Your All-Star Ballot

Selections are based on predicted lineups turned in by managers during Spring Training. Decisions are based on pure numbers through June 23.

OPS and OPS+ are metrics that show a player's overall offensive impact much better than simple counting stats like RBI (which is affected by opportunity) and figures like batting average (which neutralizes walks).

A decent OPS is above .700, and a good OPS+ is 100 or more.

American League
1st Base: Jason Giambi (OPS: .978; OPS+: 161)
2nd Base: Ian Kinsler (.864; 131)
Shortstop: David Eckstein (.725; 98 — Bad year for AL shortstops)
Third Base: Alex Rodriguez (1.025!; 173!)
Catcher: Joe Mauer (.854; 136 — Posada's close, but he hasn't played nearly as often)
OF1: Milton Bradley (1.079!; 189! — First-half MVP; Keep it together Milt)
OF2: Josh Hamilton (.934; 148)
OF3: J.D. Drew (1.017; 166 — Nice half years for a couple of former Dodgers)
DH: Hideki Matsui (.862; 133)
Write-In: Carlos Quentin (.925; 144)

National League
1st Base: Lance Berkman (1.121!; 192! — Nudges Al Pujols at most stacked position in all of baseball)
2nd Base: Dan Uggla (1.022; 167)
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez (.907; 140 — If he hadn't missed half the season, Rafael Furcal was an MVP candidate and the best shortstop in baseball with or without defense)
3rd Base: Chipper Jones (1.116; 196 —Flirting with .400; First-half MVP for all of baseball)
Catcher: Brian McCann (.952; 151 — Edges Russ Martin, the better defender)
OF1: Ryan Ludwick (.976; 154 — Wait... who?)
OF2: Pat Burrell (.982; 151)
OF3: Jason Bay (.917, 142 — Nudges teammate Nate McClouth on principle)

More on pitching later...