2011 MLB All-Star Game: All-Star Game Roster Projection 1.0

The MLB All-Star Game is under a month away, as it is set to be held July 12th at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Now that it is so close, this is as good a time as any to start making predictions as to who will be representing their team in the Midsummer Classic this season.

In my predictions, I have chosen 38 players from each league, factoring in for the average four injury replacements for each side, which is why it is a 38-man team instead of the regular 34-man roster.

So here is version 1.0 of my All-Star roster predictions, with a position-by-position breakdown of who I think will be in this season's All-Star Game.

NL Catcher

Nick Laham/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 03: Brian McCann #16 of the Atlanta Braves at bat against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 3, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Starter

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves (.301 BA, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 21 R)

An All-Star in each of the past five seasons, McCann is the cream of the crop in the National League, and the best offensive catcher in baseball with Joe Mauer and Buster Posey on the shelf. He'll earn the first start of his impressive career this season.

Reserves

Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals (.306 BA, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 21 R)

The NL's starting catcher in each of the past two seasons, Molina is having a solid offensive season to go along with his usual stellar defense.

Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks (.282 BA, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 32 R)

After a breakout season in 2009, Montero was derailed by injuries last season, but he is back on track this year and the 27-year-old deserves recognition in his fifth big league season.

NL 1st Baseman

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 6: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds smiles before batting against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on June 6, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Starter

Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (.333 BA, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 47 R)

The reigning NL MVP and the winner of the NL's final vote spot last season, Votto should have no trouble making the team this season, and with Albert Pujols having a down year he should be in line for his first start.

Reserves

Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (.303 BA, 19 HR, 58 RBI, 39 R)

Fielder has emerged from an offseason of trade rumors and uncertainly to post one of the best first halves of his career, and the race between him and Votto for the starting spot should be a close one. 

Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins (.312 BA, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 35 R)

Admittedly this pick is partially because the Marlins need a representative, but that is not to take away from the season Sanchez is having and he is certainly worthy. After a good rookie season, he could be in line for a .300 BA, 25 HR, 100 RBI season in his second full season.

NL 2nd Baseman

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 1: Rickie Weeks #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Starter

Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers (.277 BA, 12 HR, 29 RBI, 47 R)

Weeks finally lived up to his vast potential last season with a 29 HR and 83 RBI season, and he will take advantage of a Chase Utley-free field to make his first career start.

Reserves

Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds (.284 BA, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 40 R)

Phillips has consistently been one of baseball's most productive second baseman since 2006, but he made his first All-Star appearance last season. Look for No. 2 to come in 2011.

Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates (.252 BA, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 35 R)

With third baseman Pedro Alvarez going down with an injury, Walker has stepped into the role of primary run producer for the Pirates. While the average is low, there is no ignoring the RBI total.

NL Shortstop

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 6: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first on ground ball hit by Jorge Cantu #3 of the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning of a baseball game Petco Park on June 6, 2011 in San Diego, California. Tulowitzki got

Starter

Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies (.270 BA, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 34 R)

There is little question that Tulowitzki is the most powerful shortstop in the National League, and perhaps all of baseball, and it is hard to believe that last season was his first All-Star appearance. He's a lock for No. 2 this year, and should get his first start.

Reserves

Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs (.304 BA, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 35 R)

The Cubs have been a major disappointment this season, but that is in no way the fault of their budding superstar Castro, as the 21-year-old picked up right where he left off last season. Look for this to be the first of many appearances in Castro's career.

Jose Reyes, New York Mets (.346 BA, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 49 R, 22 SB)

Reyes is playing for a contract, and he is playing well, leading the NL in hitting right now. Fred Wilpon said he is not worth Carl Crawford money, but if he keeps this up that's what it will take to keep him.

NL 3rd Baseman

Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Placido Polanco #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies at the plate against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 31, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Braves won 2-0. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Starter

Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies (.305 BA, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 30 R)

In what has been a disappointing Phillies offense this season, Polanco has excelled, leading all NL third baseman in RBI. The position as a whole is sorely lacking right now, with David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman both having down seasons.

Reserve

Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves (.261 BA, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 26 R)

Jones is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career, and he may get an All-Star nod out of respect in what may be his last season. Regardless, he has been the most productive third baseman after Polanco, and could make it anyway.

NL Starting Outfielders

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 8: Center fielder Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 8, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 2-0. The Phillies won 2-0. (Photo by

Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals (.318 BA, 17 HR, 48 RBI, 42 R)

Who would have guessed at the beginning of the season that Berkman would have better numbers than Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday? He has been a revelation for the Cardinals, as he clearly has more left in the tank than anyone thought.

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers (.308 BA, 14 HR, 48 RBI, 48 R, 15 SB)

Braun just goes about his business year in and year out and he is right on line for another .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI season. He is as sure a thing as anyone to be an All-Star in 2011.

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers (.332 BA, 20 HR, 56 RBI, 46 R, 15 SB)

Kemp has put up Triple Crown candidate numbers this season, and there is little question he deserves to start for the NL as arguably the most productive player in the league so far this season.

NL Reserve Outfielders

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MAY 24: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros scores on a single by Carlos Lee in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park on May 24, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds (.287 BA, 17 HR, 48 RBI, 46 R)

After taking a big step forward last season, raising his average 58 points over his 2009 mark, Bruce has been even better in 2011. He is currently seven home runs short of his career-high mark, and he is on pace to set career highs across the board. 

Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers (.320 BA, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R)

After a ridiculous start to last season, Ethier opened this season with an impressive 30-game hitting streak. He and Matt Kemp form what may be the best outfield tandem in all of baseball.

Hunter Pence, Houston Astros (.320 BA, 9 HR, 50 RBI, 33 R)

In as dismal of an offense as the Astros have, Pence's 50 RBI speak volumes about the type of season he is having, as he has officially joined the top tier of outfielders in the National League.

NL Starting Pitchers

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 10: Starting pitcher Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on June 10, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 7-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty

Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies (7-4, 2.90 ERA, 74 Ks)

While it was Ubaldo Jimenez that got all the attention last season, Chacin had a stellar rookie season with nine wins and a 3.28 ERA. He has been even better this season, and is out-pitching Jimenez. 

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies, (9-3, 2.39 ERA, 106 Ks)

Halladay is once again the best all-around pitcher in baseball and he could be in line for the second All-Star Game start of his career.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies (9-2, 2.49 ERA, 97 Ks)

Hamels has once again been fantastic, and he has out-shined his teammate and fellow southpaw Cliff Lee so far this season.

Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves (8-4, 2.48 ERA, 89 Ks)

After taking a slight step back last season, going 10-11, Hanson has emerged as one of baseball's top arms and at just 24 years old, he should only get better.

Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves (8-3, 2.13 ERA, 49 Ks)

Jurrjens currently leads the NL in ERA by a landslide, and he has become more of a pitcher this season, relying less on strikeouts.

Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks (7-3, 3.23 ERA, 75 Ks)

Kennedy has emerged as a legitimate ace, and he and Daniel Hudson form as promising a one-two punch as there is in all of baseball.

NL Starting Pitchers (cont.)

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 06: Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Washington Nationals during an MLB game at AT&T Park on June 6, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (6-3, 3.44 ERA, 102 Ks)

It is hard to believe Kershaw is still just 23 years old, as he already has 97 big league starts under his belt. He is an elite strikeout pitcher, and now the unquestioned ace of the Dodgers staff.

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants (5-5, 3.41 ERA, 94 Ks)

Lincecum has not quite been his dominant self so far this season, but the Giants need a representative, and it will no doubt be a starting pitcher. Who better than The Freak?

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals (7-3, 2.67 ERA, 53 Ks)

While the loss of Adam Wainwright was a blow to the Cardinals, Lohse has stepped up big time in his absence, and he and Jaime Garcia are keeping the Cardinals in the thick of things right now. 

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (7-2, 2.68 ERA, 83 Ks)

While the trade for Zack Greinke got all the attention, Marcum has been the far superior pitcher this season. If Greinke can return to form, the Brewers have the best trio in baseball with those two and Yovani Gallardo.

Jason Marquis, Washington Nationals (7-2, 3.67 ERA, 47 Ks)

A simple case of the Nationals needing a representative, Marquis has been infinitely better than last season, and has managed to win seven games for a poor Nationals team. 

Anibal Sanchez, Florida Marlins (6-1, 3.06 ERA, 87 Ks)

The Marlins pitching has been poor this season, aside from Sanchez and Josh Johnson, and it looks as though Sanchez is finally fulfilling his vast potential with a fantastic season to this point.

NL Relief Pitchers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 05: Brian Wilson #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park on June 5, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Mike Adams, San Diego Padres (1 Saves, 1.17 ERA, 34 Ks, 30.2 IP)

Keeping with the recent trend of setup relievers being named to the team, Adams finally gets his due. With an ERA of 1.34 over 134.1 innings since 2009, he is arguably the best in baseball at what he does.

Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds (13 Saves, 1.44 ERA, 25 Ks, 31.1 IP)

After being one of the shakier closers in all of baseball since joining the Reds, despite good save totals, Cordero has been lights-out this season and he's playing for a contract.

Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates (18 Saves, 1.42 ERA, 28 Ks, 31.2 IP)

Hanrahan has been a fantastic surprise for the Pirates this season, converting all 18 of his save opportunities, and allowing just five earned runs all season.

Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs (13 Saves, 2.90 ERA, 40 Ks, 31 IP)

His ERA is a bit inflated after a pair of blown saves against the Cardinals in a series earlier this month, but there is little question he has the best stuff of any closer in the NL when he is on his game.

Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves (3 Saves, 0.44 ERA, 43 Ks, 40.2 IP)

Simply put, Venters has been the most untouchable pitcher in the National League so far this season, giving up just two earned runs on 19 hits over 40.2 innings.

Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants (18 Saves, 2.70 ERA, 31 Ks, 30 IP)

This is more of a courtesy invite, as there are better closers this season than Wilson, but he was amazing last postseason, and his transition to household name will result in an All-Star selection in 2011.

NL Final Representation Tally (Starters in Bold)

David Banks/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 13: Prince Fielder # 28 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats against the Chicago Cubs on June 13, 2011 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Brewers 1-0. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks (two): C Miguel Montero, SP Ian Kennedy

Atlanta Braves (five): C Brian McCann, 3B Chipper Jones, SP Jair Jurrjens, SP Tommy Hanson, RP Johnny Venters

Chicago Cubs (two): SS Starlin Castro, CP Carlos Marmol

Cincinnati Reds (four): 1B Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips, RF Jay Bruce, CP Francisco Cordero

Colorado Rockies (two): SS Troy Tulowitzki, SP Jhoulys Chacin

Florida Marlins (two): 1B Gaby Sanchez, SP Anibal Sanchez

Houston Astros (one): RF Hunter Pence

Los Angeles Dodgers (three): CF Matt Kemp, RF Andre Ethier, SP Clayton Kershaw

Milwaukee Brewers (four): 1B Prince Fielder, 2B Rickie Weeks, LF Ryan Braun, SP Shaun Marcum

New York Mets (one): SS Jose Reyes

Philadelphia Phillies (three): 3B Placido Polanco, SP Roy Halladay, SP Cole Hamels

Pittsburgh Pirates (two): 2B Neil Walker, CP Joel Hanrahan

San Diego Padres (one): RP Mike Adams

San Francisco Giants (two): SP Time Lincecum, CP Brian Wilson

St. Louis Cardinals (three) C Yadier Molina, RF Lance Berkman, SP Kyle Lohse

Washington Nationals (one): SP Jason Marquis

AL Catcher

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - APRIL 26: Alex Avila #13 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the seventh inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park on April 26, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Mariners defeated the Tigers 7-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Im

Starter

Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers (.296 BA, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 24 R)

Avila is enjoying a breakout season after disappointing in his first regular action last season, and he leads all AL catchers in batting average and RBI.

Reserve

Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles (.276 BA, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 23 R)

The former No. 1 prospect in baseball entering the 2009 season, Wieters has been slow to develop after being rushed to the big leagues, but he has steadily improved and is having a good season. Also, the Orioles need a representative, and this is weak position in the AL.

AL 1st Baseman

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Adrian Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before playing the New York Yankees on May 14, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Starter

Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox (.347 BA, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 45 R)

Gonzalez has been everything the Red Sox hoped he would be and more in his first season in Boston, and he has more than justified the hefty price the team paid for him. Your current AL MVP front-runner.

Reserves

Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (.316 BA, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R)

Another year, another great overall stat line for Cabrera, who is one of the best hitters in baseball year in and year out. It looks as though his personal problems have played no role once he hit the field.

Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox (.322 BA, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 32 R)

After signing Adam Dunn, the White Sox considered letting Konerko walk in free agency. They made the right choice bringing him back, as Dunn is hitting under .200, while Konerko is leading the team across the board.

DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (.325 BA, 17 HR, 43 RBI, 42 R)

Remember when Ortiz was all washed up after back-to-back poor seasons in 2008 and 2009? Well now he is on his way to his second straight 30 HR, 100 RBI season and his best average since 2007.

AL 2nd Baseman

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 30: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees bats against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 30, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Starter

Robinson Cano, New York Yankees (.284 BA, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 37 R)

Cano has separated himself from the pack in recent seasons as far as AL second baseman are concerned, as he has become a dynamic hitter and a serious power threat.

Reserve

Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays (.266 BA, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 42 R)

Think of Zobrist as this season's Omar Infante, only with more offense. His versatility plays well in the All-Star Game's new-found dedication to compiling a more realistic team in an effort to win, and regardless he is among the top offensive second baseman in the AL.

AL Shortstop

Jason Miller/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 6: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Cleveland Indians hits a single during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field on June 6, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Twins beat the Indians 6-4. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty

Starter

Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians (.297 BA, 12 HR, 43 RBI, 41 R)

Just like the Indians have been the surprise team of the season, Cabrera has been one of the surprise players, as he has taken his offensive game to the next level and become a dangerous run producer in the middle of the Indians lineup.

Reserves

Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers (.300 BA, 9 HR, 34 RBI, 27 R)

Peralta was acquired from the Indians at last season's deadline, and he impressed enough that the Tigers re-signed him to a two-year, $11.25 million deal. That looks to have been a wise move, as he has continued to produce at a high level.

Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox (.293 BA, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 42 R)

The "Cuban Missile" has done nothing but hit since finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, and with a number of shortstops putting up poor numbers, he is in line to make his first All-Star appearance.

AL 3rd Baseman

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 4: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 4, 2011 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Starter

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (.288 BA, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 41 R)

While he is no longer the uber-star he once was, Rodriguez is still a steady producer in the biggest market in sports, and he has the best overall stat line of any AL third baseman so far this season.

Reserves

Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers (.265 BA, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 38 R)

Beltre is coming off a fantastic season with the Red Sox last year, and while his average is down this season, he has put up great run production numbers in the Rangers' potent lineup, while playing his usual stellar defense at the hot corner.

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox (.259 BA, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 41 R)

Right now, Youkilis' numbers are borderline good enough to be named to the team, but the combination of poor depth at the position and the Red Sox good record could be enough for him to make the team anyway.

AL Starting Outfielders

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Curtis Granderson #14 of the New York Yankees hits a single against the Cleveland Indians on June 12, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Indians 9-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Image

Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays (.338 BA, 21 HR, 42 RBI, 53 R)

Bautista has proven that last season was no fluke, as he is on pace for even better numbers this season. He's is more than just a slugger, as he knows how to draw a walk and holds a .493 on-base percentage this season.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox (.318 BA, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 49 R, 24 SB)

Ellsbury has proven just how much of a difference-maker he can be, as he is the AL's top leadoff hitter after missing most of last season with an injury. His 24 steals lead the league, but he has also posted solid run production numbers. 

Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees (.282 BA, 21 HR, 51 RBI, 56 R)

After a subpar first season in the Bronx, Granderson has been insane this season, as he is nine HR and 27 RBI shy of setting new career highs already, and his 21 home runs on the season give him a share of the major league lead.

AL Reserve Outfielders

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 20: Matt Joyce #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single to score two runs in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 20, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty

Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays (.327 BA, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 38 R)

After hitting 10 home runs in just 216 at-bats last season, Joyce has made the most of extended playing time in the absence of Carl Crawford, and he has shown why the Rays traded Edwin Jackson to get him prior to the 2009 season.

Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins (.310 BA, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 20 R)

The Twins have been arguably the worst team in all of baseball this season, but alas they must have a representative. Kubel has played well in his contract year, and the team may have to choose between him and Michael Cuddyer at season's end.

Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox (.269 BA, 17 HR, 47 RBI, 32 R)

Quentin has been hampered by injuries throughout his career, but he has managed to stay healthy so far this season, and he is producing at a high level because of it. He and Paul Konerko form a solid duo—if only Adam Dunn could join them.

AL Starting Pitchers

Nick Laham/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 09: Josh Beckett #19 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees on June 9, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox (5-2, 2.06 ERA, 73 Ks)

Beckett is back to his ace form, with his best numbers since his 20-win season in 2007. He currently leads the AL in ERA, and would be the front-runner to start the All-Star Game if it were tomorrow.

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics (5-5, 2.67 ERA, 72 Ks)

While the Athletics are a bad team and Gonzalez will be their only representative, it is not a necessity pick here, as Gonzalez would make it regardless. After a 15-win, 3.23 ERA season last year, he has been even better this season. If only the Athletics had some offense to back him and their other young starters.

Dan Haren, Los Angeles Angels (6-4, 2.54 ERA, 87 Ks)

Simply put, Haren is a stud, and the combination of him and Jered Weaver give the Angels a legitimate shot at contention this season and for years to come if they can keep them together.

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (7-5, 3.30 ERA, 103 Ks)

You know you have achieved superstar status when a 3.30 ERA marks a significant jump over the 2.38 mark he has posted over the past two seasons combined. Still, he is terrific, and All-Star worthy again this season.

Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox (9-2, 3.73 ERA, 87 Ks)

Much like Hernandez, Lester has not quite been his dominant self so far this season, but he's still managed to win an AL-best nine games and post a more than respectable ERA.

Justin Masterson, Indians (5-5, 3.16 ERA, 65 Ks)

The Indians have been surprisingly good, especially in the pitching department, despite the fact that ace Fausto Carmona has struggled. An argument can be made that it is Masterson who is the staff ace, and he has certainly pitched that way this season.

AL Starting Pitchers (cont.)

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 14: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers throws a first inning pitch while playing the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on June 14, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 4-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers (7-1, 2.71 ERA, 61 Ks)

After making his big league debut last season and posting a 1.30 ERA over 41.2 innings of relief, Ogando won a rotation spot out of spring training, and he has been the Rangers' best pitcher and one of the best in all of baseball.

Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners (6-4, 2.72 ERA, 80 Ks)

Pineda is the most dominant rookie starter to debut in years, and he as he has actually put up better numbers than King Felix, and that tandem could be the key to the Mariners getting back into contention.

C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees (7-4, 3.15 ERA, 75 Ks)

Another year, another great line for Sabathia who is a regular on the AL pitching leaderboards. Still only 30 years old, Sabathia has 164 wins and has won at least 11 in every season as a big leaguer.

James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays (5-4, 2.85 ERA, 93 Ks)

To put it bluntly, Shields was terrible last season, with an ERA of 5.18 and a league-high 246 hits allowed. That continued in the postseason when he was shelled in his only outing. This season is a different story entirely, however, as he has taken Matt Garza's spot in the rotation and then some.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (8-3, 2.66 ERA, 105 Ks)

Verlander almost threw his second no-hitter of the season the other day, and he would be in the running to start the All-Star Game with Beckett if it were tomorrow. You can make a solid argument that Verlander is the best pitcher in the American League at this point in his career.

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels (8-4, 2.06 ERA, 96 Ks)

The other member of the Angels two-headed monster this season, Weaver is coming off the AL strikeout title last season. This season, it is his ERA that has impressed, as he is tied with Beckett for the AL lead. Another starting candidate.

AL Relievers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 1, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals (0 Saves, 1.44 ERA, 33 Ks, 31.1 IP)

A starter in the minors, Crow broke camp this season as a member of the bullpen and made his major league debut on March 31st. Since then, he has done nothing but dominate in a setup role, and that is more than enough to make him the Royals' lone representative.

Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays (14 Saves, 1.48 ERA, 17 Ks, 24.1 IP)

Always one of the league's hardest throwers, Farnsworth seems to have finally learned how to pitch as opposed to just throwing. Pitching to more contact, he has thrived and help ease the Rays' loss of closer Rafael Soriano.

Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers (13 Saves, 1.21 ERA, 12 Ks, 22.1 IP)

Feliz is among the most dynamic young pitchers in baseball, and there were talks of moving him to rotation this spring. However, he is back in the closer's role where he won AL Rookie of the Year last season, and he has been dominant once again.

David Pauley, Seattle Mariners (0 Saves, 0.94 ERA, 24 Ks, 38.1 IP)

A journeyman reliever with 28 career appearances, 20 of which were starts, entering this season, Pauley has been the best middle reliever in the American League. He has given up just four runs, and walked only eight hitters in 38.1 innings.

Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians (16 Saves, 2.59 ERA, 16 Ks, 24.1 IP)

Perez came to the Indians from the Cardinals in the Mark DeRosa deal, and after saving 23 games and posting a 1.71 ERA last season, he has been solid once again in 2011.

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees (16 Saves, 1.85 ERA, 19 Ks, 24.1 IP)

The greatest closer the game has ever seen, Rivera has been human this season blowing three saves already, but he is still on top of his game and a near sure-thing in the ninth.

AL Final Representation Tally (Starters in Bold

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 11: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Toronto Blue Jays in a MLB game on June 11, 2011 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Baltimore Orioles (one): C Matt Wieters

Boston Red Sox (six): 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Kevin Youkilis, CF Jacoby Ellsbury, DH David Ortiz, SP Josh Beckett, SP Jon Lester

Chicago White Sox (three): 1B Paul Konerko, SS Alexei Ramirez, RF Carlos Quentin

Cleveland Indians (three): SS Asdrubal Cabrera, SP Justin Masterson, CP Chris Perez

Detroit Tigers (four): C Alex Avila, 1B Miguel Cabrera, SS Jhonny Peralta, SP Justin Verlander

Kansas City Royals (one): RP Aaron Crow

Los Angeles Angels (two): SP Jered Weaver, SP Dan Haren

Minnesota Twins (one): RF Jason Kubel

New York Yankees (five): 2B Robinson Cano, 3B Alex Rodriguez, CF Curtis Granderson, SP C.C. Sabathia, CP Mariano Rivera

Oakland Athletics (one): SP Gio Gonzalez

Seattle Mariners (three): SP Felix Hernandez, SP Michael Pineda, RP David Pauley

Tampa Bay Rays (four): 2B Ben Zobrist, RF Matt Joyce, SP James Shields, CP Kyle Farnsworth

Texas Rangers (three): 3B Adrian Beltre, SP Alexi Ogando, CP Neftali Feliz

Toronto Blue Jays (one): RF Jose Bautista