Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200806272159791789740-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tom Olmscheid", "AP", "204", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Joe Mauer: Unanimous pick with 9 votes
\"Far and away the best offensive catcher in the A.L. so far.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"He's first or second in pretty much every statistical category among AL catchers. He's probably the easiest All-Star pick in either league.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"He led the majors in 2006 with a .347 average and looks poised to make a strong bid for the AL batting title this season as he’s now hitting lefties as well as righties.\"
-- Bert Blyleven";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","FIRST BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "left", "Adrian Dennis", "AFP/Getty Images", "354", "278", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0055265956.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim McIsaac", "Getty Images", "254", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200806261609581987823-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Lenny Ignelzi", "AP", "272", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins, in 5-4 vote over Youkilis.
\"A close call over Youkilis.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"He’s second in the AL in RBIs and that’s a big reason why the Twins have surprised and while his power numbers are off a bit he’s been money in the clutch.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"Youkilis has superior AVG, OBP, SLG, but hard to overlook 63 RBI.\"
-- Gary Peterson
Dissenting voices:
\"Youkilis is a key player on one of baseball's best teams; also leading all first-basemen in hitting. Morneau is the back-up.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"When Youkilis isn't beating up the dugout, he's hitting the cover off the ball.\"
-- Michael Ventre";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","SECOND BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Julian Finney", "Getty Images", "273", "402", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0055249558.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim McIsaac", "Getty Images", "262", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/cd5634bc-600c-494a-b6d8-f2e1e273cf3a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Gail Burton", "AP", "225", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers, by 8-1 vote over Pedroia.
\"His numbers clearly are the best.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"Kinsler's third full season has been a breakout for the young (26) star, who is first or second in just about every offensive category, and is establishing himself as on of the best fielders at his position.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"Might even be worthy of first-half MVP consideration.\"
-- Tom Curran
Dissenting voice:
\"Pedroia is a tough out - and plays much better defense than Kinsler.\"
-- Tony Massarotti";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","THIRD BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "left", "Adrian Dennis", "AFP/Getty Images", "358", "255", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0055265929.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim McIsaac", "Getty Images", "265", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807062154788492037-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "264", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Rodriguez, by 9-0 vote
\"Mike Lowell a closer second than many would guess.\"
-- Tony Massarotti
\"Makes big news in agate type as well as tabloid headlines.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"There isn’t a better player in baseball and while this season won’t equal his monster year of 2007, A-Rod will still post some of the best offensive numbers in the game.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"Say what you will (and many of us have) about Rodriguez's perceived lack of clutch hitting, but the Yankees went from moribund to contender once he got back in the lineup after an early-season leg injury.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"His batting average separates him from the rest.\"
-- Tony DeMarco";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","SHORTSTOP","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0055265271.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim McIsaac", "Getty Images", "266", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807052150786250840-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Gail Burton", "AP", "270", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Michael Young, Texas Rangers, by 6-2 vote over Jeter. (One vote went to Jhonny Peralta of the Indians)
\"Gets 200 hits year after year and does damage against both righties and lefties but because he plays in a smaller market he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves from fans.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"Sorry, Jeets, Young has you beat in HRs, RBI and batting average.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"Young's hitting statistics are equal to or better than Jeter's, so what makes the differences is that Young is near the top of AL shortstops in range factor, while Jeter is near the bottom, meaning that Jeter's defense is increasingly like his dates: statuesque.\"
-- Bob Cook
Dissenting voices:
\"Jeter. The best among a weak field of candidates.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"Peralta. Remember the days of Jeter-Rodriguez-Garciaparra-Tejada?\"
-- Tony Massarotti";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","OUTFIELD","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Carl De Souza", "AFP/Getty Images", "273", "360", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' picks","Josh Hamilton","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/1962676d-f64f-4740-ba4d-e17258ae4906.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "210", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers), Manny Ramirez (Boston Red Sox), Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners).
";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our picks","Ichiro Suzuki","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807052224806830870-pf.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Ted S. Warren", "AP", "273", "329", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Josh Hamilton of Texas (9 votes), J.D. Drew of Boston (6 votes) and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle (4 votes).
\"Hamilton. If Rangers fans ever wonder why their team sent away ace pitcher Edninson Volquez to Cincinnati, they slap themselves and remember Hamilton's monster season, and that works in reverse for Reds fans, too.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"Drew. He really stepped it up with Big Papi down for Boston.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"Ichiro. His batting average is subpar for his standards but the total package of hitting, running and fielding locks up his spot.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"Drew. Honor him now, before he breaks down in second half.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"Ichiro. How big a star would he be in, say, New York?\"
-- Tony Massarotti
\"Hamilton. Hopefully his past personal problems are behind him for good and all anyone will be talking about is his natural ability, which has him on track to clout 35 home runs, knock in 150 runs and hit over .300 this season.\"
-- Bert Blyeven
Dissenting voices:
\"Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox. Quentin has picked up his game in the last few weeks. Plus, with an on-base percentage near .400, Quentin figured out quickly how to take a walk when his bat wasn't hot.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"David DeJesus, Royals. Under the radar because he plays for the Royals but he’s busting out this season and Kansas City could get 20 home runs, 90 RBIs and a .320 average from him.\"
-- Bert Blyeven
\"Jose Guillen, Royals. KC needs an elected rep some day, and this guy has 60 RBI for a lousy team.\"
-- Mike Celizic";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","DESIGNATED HITTER","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Adrian Dennis", "AFP/Getty Images", "273", "371", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' picks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807061802649291789-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "270", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Note: Ortiz is injured and will not play in the All-Star game.";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200806302210798114324-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Kathy Willens", "AP", "224", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Milton Bradley, Texas Rangers, by 6-2 vote over Hideki Matsui of Yankees. (Aubrey Huff of Baltimore received one vote).
\"Leads AL in hitting; within 3 homers, 18 RBI of career highs.\"
-- Gary Peterson
\"Hasn't gone berserk yet, except at the plate.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"But bring in the patio furniture and tape the windows.\"
-- Tony Massarotti
Dissenting voices:
\"Hideki Matsui, Yankees. This one's by default. With Big Papi out, Hideki is your best bet to get a guy in from third with less than two out.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"Aubrey Huff, Orioles. If he keeps to his performance level of the first half of the schedule, he may well finish with a season of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs -- that’s the Huff we haven’t seen since his banner years in Tampa Bay in 2003 and 2004.\"
-- Bert Blyleven";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","NATIONAL LEAGUE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Julian Finney", "Getty Images", "273", "358", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","CATCHER","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Ian Walton", "Getty Images", "273", "363", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807061729629461748-pf.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jeff Roberson", "AP", "273", "346", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070705/NL_allstar/mccann_brian.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Elsa", "Getty Images", "273", "273", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves, who received four votes to beat out Soto (2 votes), Bengie Molina (Giants, 2 votes), and Russell Martin (Dodgers, 1 vote).
\"Assuming all stay in the NL, the next 10 years could feature McCann (24), the Dodgers' Russell Martin (25) and the Cubs' Geovany Soto (25) neck-and-neck, as they are this year, for an All-Star berth.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"Slightly better power numbers, far fewer strikeouts than Soto.\"
-- Gary Peterson
\"Fourteen homers, 45 RBI and an average hovering near .300 help him edge Benji Molina and Geovany Soto.\"
-- Tom Curran
Dissenting voices:
\"Geovany Soto, Cubs. Russell Martin has been excellent, but Soto's been even better.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"Bengie Molina, Giants. Never been an All-Star in 10 seasons but all facets of his game are solid and he consistently comes through in the clutch.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","FIRST BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Clive Brunskill", "Getty Images", "273", "401", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/6f2683b3-c81a-4bee-b425-30184bfc0403.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Pat Sullivan", "AP", "276", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Lance Berkman, Houston Astros";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060927/060927_astros_pirates_hmed10p.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Gene J. Puskar", "AP", "273", "333", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Berkman, by 9-0 vote
\"Better than Pujols over this half.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"His numbers are in Barry Bonds territory.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"On pace to top 40 home runs, drive in over 130 runs and bat .350 and at 32 he’s like a fine red wine – only getting better with age.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"Could he finish what Big Brown could not?\"
-- Tony Massarotti";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","SECOND BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807061405507181497-pf.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Tom Mihalek", "AP", "273", "399", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0055110281.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images", "237", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Utley, by 8-1 vote.
\"All-round game gives him edge over Dan Uggla.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"What a right side of the infield those Phils have, eh?\"
-- Tony Massarotti
\"Having an outstanding season in every way.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"Certainly appears headed for a career year offensively and he works hard on becoming an improved defensive player.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"It’s Dan Uggla’s bad luck to have a career first half while Utley’s having a CAREER first half.\"
-- Tom Curran
Dissenting voice:
\"Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins. How to pick between Uggla and Philadelphia's Chase Utley? Their numbers are very similar. The deciding factor? Uggla had three more runs in June. I throw up my hands.\"
-- Bob Cook";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","THIRD BASE","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "left", "Clive Brunskill", "Getty Images", "358", "225", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807011733632345159-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Gregory Smith", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "205", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Chiappetta%2C%20Mike/MLB/MLB%20Best%20so%20far/Chipper.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Gregory Smith", "ASSOCIATED PRESS", "273", "349", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Chipper Jones, by 9-0 vote
\"Sniffing around .400? Still? This is getting interesting.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"16 homers while flirting with .400; Wright a great fallback if Chipper can’t go.\"
-- Gary Peterson
\"Anyone who hit .400 for a half-season gets automatic bid.\"
-- Tony Massarotti
\"Having a year that cements his Hall-of-Fame credentials.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"At 36 he’s played the first three months of the schedule telling Father Time not to mess with his run at hitting .400 this season. And the old man is listening.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"No-brainer -- .394/.484 OBP.\"
-- Tony DeMarco";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","SHORTSTOP","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "left", "Glyn Kirk", "AFP/Getty Images", "358", "267", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/2d61b227-a9aa-4038-b9db-31020fd2ab8f.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Lynne Sladky", "AP", "273", "395", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our pick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807042001720799619-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "David Zalubowski", "AP", "298", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Hanley Ramirez, with seven votes. Ryan Theriot (Cubs) and Christian Guzman (Nationals) received one vote each.
\"Tremendous player – 20 homers, 41 RBI and close to .300.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"An error machine, but who watches the All-Star game for defense?\"
-- Gary Peterson
\"A shortstop with 20 homers and 41 RBI at the break? He's in.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"The best in a tough field over Reyes, Rollins, Tejada.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"The new standard by which all shortstops will be measured.\"
-- Tony Massarotti
Dissenting voices:
\"Ryan Theriot, Chicago Cubs. The most productive SS in the NL, plus he's a Cubbie.\"
-- Mike Celizic
\"Cristian Guzman, Washington. With most of the bottomless pit of hot young NL shortstops having subpar years (at least for them), the All-Star door opens for Guzman, who after three seasons of injuries and ineffectiveness with the Nationals is finally showing himself the All-Star caliber player they pried away from Minnesota.\"
-- Bob Cook";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","OUTFIELD","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Carl De Souza", "AFP/Getty Images", "273", "375", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Fans' picks","Kosuke Fukudome","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/536b7812-1210-491a-a5d0-89a9a21ed124.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jeff Roberson", "AP", "273", "391", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers), Kosuke Fukudome (Chicago Cubs), and Alfonso Soriano (Chicago Cubs).";
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i++] = new Array("","Our picks","Ryan Braun","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200807061406507791498-pf.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Morry Gash", "AP", "261", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_ALLSTAR_starters_app[i-1].body = "
Braun (6 votes), Matt Holliday (Rockies, 6 votes) and Carlos Lee (Astros, 5 votes).
\"Ryan Braun. Has picked up where he left off last season when after getting called up to the Brewers in late May he hit 34 home runs in 113 games to become the NL Rookie of the Year.\"
-- Bert Blyleven
\"Matt Holliday. Power numbers are down a little but he’s still pushing .340.\"
-- Tom Curran
\"Carlos Lee. His 65 RBI can't be ignored.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"Ryan Braun. Leads NL outfielders in homers, 2nd in RBI; no errors, 6 assists in OF.\"
-- Gary Peterson
\"Carlos Lee. If not for Berkman, he might be talk of town.\"
-- Tony Massarotti
\"Matt Holliday. Hitting .350 since coming off the DL on June 10.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
Dissenting voices:
\"Pat Burrell, Phillies. In a tough field, his RBI and OBP make the difference.\"
-- Michael Ventre
\"Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs. Could be NL Rookie of the Year.\"
-- Tony DeMarco
\"Nate McLouth, Pirates. He has been the best player in what so far has been the best outfield (Xavier Nady in left, Jason Bay in right) in the NL this year; so good, the Pirates could break .500 for the first time since Miley Cyrus was born.\"
-- Bob Cook
\"Carlos Beltran, Mets. One of 3 OFs with 50\+ runs and RBI; 11 SBs in 12 tries.\"
-- Gary Peterson";
// END editorial data