Sans Fans: The Real American League All-Stars

(Part 1 of a two-part series)

In a game where home field advantage for the World Series is determined, the players who have earned the right to represent their league should be starting the game. Let's take a look at who should start for the American League based on their performance to date.

1B - Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins - Morneau leads all American League first basemen with a .310 batting average, 102 hits, and 63 runs batted in. All statistics aside, he's leading his team on a surprising run in the AL Central, trailing the Chicago White Sox by only 2.5 games.

Honorable Mention - Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

2B - Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers - The first of several Texas Rangers on this list, Kinsler not only leads all American League second basemen in OPS, but he has the sixth highest in all of baseball. He also sports a .323 average and 50 runs batted in from the second base position.

Honorable Mention - Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

SS - Michael Young, Texas Rangers - The Texas Rangers have a double play combo that rivals any in baseball, and this year they both earn starting spots on the All-Star team. No American League shortstops have put up eye-popping numbers, but Young's are better than everyone else's.

He does already have 100 hits just over the halfway point through the season.

Honorable Mention - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

3B - Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees - Despite playing in only 65 games this year, A-Rod's numbers are far and away better than the other candidates. With an OPS over 1.000 and a .321 average, Rodriguez is the no-doubt choice here.

Honorable Mention - Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox

LF - Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox - Quentin has finally emerged on the Major League scene after being stuck behind players in Arizona, and it has paid off as he is having an excellent year for the Sox.

There have been very few players who have come up with more clutch hits than Quentin. He also ranks in the top three in the American League in home runs and runs batted in.

Honorable Mention - Johnny Damon, New York Yankees

CF - Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers - This is the most slam dunk of all the picks. Hamilton is not only one of the best stories in all of baseball, but also one of the best players.

Any time you have a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown around the All-Star break, you're doing something right. His numbers: .308 average, 19 home runs, and 82 runs batted in. Not too shabby.

Honorable Mention - Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

RF - J.D. Drew, Boston Red Sox - When David Ortiz went down for the Red Sox, some people wondered where the offense would come from. Drew answered that question right away, and has been tearing the cover off the ball since Big Papi went down.

Jermaine Dye has been having a great year, but a higher on-base percentage for Drew gives him the nod.

Honorable Mention - Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox

C - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins - The catcher position could have the fewest number of players that deserve All-Star consideration. Mauer just happens to be the best of those. Mauer doesn't hit for any type of power, but he uses all fields and currently has a .326 average.

Honorable Mention - A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox

DH - Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers - The Rangers get their fourth selection out of the nine starters. Bradley has been able to keep his head on his shoulders (for the most part), and has been raking from both sides of the plate to the tune of a .320 average. His 17 home runs and 51 runs batted in don't hurt his case either.

Honorable Mention - Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees

SP - Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians - Has anyone been more of a surprise in the American League than Cliff Lee? Coming into the season, many wondered whether Cliff Lee would be able to keep his spot in the rotation.

He immediately eliminated all doubt and now sits with an 11-1 record and minuscule 2.26 earned run average. Other pitchers are having great years, but Lee is just off the charts.

Honorable Mention - Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels

(Look for Part 2, where I will name the NL All-Star starters)