American League starters
C Mike Napoli, TEX
The Rangers’ strong first half buoyed Napoli’s weaker all-star case. The first-time all-star’s production at the plate has fallen off from last season’s monster second half and playoffs (he hit .383 over the season’s final two and half months). He has 12 home runs and 30 RBI.
1B Prince Fielder, DET
While popular preseason World Series contender pick Detroit may be under-performing, its $214-million acquisition hasn’t been. Fielder has been a dangerous addition to the lineup alongside slugger Miguel Cabrera. His numbers may be slightly below his career rates, but the four-time all-star is still a near-.300 hitter with 15 home runs and 63 RBI.
2B Robinson Cano, NYY
Cano has continued to prove that he is the game’s best second baseman and, perhaps, among its best overall players. The four-time all-star is a career .308 hitter but his power stroke, which has evolved over the past four seasons, is on a near-record-breaking pace. He has 20 home runs in 85 games — the AL record for second basemen is 39.
3B Adrian Beltre, TEX
Already one of the game’s best fielders (a three-time Gold Glove winner), Beltre remains one of the better-hitting third basemen. While Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera may have slightly better numbers, three-time all-star Beltre is no slouch: .326 average, 15 home runs and 54 RBI.
SS Derek Jeter, NYY
Just pencil it in every season. For the past seven years, fans have voted the Yankees captain and 38-year-old the AL starting shortstop, and he is deserving. The 13-time all-star — yes, 13-time — is putting together a fine season at the plate and is part of the reason the Yankees have the best record in the AL.
OF Josh Hamilton, TEX
One day, pitchers will learn not to pitch to Hamilton. But in a murderous Rangers lineup, there’s little choice. The MVP candidate shattered a major league record with more than 11 million all-star votes — far more than the previous record of 7.4 million. The five-time all-star leads all batters in RBI (75) and slugging percentage (.635), and is tied for the lead home runs (27).
OF Curtis Granderson, NYY
Only one other person (Jose Bautista) has more home runs since the start of last season than Granderson, who has hit 64 in that span and is starting his second straight all-star game. While his batting average may be down, his sweet power stroke continues. He is one of three Yankees all-star starters.
OF Jose Bautista, TOR
This slugger’s power numbers border on unreal. Since the 2010 season, he has hit 124 home runs — nearly 30 more than the next-closest person (Albert Pujols). The three-time all-star is tied for the major league lead with 27 home runs, which is scary for two reasons: He hit home runs at a higher rate last season and hit only three this April.
DH David Ortiz, BOS
At 38, the gregarious slugger is swinging like he was 28 again. After dropping weight in the offseason, he is having his best season at the plate in five years. But could this be his last season in Boston? He wanted a two-year deal and wasn’t happy about heading toward arbitration instead.
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