AL All-Stars
© Greg Spira
First Base - Rafael Palmeiro - Back in Texas, where he always wannted to be, Palmeiro is having another All-Star quality season, but this time there's no one overshadowing him. Honorable mention to Tampa's Fred McGriff, who has come back strong this year.
Second Base - Roberto Alomar - Alomar is responding to his change in circumstances with his best season in years.
Third Base - Tony Fernandez - Third isn't the AL's strongest position, and the veteran Fernandez has been tearing it up all year. Clearly, 3 of the players from the legendary Padres/Blue Jays deal of a decade ago are still going quite strong.
Shortstop - Derek Jeter has been the league MVP so far, though that Nomar guy deserves a mention here too.
Left Field - Out of a weak lot, B.J. Surhoff is a reasonable choice.
Centerfield - Griffey, Jr. What, were you expecting Randy Winn?
Right Field - The toughest choice; I'll go with Shawn Green ever so slightly over Manny Ramirez because of defensive value. Juan Gonzalez can stay home and sulk as far as I'm concerned.
Catcher - If the Royals had the courage to let Mike Sweeney develop his catching skills, he'd be the choice here, but the Royals haven't exactly embraced that possibility. Thus, I'm left with a close race between Ivan Rodriguez and Charles Johnson. Since they're both having the same season this year, my nod goes to Rodriguez since he's proven much more in previous years.
Designated Hitter - Jose Canseco may be grabbing a lot of attention with his home runs, but Edgar Martinez is still my choice for the best overall designated hitter.
Starting Pitcher - Pedro Martinez. No one else is close.
Relief Pitcher - Jeff Zimmerman 48 IP 17 H 9 BB 45 K 0.94 ERA
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