on June 13, 2008

For the National League, Major League Baseball's All-Star Game has been a wreck since 1997. Over those past 11 years, the American League has gone 10-0-1 in the game that now determines home-field advantage in the World Series.

Over the next several days, I will compare all of the leading vote-getters at each position for both leagues and determine which league has the edge at that position.

Today's position: First Base

National League: Lance Berkman, Houston Astros

Usually when a player is hitting .366 through June 12th, he would be having quite a bit of attention paid to him.

But for Berkman, his successes, which also include having the third-most RBI and second-most HR in the NL in homers and tied for the league-lead in doubles, have been overshadowed by Atlanta's Chipper Jones incredible achievements.

Luckily for Berkman, voters have not been blinded of his great play and have voted for him rather than making it a popularity contest.

American League: Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

In 2008, Youkilis has continued his career-long pursuit of mediocrity. He's batting .301 with 41 RBI, 10 HR and 42 runs through 64 games. He has struck out 45 times while walking 26 times, and his record errorless-streak at first base ended a few weeks ago.

Once again, Youkilis is benefiting from being a Red Sox player and is getting votes just because he plays his home games at Fenway. Justin Morneau and Youkilis have essentially the same statistics this year, yet Youkilis has received nearly 300,000 more votes.

Advantage: Berkman and the National League

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written on June 13, 2008 Preview/Prediction