Baseball Officially Begins...Monday

In my mind, the baseball season doesn't begin officially until June 1st. Sure, you go to the first couple of games and you have your first Dome Dog of the year and enjoy a game, but really it doesn't mean anything until we reach June 1st. Once June hits, most baseball fans break out their schedule and start circling games to go to. "We're 4 games away from the White Sox right now, and they come to the Dome at the end of July. I want to go."

Baseball fans also start following the standings more religiously. "How far are we back of Detroit? Who do they play next? When do we play them next?" Pretty soon before we know it, we'll be in the middle of a pennant race (Hopefully.)

So because of this, I refuse to vote for the AL and NL all-star teams until June 1st. On Monday, I will mark my first ballot for the All-Star Teams for the 2009 All-Star Game on July 14th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Basically because a player can tank after a first two weeks when they are on fire. At this point, most players don't have arcade like statistics. So, here is my 2009 All-Star Ballot which will be updated on June 15th, July 1st, and right before the All-Star rosters are announced (not sure when that is, but yeah...). So without further ado....

American League All-Stars

C - Joe Mauer (MIN): .407 avg, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 1.320 OPS

Fans Choice: Mauer

OK, did I say that most people don't have arcade like numbers? I couldn't even do this on MLB 2K9! Mauer's stats make it look like he's been here the entire year, but he's only been on the Twins roster for a month after missing April with soreness in his back. Mauer has added power to his game and like I've said before, it bears to mention Mauer as one of the best players in all of baseball right now.

1B - Justin Morneau (MIN): .342 avg, 14 HR, 44 RBI, 1.082 OPS

Fans Choice: Kevin Youkilis (BOS)

Morneau is currently FOURTH in All-Star voting right now and it's a shame. The only player ahead of him who could be considered is Miguel Cabrera, who has led the Tigers to first place in the central. Mark Texiera got off to a really slow start in New York and hit a couple of bombs last week and now suddenly he's 3rd in the AL? Then there's Youkilis. Youkilis has been hurt for the Red Sox. He's been having a great season, but Morneau has meant more to his team than any of the competition at first base.

2B - Ian Kinsler (TEX) .282 avg, 13 HR, 35 RBI, .923 OPS

Fans Choice: Kinsler

Kinsler is the best leadoff man in baseball right now. Not only is he a great table setter for the Rangers, but also can blast a ball out of the ballpark in necessary. I expect Dustin Pedroia to surpass him in fan voting, but for now the fans have made the right choice as Pedroia has not produced up to his 2008 MVP season.

SS - Jason Bartlett (TB) .373 avg, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 1.014 OPS

Fans Choice: Derek Jeter (NYY)

This is the one that really pisses me off right now. Derek Jeter is not good anymore. He's just a name. Yeah, his power numbers are up but he plays in NEW YANKEE STADIUM: THE BANDBOX OF THE CENTURY! They should almost put a launch pad at home plate. Anyways, Bartlett leads all AL shortstops in most offensive categories. He's having a breakout season and should be starting in the All-Star game. Bartlett recently landed on the 15 day DL with a sprained ankle, so it's doubtful he'll be able to overtake Jeter, and that's a shame.

3B - Evan Longoria (TB) .324 avg, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 1.018 OPS

Fans Choice: Longoria

I'm actually surprised the fans didn't choose Alex Rodriguez here. This is the right choice. Longoria has been on a tear and he's single handedly carrying Tampa with all the injuries the Rays have absorbed over the past week. We'll have to see how the loss of Akinori Iwamura and Bartlett effects him. However, Longoria, as the best young 3rd baseman in the league, should represent the AL in the All-Star Game

OF - Torii Hunter (LAA) .315-11-40-.989 (FC: Josh Hamilton)

OF - Jason Bay (BOS) .281-14-48-1.018 (FC: Jason Bay)

OF - Adam Jones (BAL) .357-11-36-1.047 (FC: Ichiro)

First, Hunter has been on fire the first two months of the season and is settling in for the Angels. He's cooled off a little bit since April, but he's still a legit All-Star selection.

Second, Jason Bay is a great pick as well. It seems like every other day he's blowing up for the Red Sox. He's a very important piece for the Sox, especially with David Ortiz slumping.

Third, Adam Jones is flying completely under the radar. He's been playing very well for the Orioles and he could be playing better than his teammate, Nick Markakis. This guy is a superstar waiting to happen. The only problem is that nobody has heard of him. Jones isn't even on the top 15 for AL outfielders.

Whew! So there you have it. The AL All-Stars. I will come back later with my NL All-Stars. It shouldn't be as long as the AL post, but it will be entertaining.