USA – Voting for the 2009 Major League All-Star Game is winding down and fans are making their choices for the starters at each position. BaseballdeWorld’s Marvin Moore takes a look at who is the leading choice of the fans, and who he believes should be starting in baseball’s mid-season classic.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Catcher

Vote Leader: Joe Mauer, Twins
BaseballdeWorld: Mauer has returned from the disabled list in a big way and should be a landslide winner for the starting nod.

First base

Vote Leader: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
BaseballdeWorld: It’s a three-horse race with Teixeira, Bosox Kevin Youkilis and the Twinkies Justin Morneau. The Yankee slugger is the favorite but my choice is Morneau.

Second base

Vote Leader: Ian Kinsler, Rangers
BaseballdeWorld: Kinsler and Boston’s Dustin Pedroia are the favorites but Aaron Hill of Toronto is also deserving. I’m a native Texan and Rangers’ fan so my choice is surprise…Kinsler.

Shortstop

Vote Leader: Derek Jeter, Yankees
BaseballdeWorld: Tampa Bay’s Jason Bartlett is having a great year with his glove and bat and is my choice over the widely popular Jeter.

Third base

Vote Leader: Evan Longoria, Rays
BaseballdeWorld: George Brett and Mike Schmidt were once All-Star fixtures at the hot corner, and so should Longoria.

Outfielder

Vote Leaders: Jason Bay, Red Sox; Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners; Josh Hamilton, Rangers
BaseballdeWorld: Bay is deserving of a starting slot and while Hamilton has been hampered by injuries, it is always nice to see some guys from Arlington in the All-Star gala. I like Ichiro but Toronto’s Adam Lind is my choice for the final spot.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Catcher

Vote Leader: Yadier Molina, Cardinals
BaseballdeWorld: Molina has the defensive skills but Atlanta’s Brian McCann is the better all-around choice and my pick for the starting backstop.

First base

Vote Leader: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
BaseballdeWorld: Both Prince Fielder (Brewers) and Adrian Gonzalez (Padres) are All-Star-caliber players, but Pujols is simply the best hitter in the game. A no-brainer.

Second base

Vote Leader: Chase Utley, Phillies
BaseballdeWorld: Duh! Perhaps in a few years a minor league stud will appear to challenge for Utley’s annual All-Star game starting nod?

Shortstop

Vote Leader: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
BaseballdeWorld: Houston’s Miguel Tejada has found his stroke and passion for the game, again, but Ramirez is my choice by a wide margin.

Third base

Vote Leader: David Wright, Mets
BaseballdeWorld: Some would say the number of quality third baseman in the National League has dwindled. I agree.  Wright is the right choice.

Outfield

Vote Leaders: Raul Ibanez, Phillies; Ryan Braun, Brewers; Carlos Beltran, Mets
BaseballdeWorld: I agree with the fans’ choice, really.

Tags: Feature