MLB All-Star Countdown: AL Shortstop

The best shortstop in the American League is currently 700,000 votes behind the All-Star leader. It makes sense when you look at the fan base of the leader’s team and all of the celebrity recognition he’s gotten for his successful career, but he’s definitely not the best choice.

5. Edgar Renteria, Detroit Tigers
Though the Tigers aren’t having a great season, Edgar Renteria is still top notch. He is a power hitter on this list. He has five home runs and 32 runs batted in. He also has scored 30 times on 65 hits. With a .982 fielding percentage, he also is having a decent season on defense.

4. Yuniesky Betancourt, Seattle Mariners
A native of Cuba, Yuniesky Betancourt is doing very well this year for the Mariners, and may be one of the most underrated players in the American League. Betancourt has only struck out 17 times this year, and he leads this list with 18 doubles. He has three home runs and 22 runs batted in.

3. Orlando Cabrera, Chicago White Sox
An 11-year veteran in his first year in Chicago, Orlando Cabrera is having a good season for the South Siders. Cabrera has 75 hits along with four home runs and 23 runs batted in. Cabrera leads this list with nine stolen bases and a .994 fielding percentage, committing only two errors.

2. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Yankee Nation has Jeter leading all American League shortstops in votes and is a shoo-in for the All-Star Game. Jeter has only four home runs this season, but he has 36 runs on 70 hits. Jeter, who will be celebrating his 34th birthday this year, and he also has four stolen bases and three triples.

1. Michael Young, Texas Rangers
Michael Young is hands down the best shortstop in the American League thus far this season. Young leads this list in many stats including runs (51), hits (82), home runs (6), runs batted in (33), walks drawn (26), and batting average (.290). Young should join a Ranger-dominated middle infield with Ian Kinsler.

 American League
C          A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox
1B        Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
2B        Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
3B        Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
SS        Michael Young, Texas Rangers
OF      
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National League
C         Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
1B       Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
2B       Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
3B       Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
SS       Next Up (Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 19)
OF      
OF      
OF      
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