Tom Verducci's All-star Ballot
Here are the players who deserve to start the July 13 All-Star
Game in Houston, according to SI senior writer Tom Verducci.
Three of Verducci's eight selections in the American League and
five of his eight in the National League differ from the results
of the fans' vote, announced on Sunday. (Starting pitchers will
be named by managers Joe Torre and Jack McKeon.)
C
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Johnny Estrada, Braves With Mike Piazza spending time at first,
the leading hitter with runners in scoring position (.476) gets
the nod. Fans' pick: Piazza
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers Pudge had a .377 average at week's end and
could become the first catcher to win the AL batting title. Fans'
pick: Rodriguez
1B
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Jim Thome, Phillies At the deepest position in either league, his
power (27 homers) puts him at the top of the list. Fans' pick:
Albert Pujols, Cardinals
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Paul Konerko, White Sox Easily the most productive (.280, 20 HRs,
54 RBIs) in a weak class at the position. Fans' pick: Jason
Giambi, Yankees
2B
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Jeff Kent, Astros Steady in the field and at the plate, he's
headed for his sixth 100-RBI season in seven years. Fans' pick:
Kent
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Alfonso Soriano, Rangers Power numbers (14 HRs, 50 RBIs) provide
edge over Chicago's Juan Uribe and Cleveland's Ron Belliard.
Fans' pick: Soriano
SS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Jack Wilson, Pirates Having a breakout year: .339 average and the
league leader in hits (113) and triples (seven). Fans' pick:
Edgar Renteria, Cardinals
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Carlos Guillen, Tigers Narrow winner over Texas's Michael Young
led all shortstops in on-base plus slugging (.944). Fans' pick:
Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Scott Rolen, Cardinals Strong MVP candidate was hitting .344 with
18 home runs and leading the majors with 78 RBIs. Fans' pick:
Rolen
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Hank Blalock, Rangers The leader among AL infielders in total
bases (193) and home runs (22). Fans' pick: Alex Rodriguez,
Yankees
OF
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Barry Bonds, Giants On pace for record 239 walks and a
ridiculous, record-busting .619 on-base percentage. Fans' pick:
Bonds
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Manny Ramirez, Red Sox Among the top four in the league in
hitting (.340), home runs (22) and RBIs (65). Fans' pick:
Ramirez
OF
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Carlos Beltran, Astros Combined production with Houston and
Kansas City: .279, 19 home runs, 58 RBIs. Fans' pick: Ken Griffey
Jr., Reds
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Vladimir Guerrero, Angels Triple Crown threat had no trouble
adjusting to AL pitching: .347, 20 HRs, 71 RBIs. Fans' pick:
Guerrero
OF
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Lance Berkman, Astros His 59 RBIs give him a slight edge over the
Braves' J.D. Drew and the Phillies' Bobby Abreu. Fans' pick:
Sammy Sosa, Cubs
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners After a slow start the hitting machine is
back at full throttle, cranking out 111 hits, second in the AL.
Fans' pick: Ichiro
SP
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Roger Clemens, Astros The Rocket (10-2, 2.63 ERA) wins in a coin
flip over Giants righthander Jason Schmidt (10-2,
2.61).
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Mark Mulder, Athletics The most talented of Oakland's Big Three
starters, he was 11-2 with a 2.95 ERA and on his way to his best
year yet.
COLOR PHOTO: DAVID DUROCHIK/SPORTPICS (LEFT) Shortstop | Wilson
COLOR PHOTO: JERRY S. MENDOZA/AP Shortstop | Guillen