Unlikely All-Stars

I went to the Yankees game on Memorial Day, which was the first time this season I got an All-Star ballot. As usual, I rode the fence between the players with the best performances and my favorite players. Let's take a look at which chads I punched out on the Subway back to Manhattan.

National League

C: Brian McCann, Braves
1b: Todd Helton, Rockies
2b: Chase Utley, Phillies
SS: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
3b: Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
OF: Jason Heyward, Braves
OF: Colby Rasmus, Cardinals
OF: Matt Kemp, Dodgers

This side of the ballot is completely irrational and indifensible, when considering the neglect of Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun. I mean Todd Helton is having a terrible season. Hopefully, he'll rebound and have a good rest of the season. We're hoping for a .380 OBP and double-digit homeruns.

American League

C: Joe Mauer, Twins
1b: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2b: Robinson Cano, Yankees
SS: Elvis Andrus, Rangers
3b: Evan Longoria, Rays
OF: Carl Crawford, Rays
OF: Shin Soo-Choo, Indians
OF: Nelson Cruz, Rangers
DH: Vladdy Daddy, Rangers

Shin Soo-Choo reminds me of my Portland Beavers days of 2006, when he played with the Tacoma Rainiers. That year, he batted .320 with a .888 OPS, 13 HR's and and 26 stolen bases, in only 94 games. Teammate Adam Jones got most of the attention that summer, but Choo has proven to have established himself in the Major Leagues, while Jones struggles for consistency. The Indians front office deserves a lot of credit for getting him in a trade for Ben Broussard - another less than stellar moment for ex-Mariners GM, Bill Bavasi.