Lineups Announced for Next Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game

This past Saturday, the Starters and Reserves were announced for this year's Major League Baseball All Star Game, which will be taking place in Anaheim. First lets look at the American League Starters, which were selected by the fans. The AL Starters are as follows: C Joe Mauer-Minnesota, 1B Justin Morneau-Minnesota, 2B Robinson Cano-N.Y. Yankees, 3B Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay, SS Derek Jeter-N.Y. Yankees OF Ichiro Suzuki-Seattle, OF Josh Hamilton-Texas, OF Carl Crawford-Tampa Bay, and DH Vladimir Guerrero-Texas. Of the starters chosen for the AL, the only real surprise, if you want to call it that, is Robinson Cano of the Yankees, only because this is his first All-Star Game. And what makes that even more interesting is that in the past 7 years the American League has had 7 different men start at 2nd Base. Also another stat of interest, over the past 20 years, the AL has had only 2 men start at shortstop, Derek Jeter and Cal Ripkin. That goes to show just how flat out good those 2 guys have been over the years.

Now here is the rest of the lineup for the American League: C Victor Martinez-Boston (unable to play due to injury), C John Buck-Toronto (Replacement Player), 1B Miguel Cabrera-Detroit, 2B Dustin Pedroia-Boston (Injured), 2B Ian Kinsler-Texas (Replacement), SS Elvis Andrus-Texas, 3B Alex Rodriguez-N.Y. Yankees, 3B Adrian Beltre-Boston, INF Ty Wigginton-Baltimore, OF Torii Hunter-L.A. Angels, OF Vernon Wells-Toronto, OF Jose Bautista-Toronto, and finally DH David Ortiz-Boston. Seeing some of the names here, it is nice to see the change of pace, and the changing of the gard if you will. A few of the guys here are first timers.

Finally the Pitching staff for the AL is as follows: Clay Buchholz-Boston, Trevor Cahill-Oakland, Fausto Carmona-Cleveland, Neftali Feliz-Texas, Phil Hughes-N.Y. Yankees, Cliff Lee-Seattle, Jon Lester-Boston, David Price-Tampa Bay, Mariano Rivera N.Y. Yankees, CC Sabathia-N.Y. Yankees, Joakim Soria-Kansas City, Matt Thornton Chicago White Sox, and finally Jose Valverde-Detroit. Now of this pitching staff, the 2 guys with the most experience at the All-Star Game would be CC Sabathia (4-time All star) and Mariano Rivera (11-Time All Star) of the Yankees. The AL pitching staff boasts 8 guys who will be playing in the All-Star Game for the very first time, so depending on who gets used when, if at all in the game, could possibly help the National League.

Now moving on to the Nation League. First the Starters as selected by the fans: C Yadier Molina-St. Louis, 1B Albert Pujols-St. Louis, 2B Chase Utley-Philadelphia (injured and will be replaced by Martin Prado of Atlanta as the starting 2nd baseman), 3B David Wright-N.Y. Mets, SS Hanley Ramirez-Florida, OF Ryan Braun Milwaukee, OF Jason Heyward-Atlanta, and OF Andre Ethier-L.A. Dodgers. As of writing, the National League has yet to announce a Designated Hitter. The surprise of the starters for the National League would have to be Jason Heyward, as the rookie has put on a very strong showing through the first have of the season. It was also a bit of a shock to the system, with me being a life-long National League fan, seeing an Outfielder from the Atlanta Braves not be named Andrew Jones starting. Again something very strange to see.

Now for the reserves for the NL: C Brian McCann-Atlanta, 1B Ryan Howard-Philadelphia, 1B Adrian Gonzalez-San Diego, INF Omar Infante-Atlanta, SS Troy Tulowitzki-Colorado (injured), SS Jose Reyes-N.Y. Mets (replacement), 2B Brandon Phillips-Cincinnati, 3B Scott Rolen-Cincinnati, OF Michael Bourn-Houston, OF Marlon Byrd-Chicago Cubs, OF Corey Hart-Milwaukee, OF Matt Holliday-St. Louis, and finally OF Chris Young-Arizona. For the NL reserves the 3 biggest names left off the list in my opinion were Prince Fielder of the Brewers, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies, and Chipper Jones of the Braves. Now that does not eliminate the possibility of those 3 guys still showing up, Fielder could possibly be used as a DH since the game is being played in an American League park. I understand Jose Reyes is a replacement for Troy Tulowitzki, who is hurt, but I dont necessarly think Reyes should have been taken over say Hanley Ramerez of the Marlins, who I feel right now might actually be a better shrotstop then Reyes. BUt hey that's just the way I see things.

Finally here is the Pitching Staff for the NL: Jonathan Broxton-L.A. Dodgers, Chris Carpenter-St. Louis, Matt Capps-Washington, Yovani Gallardo-Milwaukee, Roy Halladay Philadelphia, Tim Hudson-Atlanta, Ubaldo Jimenez-Colorado, Josh Johnson-Florida, Tim Lincecum-San Francisco, Evan Meek-Pittsburgh, Arthur Rhodes-Cincinnati, Adam Wainwright-St. Louis, and finally Brian Wilson-San Francisco. This pitching staff I think may have the edge, not only based on experiance at the All-Star Game, but experiance in general of pitching in the big leagues. A few critics have questioned the fact that phenom Stephen Strausberg of the Nationals will not be participating. I happen to agree with the fact he isnt going to play in the game this year. The reason being is he has not spent enough time at the big league level to warrent it. No if he had been with the Nats from opening day of the season right through to now then yes he is an All-Star. But otherwise no.

The All Star Game will take place on Tuesday July 13, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Coverage will get underway around 8pm et and will be live on Fox. Be sure to check back here the day of the game for a complete recap of the first half of the 2010 MLB season.